Christopher Persons
Chief Executive Officer
Community Roots Housing

Christopher Persons has led Community Roots Housing since 2007 and has more than three decades of senior nonprofit leadership experience. Prior to joining Community Roots Housing, he was the executive director of Inspiration Corporation, a homeless and housing services agency in Chicago. Under his leadership, it grew from a neighborhood agency to a city-wide, award-winning corporation. Chris guided the organization through two mergers, started a housing program, and opened a restaurant that doubled as a job training and employment center.

Chris has led Community Roots through significant transition and growth and has overseen the development of several notable and award-winning properties including 12th Avenue Arts, Liberty Bank Building, Station House, 13th and Fir, the White Center HUB, Pride Place and Africatown Plaza. In 2010, he oversaw the creation of the Community Roots Housing Foundation, and has directed the organization’s first two capital campaigns, which collectively raised more than $45 million. Chris has provided leadership on many external community boards and currently serves on the board of the Housing Partnership Network.