Dec 11
This year, Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership (SWMHP) celebrates Kristie Blankenship’s remarkable 25 years of service with the organization. Joining in 1999, Kristie has held a variety of roles, each contributing to the organization’s growth and success. From expanding the multifamily portfolio to overseeing innovative housing projects, Kristie’s leadership has been integral to SWMHP’s mission of providing safe, affordable homes to communities across Southwest and South-Central Minnesota.
Kristie’s leadership philosophy centers on collaboration and community engagement, believing in understanding the unique needs of each community and fostering partnerships that drive long-term success. Reflecting on her 25 years, Kristie shared, “Time is a funny thing. It can be measured in a multitude of ways, in seconds, hours, days, weeks, years, decades. Time is constant, a minute is always 60 seconds, an hour is always 60 minutes, but time can feel different. Some days feel as though they fly by, and others seemingly drag on. When asked to reflect upon my 25 years of service at SWMHP, I can say that there are days when it feels like I have only been here a few years and others when it feels like an eternity. I am proud to be a part of SWMHP and continuing my work towards fulfilling our mission of partnering with communities to develop places for people to call home. I am endlessly impressed with all that we have accomplished and look forward to what the future will bring.”
Kristie’s contributions over the past 25 years have been pivotal in shaping SWMHP into the trusted, innovative partner it is today. As she continues to lead the organization in her role as COO, her vision and dedication to affordable housing remain a driving force behind SWMHP’s ongoing success and growth.