GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Community Development Corporation South Berkshire (CDCSB), a 501(c)3 non-profit located in Great Barrington, announced the appointment of Philip Orenstein as Interim Executive Director.

 

Philip will lead the CDCSB's dual mission to create housing and economic opportunity for low- and moderate-income households in the southern Berkshires. Mr Orenstein has stepped down from his role as CDCSB Board member and Treasurer to take on this role. 

 

Philip is qualified to assume the role of Interim Executive director. His past participation as a Board member and Treasurer enabled him to develop an intimate knowledge of the CDCSB's operations, and his background in finance gives him the required skill set and demeanor. Philip and his wife, Nancy have been homeowners in Great Barrington since 1998 and are committed members of the Southern Berkshire community.

 

Philip also serves as the Chair of the Great Barrington Finance Committee and is a member of the Board of the Great Barrington Housing Authority.

 

Philip is a finance professional with over 35 years of experience in banking, capital markets, and investment management.  He received a B.A. in Economics from The George Washington University and an M.B.A. in Finance from New York University

 

"I am excited to have Phil take the lead," says Jim Harwood, CDCSB Board President.  "As our previous Treasurer and Board Member, Phil's knowledge of the organization will allow him to hit the ground running as we enter this period of continued growth and transition."

 

CDCSB is the preeminent non-profit developer of workforce and affordable housing in the Southern Berkshires. Recent achievements include the completion in September of 49 units of affordable housing at the Windrush Commons development just south of downtown Great Barrington, and the acquisition of the historic Sumner Block in 2023 which preserved six workforce housing units in the community's walkable downtown. 

 

CDCSB also supports economic development in the Southern Berkshires, providing technical consulting assistance at no charge to local small businesses. During Covid, CDCSB's Small Business Technical Assistance (SBTA) program has helped more than 60 businesses launch, pivot, or stabilize, and helped secure more than $1.5 million in funding for those businesses.

 

CDCSB is currently working towards a purchase of the Thornewood Inn to create 18 housing units for local workers.