Pathways to Housing PA hires Executive Director
Pathways to Housing PA was founded by President & CEO, Christine Simiriglia, in 2008. Chris has led the organization through many changes and challenges over the last 18 years, as well as the launch of a sister organization, Pathways Housing Wellness Corporation (PHWC).
PHWC broke ground on their first affordable housing project, the 17th Street Community Corridor, in the fall. Work has been quickly ramping up as the second phase of the project recently received full funding. Phase three of the 17th Street Community Corridor project is in the funding phase, and PHWC’s next project is in pre-development as well. Chris has been instrumental in getting PHWC to this point while simultaneously leading Pathways to Housing PA.
With the understanding that, at some point, Chris would need to transition to PHWC full-time to keep building on that momentum, she worked with the Board of Directors to build a detailed succession plan for the leadership of Pathways to Housing PA back in 2024. That plan was put into action in early 2025, and will continue to support the transition over the next year.
The biggest step of the succession plan thus far is the addition of an Executive Director. After a national search led by our Board of Directors, Pathways is pleased to announce that Angie Nelson has joined our team as Executive Director this month. Angie brings extensive experience in homelessness resolution and housing stability, having previously served as Deputy Executive Director for Denver’s Department of Housing Stability, and as Director of Operations for the University of Denver’s Butler Institute for Families at the Graduate School of Social Work.
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Angie is deeply passionate about creating housing opportunities and developing programs that help individuals and families build a foundation for lasting stability, health, and connection. She is excited to be joining Pathways during a season of transition and change, providing supportive leadership to the committed Pathways Team, and most importantly – delivering housing and supports to our unhoused neighbors in Philadelphia who need it most.
Angie will work together with Chris during her onboarding and beyond, and Chris will begin her transition to PHWC full-time later this year. The team at Pathways is incredibly grateful for Chris’ thoughtful and extensive succession planning, as well as her commitment to a long transition period to support Pathways in maintaining stability as Angie gets up to speed. Please join us in welcoming Angie to Pathways!
