Seasoned Housing Advocate to Lead Statewide Efforts in Housing Affordability Issues
The Board of Directors of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) has unanimously elected Sandra Veszi Einhorn as Chair of its Board of Directors. With over two decades of leadership in the housing and nonprofit sectors, Veszi Einhorn has become one of Florida’s foremost advocates for promoting bi-partisan solutions to address housing affordability issues. Her wealth of experience and commitment to economic mobility through housing stability will continue to support legislative efforts and bring together stakeholders in a collaborative way. Veszi Einhorn has served on the board since being appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2019 and most recently served as the Corporation’s Vice Chair and Chair of its Audit committee.
Veszi Einhorn’s chairmanship comes at a critical moment in the state’s history. Florida continues to face an unprecedented shortage of affordable housing options, with the Florida Housing Coalition reporting a need for over 300,000 additional affordable rental units statewide to meet demand. The average rent in Florida has increased by 24% over the last two years, significantly outpacing wage growth. Additionally, Florida is ranked among the top states in the nation for housing instability, putting thousands of families at risk of displacement, homelessness and financial ruin. FHFC manages and implements programs as directed by the Florida Legislature, including the recently passed Live Local Act. Live Local is a comprehensive, statewide attainable housing strategy, designed to increase the availability of affordable housing opportunities for Florida’s residents. In addition to a multitude of new programs, incentives, and opportunities, this legislation works to focus Florida’s housing strategy in ways that make housing more attainable. FHFC implements programs that support the development of multifamily residential housing, homeownership, and creates innovative approaches for all housing markets.
As the Executive Director of the Coordinating Council of Broward since 2016, Veszi Einhorn has been at the forefront of housing advocacy in Broward County and across Florida. She was instrumental in the 2018 referendum that created the Broward County Affordable Housing Trust Fund, providing a critical revenue stream to support development and preservation. Under her leadership, the Coordinating Council also published Housing Broward: An Inclusive Plan, the county’s first comprehensive housing strategy. Additionally, she has led successful efforts to raise awareness and combat the stigmas surrounding housing affordability. She played a key role in developing marketing strategies that fostered broader community support for affordable housing initiatives, helping to reduce resistance to new projects and foster partnerships across sectors.
“I am honored to take on the role of Chair of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation at such a critical time,” said Veszi Einhorn. “Florida’s housing affordability crisis is one of economics and health, and it affects every resident, employee and business owner in our state. As Chair, I will continue to champion the message that housing be treated as a foundational element for economic stability and social well-being. We must continue to support our Governor and Legislature in developing policies and providing funding that address the housing shortage, support affordable development, assist first time homebuyers and ensure that Florida remains financially competitive for our workforce. I look forward to working with all of our stakeholders to continue to bring new tools to the solution box of housing affordability.”
Veszi Einhorn’s leadership in Broward County has already resulted in significant outcomes, including the co-authorship of the Housing Broward Master Plan, which charts a clear roadmap for addressing the county’s housing needs over the next decade. A certified nonprofit professional and licensed real estate broker, Veszi Einhorn is also Chair of the Broward County Homeless Continuum of Care Board’s PONG Committee, Co-Chair of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance’s Housing Affordability Pillar and Chair of the Broward Days Housing and Homelessness Impact team. Veszi Einhorn’s accomplishments have earned her significant recognition, including the 2021 Inspiring Woman of Health award, a place in the South Florida Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and Influential Business Women lists and most recently being inducted into the Broward County Public School Alumni Hall of Fame.
About the Florida Housing Finance Corporation
The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) was created by the state Legislature more than 40 years ago to assist in providing a range of affordable housing opportunities for residents that help make Florida communities great places in which to live, work and do business. Our vision is to be recognized as an outstanding provider of innovative, measurable, data-driven and fiscally sustainable solutions that respond to the affordable housing challenges of our state.
