Maritza Mariani
Associate Director (1994–December 31, 2025)

Maritza Mariani’s legacy at Neighborhood Development Alliance is deeply woven into the organization’s history and its enduring commitment to housing equity. She began her journey with NeDA in 1994 as a housing counselor and, in 2004, was appointed Associate Director—a role she held with dedication and vision for more than two decades.

Under Maritza’s leadership, NeDA became the first organization to offer home purchase counseling and education in Spanish, a groundbreaking step that removed language barriers and expanded access to homeownership for Latino families. She helped lead the expansion of NeDA’s services beyond counseling to include robust financial guidance and community-centered workshops, significantly deepening the organization’s impact. Maritza consistently emphasized that these programs created tangible, positive change in the Latino community—empowering families with knowledge, confidence, and pathways to long-term stability.

Beyond her professional contributions, Maritza embodies the spirit of community that defines NeDA. She proudly lives on the West Side of Saint Paul, maintaining a close connection to the families and neighborhoods she served. Outside of work, she finds joy in creative cooking, long walks, good books, and her cherished role as a grandmother.

Maritza’s decades of service reflect steadfast leadership, cultural responsiveness, and an unwavering belief in the power of equitable access to information and opportunity. Her work continues to shape NeDA’s mission and inspire the next generation of leaders committed to closing the racial homeownership gap.

Karen Reid
Executive Director (1998– June 30, 2024)

Karen Reid’s leadership defined an era of growth, credibility, and mission-driven impact at Neighborhood Development Alliance. She began her tenure as Executive Director in 1998 and led NeDA for nearly three decades, stewarding the organization through periods of transformation while remaining firmly anchored in its commitment to housing equity and community empowerment.

Under Karen’s guidance, NeDA expanded its role as a trusted provider of homeownership education, financial counseling, and asset-building services for families historically excluded from traditional systems. She strengthened NeDA’s organizational infrastructure, cultivated long-standing partnerships across the housing and financial sectors, and positioned the organization as a respected voice in efforts to close Minnesota’s racial homeownership gap. Her leadership emphasized integrity, accountability, and service—ensuring NeDA’s work was both community-centered and sustainable.

Karen’s tenure was marked by her steady presence and deep institutional knowledge. She championed culturally responsive programming and helped secure the resources necessary for NeDA to grow its impact while maintaining strong fiscal stewardship. Through her leadership, NeDA became not only a service provider, but a stabilizing institution within the communities it serves.

Karen leaves behind a durable foundation and a clear legacy: an organization equipped to adapt, lead, and continue advancing housing justice. Her decades of service have shaped NeDA’s identity and ensured that families across the region have greater access to the tools and opportunities needed to build generational wealth.

Brian Miller
Executive Director and Director of Real Estate Development (1990–1997)

Brian played a formative role in shaping Neighborhood Development Alliance during a pivotal period of its growth and maturation. Brian provided strategic leadership across community planning, real estate development, program design, financial management, staff development, board relations, and fundraising.

Under his leadership, NeDA strengthened its organizational capacity and expanded its ability to deliver mission-driven housing and financial empowerment initiatives. He guided complex real estate development efforts—from project planning and design through construction management, financing, marketing, and long-term asset stewardship—helping ensure that development strategies aligned with community needs and long-term neighborhood stability.

Brian worked closely with staff, board members, and cross-sector partners throughout the housing and community development ecosystem. His approach emphasized thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and sustainable solutions over short-term gains, reinforcing NeDA’s reputation as a trusted and values-driven organization.

Throughout his tenure, Brian helped position NeDA to adapt to changing economic and community conditions while remaining firmly grounded in its core mission of equity, education, and empowerment. His contributions continue to inform the organization’s work and remain part of NeDA’s institutional foundation as it advances efforts to close the racial homeownership gap and build generational wealth in the communities it serves.