Fran Wagstaff has spent the past 30 years in San Mateo County and Northern California as a developer of quality rental housing and as an advocate for affordable housing. She is among the region’s most passionate and effective advocates for affordable housing. During her tenure as Chief Executive of Mid-Peninsula Housing Coalition (1983 – 2008), the organization grew from 25 to 300 full time employees and from $50 million to $1 billion in real estate assets serving tens-of-thousands of low-income families in nine counties. Fran’s dedication to housing is also underscored by her tremendous role in founding and financing the Shelter Network of San Mateo County, which now operates four homeless shelters in the county as well as her leadership in forming the Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County, a regional non-profit housing advocacy organization. Fran has been recognized for her work by the affordable housing industry and community leaders including the Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California (2008 Legacy Leadership Circle and 1994 Affordable Housing Leader) and the California Legislature (2008 Resolution and 1990 Woman of the Year). Among the many honors she has received are a KQED Local Hero Award, a Peninsula Interfaith Action Community Hero Award, and a California Housing Consortium Lifetime Achievement Award. Her work has earned her wide respect and recognition as a consensus builder who can guide diverse interests toward a common goal. Fran is an exceptional leader who has had a significant role in advancing the field of high-quality, affordable housing.
