CT-Based Housing Advocacy Group Names New CEO

by Donald Eng

BRIDGEPORT, CT — The Housing Collective, a Bridgeport-based nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening Connecticut’s housing systems through regional collaboration, has named Jessica Kubicki as its next president and chief executive officer. Kubicki will begin this role on Oct. 1, 2026. She will succeed founding President and CEO David Rich following his retirement on Sept. 30, 2026 after 20 years leading the organization.

Kubicki has spent more than a decade working within Connecticut’s homelessness response system and has served in senior leadership roles at The Housing Collective since 2016. As chief initiative officer of the organization’s Opening Doors Initiative, she has led the development of a coordinated, regional system of care for people experiencing homelessness across Western Connecticut, overseeing program strategy, cross-sector partnerships, and service delivery while helping communities work together to improve housing outcomes. She has supported internal and external teams through times of significant growth and change and has been an essential voice in shaping the organization’s long-term strategy.

Throughout her tenure, Kubicki has played a central role in expanding collaboration and trust among providers, public agencies, and community partners, helping to strengthen the systems that connect people experiencing homelessness to housing and supportive services. She also serves as co-chair of the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness Statewide Steering Committee and co-board chair of Danbury Youth Services.

“Jessica has been instrumental in shaping The Housing Collective into the organization it is today,” said Alison Cunningham, chair of the Housing Collective’s Board of Directors. “Her deep expertise, trusted relationships across Connecticut’s housing sector, and ability to bring partners together make her exceptionally well suited to lead the organization into its next chapter.”

Rich said Kubicki had been an exemplary partner and driving force behind The Housing Collective’s Growth.

“She has strengthened our systems, forged meaningful partnerships, and consistently led with both compassion and clear strategic vision,” he said. “I can think of no one more qualified or more committed to lead The Housing Collective into its next chapter.”

Kubicki called her appointment an incredible honor.

“As housing affordability and homelessness continue to challenge communities across our state, I look forward to building on our strong foundation and advancing the collaborative solutions that make lasting change possible,” she said.

This leadership change is taking place as The Housing Collective marks its 20th anniversary in 2026 with the Build a Better Housing Future campaign. The campaign encourages residents to invest in the systems that make housing possible in Connecticut.