Star-C, an Atlanta-based non-profit with the mission to reduce transiency in local schools, has added a new member to its board of directors for a three-year term. The new board member is Stephen Davis, Senior Director of Government Affairs, Atlanta Apartment Association and Georgia Apartment Association. Davis has nearly 20 years of experience in government affairs and external relations.
Also, Ashish Bagle, Development Manager, TriBridge Residential, who has served on Star-C’s board for two years, takes on the position of board vice president. Bagle has 15 years’ experience in commercial real estate development and sustainability.
“Both Ashish and Stephen have the know-how and vision to help us continue building on a foundation of affordable housing for working families,” says Audrea Rease, Star-C Executive Director. “As we reach this incredible milestone of Star-C’s 10th anniversary, Ashish and Stephen are helping Atlanta families, educators and communities build sustainable social capital so that they may flourish in the future.”
With nearly 20 years of experience in government affairs and external relations, Davis leverages his expertise in advocacy, policy and legislation to advance the interests of the apartment industry. In his current role, he liaises between the industry and government officials, manages the Georgia Better Government Fund and coordinates state government affairs activities. Davis previously worked in homebuilding and energy efficiency, as well as in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. He holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from The University of Alabama.
In addition to Bagle and Davis, other members of the Star-C board are: Frances Davis (no relation), community volunteer; Darion Dunn, Atlantica Properties; Lianne Epstein, LME Art + Design; Duncan Gibbs, TriStar Real Estate Investment; Barbara Guillory, Level Blend Consulting; Ryan Mills, Cohn Reznick; Michael Murphy, Community Leader; Richelle Patton, Collaborative Housing Solutions; Audrea Rease, TriStar Real Estate Investment; Kaitlyn Ross, 11Alive News; Sue Sullivan, real estate agent; and Marjy Stagmeier, TriStar Real Estate Investment. Stagmeier also is the Founder of Star-C and Rease is Star-C’s Executive Director.
Partnering with affordable/workforce housing landlords, Star-C provides wraparound services addressing social determinants of health. At no cost to residents, Star-C offers free onsite afterschool programs and summer camps; eviction relief; food security; access to affordable healthcare; and more. Star-C Select, launched last year to expand Star-C’s reach beyond the core communities it serves, continues to expand, largely funded by a $1 million grant from a major healthcare company. Rease says this funding has been pivotal in scaling the program to include more properties and provide even more resources to the communities served. That funding also kicked off Star-C’s two-year capacity-building campaign.
Star-C – an Atlanta-based non-profit with the mission to reduce transiency in local schools – partners with responsible landlords to provide wraparound services for children and families in underserved apartment communities. Star-C is celebrating its 10th anniversary, which it is marking with a Sept. 25 event.