Sarah Stevenson (she/her) joined Innovative Housing as its Executive Director in 2002. In addition to her work at IHI, Sarah is a member of Housing Oregon’s Portland Metro Policy Council and has served as Co-Chair of the Portland Housing Advisory Commission, Chair of ULI’s Northwest Product Council, and as a member of the Broadway Corridor Steering Committee, Prosper Portland’s Central City Budget Advisory Committee, PDC’s Financial Sustainability Committee, and the Advisory Board of Portland State University’s Center for Real Estate. 

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Prior to joining Innovative Housing, Sarah was an attorney with Lawyers Alliance for New York, where she represented nonprofit developers of low-income and special needs housing and specialized in nonprofit law and affordable housing development. Sarah's previous community development work experience includes positions with California Literacy Inc. in Los Angeles, CA and Jobs for Homeless People in Washington, DC.  She was born and raised in North Portland and lives in NE Portland. She has a BA from Stanford University and a JD from New York University School of Law.

Erik Liseth (he/him) joined IHI in March 2016 as an Asset Manager. Prior to that, he was an Asset Manager for a loan and REO servicing firm, where he managed processes from acquisition through disposition, involving thousands of REO properties located nationwide.  He brought over 10 years of real estate experience with an emphasis on asset management.  Erik became Director of Asset Management at IHI on January 1, 2023.

 

In addition to his asset management work, Erik also has experience as a Foster Care parent.  Erik has a BA in Business Administration from Saint Martin’s University. When he’s not working, Erik can be found at the golf course, mainly, but also enjoys the occasional hike and working out.

Joni Hartmann (she/her) is an accomplished professional with extensive expertise in affordable housing and real estate development, managing all phases of multifamily and community facility projects from initial feasibility through construction, lease-up, and permanent financing.

 

Joni has successfully collaborated with development teams, finance partners, and community organizations to secure a wide range of funding sources—including Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs), New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs), tax-exempt bonds, HOME funds, HUD project-based vouchers, and various state and local resources — ensuring the financial feasibility and long-term success of projects.

Shaped by her roots in Chicago, Jennell Haynes-Evans (she/her) brings a deep commitment to equity and human connection to her role at IHI. With over a decade of experience in case management and community-based services, she leads with compassion, collaboration, and a belief in housing as a basic human right.

 

Jennell holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology and has pursued graduate studies in Women’s and Gender Studies. Her time living in South America and England gave her firsthand insight into global housing challenges--perspectives that continue to inform her work today.

 

At IHI, Jennell focuses on supporting the Resident Services team in their day-to-day work. She understands the pressures they face and is committed to offering steady guidance, advocacy, and hands-on help wherever it’s needed.