Jerry Brady

My main responsibilities as a board member are… 

After a long history of advocacy and public service working with the Peace Corps, Accion International, the Idaho Conservation League, and Semilla Nueva, I turned my gears toward affordable housing. Who other than LEAP Housing makes our community's dream of affordable housing a reality? As Board President, I work to push forward LEAP’s strategic plans, finances, and compliance with applicable law.

When I’m not working I am…

Reading. I also enjoy walking in the Boise foothills.

I’m in nonprofit, and specifically inspired by LEAP because…

Creating or preserving 1,000 homeownership opportunities by 2026 is something I take rather personally. LEAP is doing the necessary work to make that number a reality. Today and tomorrow, their mission is clear.

____________________

Meggan Manlove

My position and main responsibilities as a board member are… 

I currently serve as pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Nampa, Idaho but have a passion for affordable housing. This passion has led our congregation to acquire 16 single-family homes in 2014 and start a new nonprofit, Trinity New Hope, a Section-42 neighborhood. I joined the LEAP board in 2021 to expand on our work of creating affordable housing in our community. In addition, I serve on the “Yes In God’s BackYard” task force, which is LEAP’s initiative to reach out to faith organizations and turn their underused land into affordable housing.

When I’m not working I am…

Walking, reading, and spending quality time with friends. Anything that gets my mind and feet to travel.

I’m in nonprofit, and specifically inspired by LEAP because…

We need a variety of tools, partners, and collaboration in order to solve the affordable housing crisis. This work is one of many ways I try to faithfully follow Jesus, specifically his mandate to love our neighbors.

____________________

Laura Rideout

MY MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AS A BOARD MEMBER ARE… 

 To use my creativity, and my insight as a LEAP homeowner; my prior life experience serving on a rural city council and boards to advocate, and help move forward affordable housing in our community, and other regions of Idaho.  

WHEN I’M NOT WORKING I AM…

Meandering, sauntering.   

Exploring nature and back roads, gathering inspiration for my stained glass artwork;  Or, curled up with a good book or movie, and hanging out with family.

I’M IN NONPROFIT, AND SPECIFICALLY INSPIRED BY LEAP BECAUSE…

 I am a recipient of affordable home ownership through LEAP.   A personal testament of how LEAP can affect people's lives in such an uplifting way.  

 I'm passionate about public service and am compelled to give back, to support LEAP's vision. It is fulfilling to help work for positive outcomes on the behalf of others in viable, unifying manner.

Jessica Boggs

MY MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AS A BOARD MEMBER ARE… 

I am LEAP Housing’s newest board member. Owning a home was always my dream, but the rising cost of homeownership felt out of reach for a single mom. Thanks to the LEAP Down Payment Assistance program, my homeownership dream became a reality in August 2023. I joined the board in October 2024 and I am excited to support LEAP and their mission to increase affordable housing across the state of Idaho.

WHEN I’M NOT WORKING I AM…

Spending time with my family in the Treasure Valley, curled up with a book and some iced coffee, or trying not to lose count of my stitches in an embroidery project.

I’M IN NONPROFIT, AND SPECIFICALLY INSPIRED BY LEAP BECAUSE…

Working in the title insurance industry, I saw firsthand how much the real estate market has changed over the past decade and how the need for affordable housing has grown. Experiencing this up close made me realize I wanted to do more than just observe the challenges— I wanted to be part of the solution. That’s why I'm excited to work with LEAP, where I can directly contribute to creating opportunities for individuals and families to access safe, stable, and affordable housing.

Bart Cochran

My position and main responsibilities at LEAP are… 

Founder and CEO. I am accountable for strategic and operational responsibilities for LEAP Housing staff, programs, expansion and execution of its mission. I have a deep knowledge of real estate along with an education in finance which has made it possible to co-create innovative affordable housing programs and projects that have gained national media attention. In addition to my role as CEO at LEAP, I am also a licensed realtor with Silvercreek Realty Group and co-founder of Property People, a full service real estate company and property manager.

When I’m not working I am…

Hiking, running, biking, swimming, traveling and working with my family on our tiny farm in Boise.

I’m in nonprofit work, and specifically inspired by LEAP, because…

I was heartbroken. By 2016, I had seen enough and couldn’t take it anymore. My career in real estate was more than a decade long by that point, and I had seen too many good people unable to access safe, stable and affordable housing. I invested time, money and knowledge to co-create what we know today as LEAP Housing. I am inspired by the many people who have joined LEAP with a shared vision that all Idahoans would have an opportunity to access affordable housing. I am even more inspired as I listen and learn from those we have worked with. I consider it an honor to work alongside so many in our community.

