Diane Kinnane to Head up Community Investment Strategies, Inc.'s New CIS-Disaster Recovery Division

Little Silver, N.J., Resident Brings Broad Expertise in Disaster Rebuilding as well as Neighborhood Revitalization to Role. End Quote

Edison, NJ (1888PressRelease) November 05, 2013 - Community Investment Strategies, Inc. (CIS), a leading fully integrated commercial real estate company specializing in multi-family and mixed-use properties, has named Diane Kinnane the executive vice president of its new CIS-Disaster Recovery (CIS-DR) division. As a natural extension of CIS' community redevelopment work, CIS-DR will assist municipalities in their rebuilding efforts in the wake of Hurricane Sandy's devastation.

"Understandably, municipalities are still struggling to put the fabric of their communities back together after the destruction of Sandy one year ago," said Christiana Foglio, founder and chief executive officer of CIS. "We are excited to work side-by-side with municipalities on the challenges they are currently facing and aid them in getting a real sense of community back and retaining their character as they rebuild. Diane is uniquely suited to lead our efforts in this area, and we will draw heavily on our expertise and skill set in redeveloping and stabilizing communities as well."

Kinnane, who resides in Little Silver, N.J., brings broad expertise in disaster recovery and rebuilding as well as neighborhood revitalization to her new role at CIS. Most recently, she served as the New Jersey Deputy State Director of the President Obama Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force. Created by an executive order of the President, the Task Force involved more than 20 federal agencies and was charged with delivering a blueprint for preparedness and rebuilding stronger and more resiliently to withstand future catastrophic events. Within a six-month timeframe, the Task Force delivered to the President a rebuilding strategy that outlined 69 specific recommendations as well as a clearly-defined implementation plan.

Previously, Kinnane held a multitude of leadership positions within the State of New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs for more than 34 years, including her role as Manager, Neighborhood Programs. Her responsibilities involved a range of community development and infrastructure efforts including block grants, tax credits and neighborhood stabilization. While at the Department of Community Affairs, Kinnane also created an Indoor Environmental Hazards Unit focusing on lead. A licensed planner in New Jersey, she earned her M.C.R.P. degree from Rutgers University.

"Initially, CIS-DR will embark on community assessments with municipalities, including identifying the current unmet housing needs and developing an implementation plan," added Foglio. "We will focus on the nine counties in our state directly affected by Hurricane Sandy."

Established in 1994 as a woman-owned business enterprise, CIS is a leading developer/owner/manager of a broad spectrum of affordable and market-rate multi-family properties, ranging from multiplex apartments and townhomes to garden-style and mid- and high-rise complexes. The company's portfolio, which extends from Cape May County to Northern New Jersey, is valued in excess of $350 million.

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