Related News
RootedHomes, a leading affordable homeownership organization in Central Oregon, today announced the appointment of Nathan "Than" Clevenger as its new Executive Director and Eliza Wilson as Deputy Director. These leadership changes come as Karl Dinkelspiel steps down from his role as Interim Executive Director and Deputy Director.
As the new Executive Director of RootedHomes, Than brings over two decades of extensive experience in real estate development and affordable housing across North America. With a proven track record of leading successful development firms and raising significant capital, Clevenger is a "field first" leader dedicated to private/non-profit collaborations to address the global housing crisis. He aims to leverage his expertise in land acquisition, finance, and community development to create impactful, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions throughout Central Oregon, believing the region can be a national leader in such collaborative models.
"I am humbled to be selected to help lead an organization that is at the forefront of leveraging their experience in construction and community development to create the American dream for hard-working families in Central Oregon," said Than Clevenger.
Eliza Wilson, RootedHomes’ new Deputy Director, is a dedicated affordable housing advocate and strategic systems builder whose lifelong connection to Central Oregon deeply informs her work. Drawing from her own lived experience with youth homelessness, Wilson has built a career focused on transforming housing and homelessness systems to be more equitable, responsive, and rooted in human dignity. She will play a key role in expanding access to permanently affordable homeownership and supporting long-term housing stability, while also serving as Chair of Central Oregon’s Continuum of Care and a board member of the Regional Housing Council.
“My work has always been about building systems that respond to the full spectrum of housing needs—from crisis to stability," said Eliza Wilson. "Joining RootedHomes is a natural extension of that mission, and I’m looking forward to deepening cross-sector partnerships to ensure everyone has access to a safe, affordable place to call home.”
Karl Dinkelspiel served as RootedHomes’ Interim Executive Director since March 2025, and previously as Deputy Director starting January 1, 2024. During his nearly two years with RootedHomes, Dinkelspiel was instrumental in significantly advancing the organization's development efforts. Under his leadership, RootedHomes began construction on three projects totaling 81 new units across Bend and Redmond, with the first owners moving in this summer. He also played a key role in securing land for three additional projects in Redmond and Prineville, which will add another approximately 80 units to RootedHomes’ portfolio. Dinkelspiel also helped establish key partnerships and was a founding member of the now thirty-member strong Partners for Affordable Housing coalition.
"It’s been a great honor to be a member of the amazing RootedHomes team," said Karl Dinkelspiel. "I’ve so enjoyed it, especially the chance to work with our truly talented and dedicated staff and partners."
RootedHomes looks forward to its continued growth and impact under the leadership of Than Clevenger and Eliza Wilson, building upon the strong foundation laid by Karl Dinkelspiel.
For media inquiries, contact Destiny Wilder at 541-241-6681 or destiny@rootedhomes.org.