____________________

bart@leaphousing.org 

Brian Woodward

My position and main responsibilities at LEAP are…

Making order out of chaos. I have spent all of my career trying to make complicated things more simple. As Chief of Staff, I do this at LEAP primarily by creating better organizational design and addressing operational inefficiency through different systems, collaboration venues and communication. Sometimes that looks like helping with an audit, re-designing the org chart, improving our ability to track successes. Other times it looks like leading a special project like branding, press events and site inspections.

When I’m not working I am…

Taking long walks on the beach, coming up with dad jokes and otherwise uncelebrated humor. And then I hike, walk and cook. Give me a glass of wine, a good kitchen and some great music and you’ll see me in my happy zone.

I’m in nonprofit work, and specifically inspired by LEAP, because…

We’re building a bigger table. I stole that line from my co-worker, Tracy. It’s so good. More and more folks don’t have a seat at the table in the Treasure Valley, and I kinda think it's my responsibility to make it possible for more people to get to the “table.” What better way to do that than working on the state’s single biggest crisis - housing affordability.

____________________

brian@leaphousing.org 

Douglas Peterson

My main responsibilities at LEAP are… 

As LEAP’s senior housing development advisor, I offer my knowledge and experience in the affordable housing sector to consult LEAP on how to manage its housing development operations. With decades of experience working in the nonprofit sector, I have been a part of LEAP’s journey since its beginning back in ‘08.

My dedication to developing affordable housing has allowed me to serve as the executive director of The Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing, as a member of the Virginia Affordable Advisory Counsel at the Office of Housing Development, and as the Director of The Housing Company, an affiliate to the Idaho Housing and Finance Association in 2002.

When I’m not working I am…

Spending time with my grandkids, building, and traveling.

I’m in nonprofit, and specifically inspired by LEAP because…

If my experience has taught me anything, is that there are so many creative solutions that can be deployed to create affordable housing opportunities. And quite frankly, there are many “everyday” solutions that can be executed. I have always been a dreamer and it's my joy to serve the Gem State community as a contractor with LEAP and see them flourish and create a legacy that begins with the work we accomplish today.

____________________

Becca Mathias

My position and main responsibilities at LEAP are… 

My daily tasks at LEAP Housing are rarely the same, which keeps things exciting and new! Being the Asset Manager allows me to work with homeowners and renters, while working as the Operations Manager allows me to continue to hone my financial wrangling skills. After working in banks and libraries throughout college, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Boise State University and found my way to LEAP Housing in 2020.

When I’m not working I am…

Dancing - I have been a competitive Irish dancer / teacher for over 20 years and have always loved trying new styles, especially country two-step and swing. I also enjoy reading, playing guitar, skiing, and figure skating.

I’m in nonprofit work, and specifically inspired by LEAP, because…

I love being able to make a tangible difference in someone else's life. Being a native Idahoan, I enjoy seeing my neighbors achieve homeownership in our beautiful state.

____________________

becca@leaphousing.org

Johnny O'Donnell

My position and main responsibilities at LEAP are… 

Development Analyst: I maintain timelines and project tasks to ensure projects stay on track. I process permits, funding draws and other required development documentation.

I Graduated from Chico State with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a focus on Project Management. In my past work as a Project Manager I oversaw multiple campaigns ensuring their timely completion, sourced and negotiated vendor bids and forecasted project expenses.

When I’m not working I am…

Playing trivia, reading and exploring the area on my bicycle.

I’m in nonprofit work, and specifically inspired by LEAP, because…

The housing crisis is one of the biggest issues facing our community and at LEAP I can help drive solutions that can make a positive difference to people who need it the most.

___________________

johnny@leaphousing.org

Zeb Moers

My position and main responsibilities at LEAP are…

Raising support, awareness and funds from the community to further our mission of creating and preserving affordable housing in our beautiful state. I create space and opportunity for individuals to maximize their impact on the affordable housing ecosystem in ways that fulfil their calling to lend a helping hand.

When I’m not working I am…

Taking my dog, Tennessee, and pig, Wade, on long walks, and shooting hoops. I also have native proficiency in American Sign Language, so you’ll catch me signing with family and friends at home or around town.

I’m in nonprofit work, and specifically inspired by LEAP, because…

This opportunity provides the ability to contribute to community needs. LEAP is leading the charge for arguably the most important issue in Boise and throughout Idaho, affordable housing. No better way to have an impact than this!

