GREAT BARRINGTON — After nearly a decade of leadership, Jane Ralph will step down as executive director of Construct effective Aug. 29.

“This was not an easy decision,” she said. “My partner and I have called Berkshire County home for years now, and I am so proud of our work at Construct. However, the past year has been a time of reflection for us. After facing some family health challenges, and looking at where things stand in the world, we have decided that being close to relatives should be our main priority, so we are relocating to Madison, Wisconsin.”

Since assuming the role in 2016, Ralph has led significant growth in Construct’s services, including support to help people remain in their homes, temporary housing for families, the development of new affordable housing at Forest Springs in Great Barrington, and the county’s first co-living workforce housing at the Windflower in Egremont. Under her leadership, Construct has also expanded its housing navigation services for individuals and families facing housing insecurity.

“We’re all grateful for Jane’s leadership over the past nine years,” said Betty Farbman, board president. “She’s led with a lot of heart and a strong commitment to our community. Thanks to her, Construct is in a great place. We have a clear vision, a strong team, and a solid foundation to build on.”

Ralph will work closely with the executive committee in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition of leadership and to ease the staff and board into the next phase. The board of directors has formed a search committee for a new leader and will soon post the position for potential candidates to apply.

“I have full confidence that Construct will continue to thrive after my departure,” Ralph said, “and I am so grateful to all who have supported our work during my time here. Your support has truly made all the difference in our ability to provide affordable housing and housing support to our South Berkshire neighbors.”

An event will be held to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of Ralph and her team over the past nine years. The event will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 11 a.m. at Construct’s main office, located at 316A State Road, Great Barrington. Community members and partners are invited to attend. To RSVP, or for more information about Construct and the upcoming leadership transition, visit www.constructberkshire.org.

BECKET — On July 16, Construct welcomed Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell to its recently renovated property in Becket to highlight the promise and potential of affordable homeownership in the Berkshires. The visit presented the opportunity to explore how innovative programs, such as the state’s receivership initiative, can help address the region’s growing housing crisis.

At 50 Dawn Dr. in Becket, what was once an abandoned and unsafe property has been transformed into a new opportunity for homeownership. Through the Commonwealth’s receivership program, the original structure was demolished and replaced with a newly built modular home. Now under contract with a local buyer from Becket, the property will soon provide safe, stable housing for a local household. This marks Construct’s second receivership project in Becket and highlights the potential of turning neglected properties into much-needed affordable homes that strengthen the community.

“We were honored to host Attorney General Campbell and share how this program helped bring a home back to life,” said Jane Ralph, executive director of Construct. “This is what affordable homeownership can look like in rural communities.”

During the visit, Campbell toured the property and met with Construct staff and Becket leadership to discuss opportunities for future receiverships. They also discussed barriers to homeownership in Western Mass., including the shortage of affordable inventory and the challenges of sustaining rural housing development.

GREAT BARRINGTON — Construct will hold its 2024 annual meeting on Wednesday, June 26 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Egremont Barn, 17 Main St., South Egremont. All interested South Berkshire residents are welcome to attend to learn about Construct’s recent accomplishments and get a preview of what’s in store for the year ahead. Light refreshments will be served.

Registration is requested by emailing [email protected]. Registration is free and open to the public.

“The annual meeting is an important event for Construct, serving as our one public meeting of the year,” said Jane Ralph, Construct’s executive director. “Given the pressing need for affordable housing in the Southern Berkshires and the innovative approaches Construct is implementing, we are eager to provide an opportunity for anyone interested to gain deeper insights.”

Construct is currently transforming a Gilded Age mansion, Cassilis Farm, into 11 apartments, and is hosting a designer showhouse on the property to raise awareness and funds.

Based in Great Barrington, Construct has been the leading nonprofit provider of affordable housing and supportive services to South Berkshire County residents in need for more than 50 years.