Entryway Begins New Leadership Chapter as Founder Chris Finlay Passes Chairmanship to Melanie French
Chris Finlay, founder and longtime board chair of Entryway, has announced a significant leadership transition for the national nonprofit organization he established more than a decade ago. After serving as chairman since the organization’s founding, Finlay is handing leadership of the board to Melanie French, Chief Executive Officer of RR Living, while Doug Bibby, former President of the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), will assume the role of vice chair.
The transition marks an important milestone in Entryway’s evolution from a single pilot initiative into a nationally recognized workforce development organization dedicated to helping individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity secure employment and achieve long-term economic stability through opportunities within the multifamily housing industry.
Although Finlay is stepping aside from the board’s leadership position, he emphasized that he will continue supporting Entryway’s mission as an active advocate and ambassador for the organization, remaining closely connected to its work as it enters its next phase of growth.
Entryway was founded after Finlay identified an opportunity to address homelessness through meaningful employment within the apartment industry.
As founder and Chief Executive Officer of Middleburg, a multifamily real estate company, Finlay witnessed firsthand how apartment communities could provide not only housing but also employment opportunities capable of transforming lives. What began as a pilot program within Middleburg eventually evolved into a broader initiative designed to create career pathways for individuals overcoming homelessness and other significant barriers to employment.
The model focused on connecting participants with stable jobs in apartment maintenance, leasing, property operations, and other multifamily roles while providing the support necessary to help them succeed professionally and personally.
The success of the original program demonstrated that collaboration between nonprofit organizations and the apartment industry could create sustainable solutions benefiting both employers and individuals seeking a fresh start.
Over the past twelve years, Entryway has expanded far beyond its initial pilot, becoming a nationwide nonprofit supported by more than 100 apartment industry companies committed to workforce development and community impact.
Today, the organization partners with multifamily owners, operators, management companies, suppliers, and local nonprofit agencies to create employment opportunities that help participants regain financial independence while simultaneously addressing labor shortages within the housing industry.
Since its founding, Entryway has assisted more than 2,800 individuals as they worked toward stable employment, permanent housing, and long-term self-sufficiency.
The organization now operates across eleven markets throughout the United States, continuing to expand its reach while adapting its programs to meet the needs of both employers and participants in diverse communities.
According to Entryway, the impact extends well beyond employment placement alone.
Each participant hired through the program is estimated to generate nearly $100,000 in total economic impact for themselves and their communities through increased earnings, tax contributions, reduced dependence on public assistance, and greater long-term financial stability.
These outcomes reflect the organization’s belief that employment serves as one of the most effective pathways toward lasting independence and improved quality of life.
Finlay described the leadership transition as a natural and positive step in Entryway’s continued development.
He explained that organizations often reach a point where new leadership can build upon the foundation established during the early years while bringing fresh perspectives and additional expertise to support future growth.
According to Finlay, the timing is right for Entryway to begin its next chapter under leaders who possess extensive experience within the multifamily housing industry and share a deep commitment to the organization’s mission.
He expressed confidence that Melanie French and Doug Bibby are exceptionally qualified to guide Entryway’s future while preserving the values and purpose that have defined the organization since its creation.
Finlay also highlighted the strength of Entryway’s executive leadership team, including Executive Director David Williams, noting that the organization is well positioned to continue expanding its national impact.
Although he is stepping away from the chairmanship, Finlay emphasized that his dedication to Entryway’s mission remains unchanged.
He stated that he intends to continue championing the organization’s work and supporting its leadership as an engaged advocate.
Melanie French assumes the role of board chair with more than three decades of leadership experience in the multifamily housing industry.
Currently serving as Chief Executive Officer of RR Living, French has built an extensive career leading property operations, talent development, organizational strategy, and workforce initiatives for some of the industry’s most recognized companies.
Her previous executive leadership positions include roles at Cortland, AIMCO, and DLP Capital, where she developed broad expertise in operational excellence, employee engagement, organizational growth, and resident services.
Throughout her career, French has been recognized for her commitment to building strong organizational cultures while investing in leadership development and workforce advancement.
Her experience aligns closely with Entryway’s mission of creating meaningful career opportunities and supporting individuals as they build sustainable futures.
French has already played an important role within Entryway’s governance structure prior to assuming the chairmanship.
She previously served as chair of the Finance Committee for the organization’s national board, helping oversee financial planning and long-term organizational sustainability.
Her contributions have supported Entryway’s continued expansion while ensuring responsible stewardship of the organization’s resources.
In recognition of her professional achievements and industry leadership, French was also named a 2026 GlobeSt. Women of Influence honoree, reflecting her significant contributions to the real estate and multifamily sectors.
Joining French in the organization’s new leadership team is Doug Bibby, who will serve as vice chair.
Bibby brings decades of experience representing the multifamily housing industry, having previously served as President of the National Multifamily Housing Council.
Throughout his career, he has been widely recognized for advancing collaboration across the apartment industry and promoting initiatives that strengthen housing markets, workforce development, and industry innovation.
His extensive policy knowledge, leadership experience, and national relationships are expected to further support Entryway’s continued growth and strategic partnerships.
The transition officially takes effect immediately, allowing the new leadership team to begin guiding Entryway as it continues expanding its programs and national presence.
The organization remains focused on strengthening partnerships with apartment companies while creating additional employment opportunities for individuals working to overcome homelessness and housing instability.
As housing affordability and workforce challenges continue affecting communities across the country, Entryway believes its collaborative model can play an increasingly important role in helping both employers and job seekers achieve long-term success.
Reflecting on the transition, Finlay expressed deep gratitude for everyone who has contributed to Entryway’s journey over the past twelve years.
He noted that watching the organization grow from a small pilot initiative into a nationally recognized nonprofit has been one of the most meaningful experiences of his professional life.
While leadership responsibilities are changing, he emphasized that Entryway will always remain personally significant to him and that he looks forward to supporting its continued success from a different role.
With Melanie French as board chair, Doug Bibby as vice chair, and the existing national leadership team continuing daily operations, Entryway enters its next chapter with a strong foundation, experienced leadership, and a continued commitment to creating pathways toward employment, housing stability, and lasting economic independence for thousands more individuals in the years ahead.
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