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
Former Leader, Neighborhood Development Alliance

Brian Miller’s leadership contributed to NeDA’s continued evolution as a trusted, mission-driven organization advancing housing stability and financial empowerment. During his tenure, Brian played an important role in strengthening organizational capacity and supporting programs that expanded access to homeownership and financial education for families historically excluded from opportunity.

Brian was known for his commitment to collaboration—both internally with staff and externally with partners across the housing ecosystem. His work helped reinforce NeDA’s reputation as a reliable, values-driven organization focused on long-term impact rather than short-term solutions.

Through his service, Brian supported NeDA’s ability to adapt to changing community needs while staying grounded in its core mission of equity, education, and empowerment. His contributions remain part of the organization’s institutional memory and ongoing work to close the racial homeownership gap.

Brian’s leadership helped move NeDA forward at a critical moment in its journey, and his efforts continue to inform the organization’s path toward a more equitable housing system.