Sanford Criner Appointed Chair of New Hope Housing Board
Sanford Criner
HOUSTON – New Hope Housing, the state’s leading provider of permanent, affordable and supportive housing for people who have experienced homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless, has appointed a new chairman of its board of directors. Sanford Criner, vice chairman of Global Corporate Services at CBRE, has been named executive chairman after serving 13 years on New Hope’s board.
A native of Houston, Criner brings more than 40 years of experience in commercial real estate brokerage, development and consulting. His career includes directing diverse projects such as the development of DHL’s national headquarters in San Francisco and managing the disposition of 500 properties across 41 countries for Halliburton. He was the founding president of Scenic Houston and Scenic Texas and previously served as chair of the Hermann Park Conservancy.
“Sanford’s deep experience in commercial development and real estate brokerage is an ideal fit for New Hope Housing,” said Joy Horak-Brown, president and CEO. “With his executive background and long-standing, effective service on our board, Sanford is well positioned to lead New Hope strategically as we work to address housing affordability for families and individuals in our city.”
Criner succeeds outgoing board chairman Michael “Mack” Fowler, who led the board for 18 of the organization’s 25 years and helped guide significant growth. Today, New Hope operates nearly 1,200 apartment units across eight Houston properties and has 270 additional units under development at two complexes.
“At New Hope Housing, we hold to the enduring belief that thoughtful, well-designed architecture matters,” Criner said. “Good design can uplift people and improve lives regardless of income. It brings dignity and humanity to those who have often received very little of it. I am honored to lead such a dedicated and innovative organization.”
