Leana Nakielski Mesdjian Named Deputy Director of WHEDA

MADISON, Wis.—The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) announced today that Governor Tony Evers selected Leana Nakielski Mesdjian as its Deputy Executive Director. In this executive leadership role, Nakielski Mesdjian will utilize her community outreach, engagement, and leadership experience to support WHEDA’s work expanding access to affordable housing.

Nakielski Mesdjian has extensive experience working with community and nonprofit organizations in various management roles that focus on engaging and mobilizing diverse communities locally and statewide.

Nakielski Mesdjian has been a consultant and speaker providing professional services to non-profit clients in fund development, strategic planning, and program management. She was formerly a community and social impact director with American Family Insurance, leading the Milwaukee area’s community investment and operations expansion. She also broadened strategic partnerships from STEAM and entrepreneurial programs to support organizations serving first-time homebuyers, financial literacy, and holistic health and wellness programs.

Leana has also held various leadership roles in the nonprofit sector, from the first Director of Development with the Greater Milwaukee Committee to the Director of Operations with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin. Earlier in her career, she was heavily involved in urban sustainable agriculture and education, working with Growing Power and Highland Community School.

“Leana’s vast community development and engagement knowledge is a tremendous asset for us,” said WHEDA CEO Elmer Moore, Jr., “I look forward to working with her and leveraging her leadership to foster greater housing and economic opportunity for all who work and live in Wisconsin.”

“I am committed to working toward social justice and improved quality of life for all,” said Nakielski Mesdjian. “Housing stability improves socioeconomic outcomes from health and education to workforce participation. I look forward to joining the team at WHEDA to advance sustainable housing and economic growth in diverse communities throughout Wisconsin.”

Nakielski Mesdjian received her B.S. in International Agriculture and Natural Resources (Agriculture and Applied Economics) and Executive MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She also holds a certificate in Global Social Enterprise from Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business and a certificate in AI for Business Applications from MIT. Having received several awards for her impactful work, Leana believes the greatest reward is working in the community towards a shared purpose and goal.