The state’s primary housing finance agency has named a successor to longtime leader Dean Christon.
Christon is retiring Dec. 31 after 34 years with New Hampshire Housing, many of which he spent as executive director, earning accolades statewide and nationally.
In his stead, the NH Housing Board of Directors named Rob Dapice as the agency’s new executive director/CEO, following a national search. His first day will be Jan. 1.
Dapice is currently managing director of New Hampshire Housing’s management and development division, which finances and supports affordable multifamily housing in the state. He joined New Hampshire Housing in 2014, became director of housing development in 2017 and was named managing director of the division in 2019. Dapice also led the creation of New Hampshire Housing’s Shelter Modification Program and the Emergency Assistance Loan Fund, which helped stabilize and support housing providers serving New Hampshire’s most vulnerable residents during the pandemic.
“Rob is committed to our mission of promoting affordable housing opportunities for all New Hampshire residents, and has proven abilities as a collaborator and leader,” NH Housing board chair Donald L. Shumway said in a statement. “He brings the same dedication and passion to fulfilling our housing mission as he did to serving our country. Rob has demonstrated his desire to make a difference to our state’s communities and to work on behalf of those who seek safe and affordable housing.”
Prior to joining New Hampshire Housing, Dapice served as a project manager for North Branch Construction. He was a captain in the U.S. Army and served in Iraq. He currently serves on various volunteer boards, including the New Hampshire Children’s Lobby, Waypoint Manchester Advisory Board, and his town’s Planning Board.
“Under Dean Christon’s leadership, New Hampshire Housing has earned a reputation for operational excellence, adaptability and compassion,” Dapice said in a statement. “I am honored to be selected by the Board to lead our outstanding team, and to continue working towards our shared vision of a New Hampshire with decent, affordable housing for all. The pressures of the pandemic and related factors have highlighted the critical role of housing to the state’s economic vitality and to the health of its citizens, further underscoring the importance of our work.”
A resident of Contoocook, Dapice earned a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College, and an MBA from the University of New Hampshire. He is a member of the Leadership New Hampshire Class of 2017 and a graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School.
“Rob has demonstrated a strong commitment to New Hampshire Housing and to the important work we do,” Christon said in a statement. “He will bring great energy, enthusiasm, and creativity to his new role as Executive Director.”
