Anita Smith-Dixon

www.chsainc.org

"CHSA is honored to serve on Ponce Bank’s CDFI advisory board and to support its mission of driving equitable investment into our communities. Our work to preserve, improve, and develop affordable housing aligns deeply with Ponce’s commitment to strengthening neighborhoods through innovative partnerships. Together, we’re creating pathways for long-term community resilience and opportunity.Let me know if you'd like to tweak the tone or focus more on any specific aspect!

CHSA stands out as Savannah’s only local CDFI with a singular focus on affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization. With deep roots in the community and decades of experience, we combine trusted relationships with innovative financing strategies to meet the unique needs of Savannah’s residents. Our commitment to equity, local partnerships, and sustainable development allows us to create lasting impact—one home, one block, one neighborhood at a time."

Anita Smith-Dixon

Executive Director of the Community Housing Services Agency

Anita Smith-Dixon is the Executive Director of the Community Housing Services Agency, Inc. (CHSA) since January 1, 2020, and is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the housing and lending industry. With a background as the Marketing and Sales Administrator for the City of Savannah Housing and Neighborhood Services Department for nine years, Anita played a pivotal role in the development and management of public - private lending partnerships. These partnerships effectively leveraged limited federal funding with significant private investment, resulting in increased access to affordable housing opportunities for the community.

Anita's expertise extends beyond lending partnerships. As a board member of Housing Savannah, Inc., she is the Fund Committee Chair seeking to raise new funding and revenue sources for the Savannah AffordableHousing Fund (SAHF). This involved implementing strategies to secure additional financial resources and ensure the sustainability of the fund.

In addition to her work in the public sector, Anita has also gained valuable experience in the private sector, having previously worked for Wells Fargo. Her time at Wells Fargo provided her with an in-depth understanding of construction and residential lending, including various downpayment programs. This knowledge allows Anita to provide guidance and support to clients throughout the construction process, ensuring informed financial decisions and successful outcomes.

Anita's strong leadership acumen is evident in her ability to supervise lending staff and effectively manage grant and loan programs' budgets. Her meticulous attention to detail and financial expertise ensure the smooth operation of these programs, maximizing their impact and success.

With her diverse background and extensive knowledge in housing and lending, Anita is a valuable asset to our team. Her dedication to promoting access to affordable housing and her commitment to excellence make her an exceptional leader in the field.