The Traverse City Housing Commission has named Karl Fulmer as the organization's new executive director. Fulmer replaces former Executive Director Tony Lentych, who stepped down earlier this year to take a position with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority.

Fulmer brings "a wealth of experience and expertise in commercial and affordable housing development," according to a TCHC release. "With over twenty-five years of experience in the industry, Karl's specialized focus on providing affordable housing solutions for resort communities makes him a valuable addition to the TC Housing team."

Fulmer has a background in real estate development and finance, agency reorganization, and management efficiencies. "His passion for affordable housing development led him to play a pivotal role in the development and management of over 3,000 units of multi-family apartments and single-family ownership housing," according to the release. Fulmer has a bachelor of arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received a master's degree in regional planning with a focus in real estate finance and housing policy from the same university.

Fulmer previously served as president and chairman of the board of the Colorado Mountain Housing Coalition. Most recently, he led the revitalization of the largest public housing agency in South Dakota: the Housing and Redevelopment Commission and Affordable Housing Solutions for Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A native of Traverse City, Fulmer spent much of his childhood on Old Mission Peninsula. He and his wife, Rebecca Filice, have two sons. "Karl has cherished memories of his hometown and is thrilled to return to his roots," according to the release.

"We are thrilled that Mr. Fulmer has accepted the position of executive director to lead TC Housing into what is an exciting period of continued growth in affordable housing for our region,” said TCHC Board President Heather Lockwood in a statement.