elizabeth kennan

Beth Kennan grew up in Albemarle County. After graduating from college, she moved to the Washington, DC metro area. There she began her career in real estate development, by accident. Through her work, Beth was introduced to a non-profit specializing in home improvements for some of Washington DC’s most vulnerable communities. She began to volunteer with this organization. This experience introduced Beth to the true diverse and vibrant fabric which shapes and defines Washington, DC.   This experience really educated Beth on the area and its’ residents.

Her professional experience in real estate development in the District included working in Anacostia (Southeast DC), NOMA (North of Mass Northeast DC) and the Navy Yard / Nationals Stadium area (Southeast DC).  These work and volunteer efforts reinforced a personal and professional commitment to revitalizing communities through development and thoughtful community engagement.

After thirteen years in the DC area, Beth moved back to Virginia. First to Richmond working in real estate planning and development. She spent time volunteering in Richmond’s East End through her church.  Beth, returned to Charlottesville to initially manage the redevelopment of Friendship Court, in her last year there she also managed the Friendship Court Community Center. This was a highlight of her career which proved to be a truly eye-opening experience. It gave her an opportunity to see what and how the community has historically viewed support to this vulnerable community.  Beth recently joined Enterprise Community Development as a Senior Real Estate Development Manager for Southern Virginia.

Beth’s skills which would support New Hill’s mission include fundraising, working with non-profits, real estate development and community engagement. Beth believes success is measured in many ways and is individual to each person and their journey through life.  Beth holds a bachelor’s degree from Hollins University, a master’s degree from Georgetown University and is a 2019 graduate of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leaders Program at the University of Virginia. She received additional certificates in Project Management from Virginia Tech and is a certified Housing Development Finance Professional  from the National Development Council.