Women's Development Corporation (WDC) is pleased to announce that Frank T. Shea will assume the position of Executive Director on a permanent basis effective July 1, 2021. Frank is well known and highly regarded in the affordable housing community in Rhode Island and nationally. His deep experience with non-profit organizations, federal, state and private sector affordable housing and community development programs enables him to effectively work with residents, stakeholders and funders in matching programs to community needs in a way that maximizes their potential positive impact for families and communities. He is also well versed in developing effective public policy approaches and strategies, addressing non-profit governance matters and providing direction and executive leadership to staff. Frank held major leadership positions in the affordable housing and community development field for more than 20 years, including serving as Executive Director of Olneyville Housing Corporation in Providence (now known as ONE Neighborhood Builders) and Urban Edge in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Subsequent to these positions, he was performing interim and consulting work for various comm unity development entities. Frank has been serving in an interim role at WDC since October, 2020. “I have certainly been long aware of WDC’s seasoned and impressive history,” said Frank Shea, “During these past eight months, I have come to know firsthand the wealth of skills, experience and commitment the s taff and board of the organization bring to our work every day. I am excited to be permanently joining this team.” “WDC’s Board of Directors feels fortunate to have Frank assuming such an important leadership position at this critical point in our history,“ said Michelle Ruberto Fonseca, Chair of WDC’s Board of Directors. “Many of us have worked with Frank throughout the years and have admired his accomplishments and passion for our mission. We appreciate the leadership, skill and professionalism he has provided our organization during this interim period. His transitional work, particularly during a global pandemic, has been transformative. We are also impressed with and grateful for how all of the members of our staff, with Frank’s guidance, have navigated the most challenging circumstances of our time. Frank is highly-esteemed in affordable housing and will commit himself to meeting the needs of our organization and the populations we serve with the highest degree of expertise.”

There have been important changes to the Child Tax Credit that will help many families receive advance payments starting this summer. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 expands the Child Tax Credit (CTC) for tax year 2021 only.