After sixteen years of near constant international travel for her career, it was a call for “home” that prompted Alicia Defreitas on the job search that led her to the role as Princeton Community Housing (PCH)’s Director of Finance and Administration.  The opportunity to work closer to her own home as a longtime New Jersey resident, and for a mission dedicated to providing safe and affordable homes appealed and resonated deeply with her.  Alicia credits her diligence and observant nature as qualities that have shaped her success as a finance professional and leader, and added that empathy, patience, and humility as traits that have been essential to her work in the non-profit sector over the years.  These same qualities have allowed her to fit in perfectly with the PCH culture since joining the staff in April 2024.  She summarized, “You have to believe in what you’re doing. You have to care.”

Although she has had ample experience in managing many accounting, finance, and HR functions and teams, Alicia stated that she finds herself still surprised by the many complexities of her new role. “Though this job isn’t new, it’s different. There are many people to keep happy”, she shared.   As an organization with many moving pieces, she noted examples such as compliance with funders and government agencies and ensuring that employees feel supported and successful in their day-to-day interactions serving our 1,100+ residents. Alicia highlighted these many personal interactions as to what contributes to PCH’s success, and it is imperative that all staff members work as one cohesive team.

Since joining in late April 2024, Alicia has committed herself to understanding PCH’s history, the various day-to-day processes that have keep the operation running, the dynamics of each team across our various properties, and strategic planning for the future. During her time devoted to this research and on-the-job training with her colleagues, Alicia articulated one crucial discovery: “I can do some good here, and that really excites me.”