____________________

zeb@leaphousing.org

Ben Rees

My position and main responsibilities at LEAP are… 

My scope is to narrow the funnel of potential projects by identifying the ones that will be most successful, and to usher those through to development.  The part of the filtering I am involved in is determining if the project is constructible, fundable and has community support. My desire is to increase the capacity of LEAP to serve the community and their stakeholders. On a granular level, this means optimizing processes, streamlining workflows, building information management and creating team efficiencies.

When I’m not working I am…

When I have the time I am out cycling, trying to hone my cooking skills, or satisfying my curiosity by researching something more deeply than I ought to.

I’m in nonprofit work, and specifically inspired by LEAP, because…? 

LEAP provides an avenue to leverage my unique skills, talent, compassion and industry knowledge in order to positively affect the lives of individuals and families by creating  hope, stability and a launchpad for their future.

____________________

ben@leaphousing.org

Gabrielle Buzan

My position and main responsibilities at LEAP are… 

HR & Community Manager. I oversee leasing, tenant relations, maintenance coordination, and daily operations. Creating a welcoming and supportive community for our residents is my priority and passion. With over 10 years of experience in senior living and property management, I've learned how to build trust and foster a positive environment for our seniors to thrive.

When I’m not working I am…

I enjoy volunteering for causes within my community that are near to my heart. I also serve on Jesse Tree's Neighborhood Council Advisory Committee, am a member of Boise Young Professionals, and am studying for my Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) exams. I also enjoy traveling and playing board games with friends.

I’m in nonprofit work, and specifically inspired by LEAP, because…

LEAP’s mission to create housing opportunities for individuals and families in need deeply resonates with me. I grew up in a low-income household and understand the challenges of finding stable, affordable housing. As a child, I often wished there were more resources and support for families like mine. Now, through LEAP, I have the opportunity to help provide those solutions. It’s inspiring to be part of an organization making a real difference in people’s lives and helping to build a stronger, more supportive community.

____________________

gabrielle@leaphousing.org 

Christine Hummer

My position and main responsibilities at LEAP are… 

As Director of Communities my work is focused on building relationships within the LEAP owned communities to understand their needs above and beyond safe, secure housing.  My role acts as an integrator of services and resources available to them to help them build and maintain healthy lives and I do my best to be warm, supportive and connective in that role.    

When I’m not working I am…

I love to spend time in nature and in my gardens.  My husband and I are officially bird launchers and have no more kiddos in the home nest so we’re enjoying new adventures outdoors with our two dogs.  I am a bird nerd. I love exploring, traveling, camping and anything near flowing water (including hot springs) and we always love visits from our grown up children.  

I’m in nonprofit work, and specifically inspired by LEAP, because…

I measure my gratification at work with how well I am improving the lives of others around me.  My love language is helping and solving problems. My superpower is building bridges and making connections. These gifts come pretty easy and naturally from my roles of being a mom, caregiver and lover of life. I love that the folks at LEAP all do drastically different things but we are all superheroes with our own individual talents and this team is so awesome at what we do.  Working for LEAP has been a career changing breath of fresh air. 

____________________

christine@leaphousing.org 

Maile Lombard

My position and main responsibilities at LEAP are… 

With more than a decade of highly relevant experience as an Executive Administrative Assistant, my well-rounded expertise allows me to provide an array of strong support in managing critical and time-sensitive responsibilities on behalf of LEAP CEO, Bart Cochran. Always striving for excellence in this fast-paced environment, some of my many duties include: overseeing multiple calendars and scheduling numerous meetings and appointments; solving problems or juggling unexpected tasks; and managing a variety of complex and detailed support services promoting the LEAP mission. I also happily assist in maintaining mutually beneficial partnerships with city, county and community leaders in an effort to help create affordable housing for Idahoans statewide.

When I’m not working I am…

Riding my bike along the beltway of the Boise River with my husband, Steve, or walking our Yellow Lab, Duke.  Spending time with my adult children, as well as my two grandchildren, fills my heart with joy.  In the summer, my husband and I enjoy making our annual trip to my hometown, Kailua, on the beautiful island of Oahu.  This yearly venture entails hanging out with my parents, other family and lifelong friends, and hours of lounging on our favorite beach, Lanikai. 

I’m in nonprofit work, and specifically inspired by LEAP, because…

After years of working in both the public and private sectors, I have found my true calling by joining one of, if not the finest non-profit organization in Idaho.  The joy of helping others and making a positive difference is nothing short of a daily experience as part of the LEAP team.  As Bernie Marcus, co-founder of Home Depot once said, “Do the most good with the best people to have the biggest impact.”  That’s LEAP Housing!

____________________

maile@leaphousing.org