Columbus, OH, June 22, 2023 – Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. (WCCI) is pleased to announce that Jennifer Ricci, Vice President-Development, was recognized with the top honor for individual achievement at the Ohio Women’s Affordable Housing Network (OWAHN) annual Celebration and Awards Luncheon on June 7, 2023. Ms. Ricci was named OWAHN’s “WAHNderful Woman in Affordable Housing” for 2023.
At WCCI, Ricci is responsible for managing for managing closings, including processing construction loans, permanent loans, equity investments, and other financing needs for the company. She holds a B.A. in English from Ohio University and a paralegal certificate from Capital University Law School.
Ricci was nominated for the award by her colleagues at Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. where she’s worked since 2009. The submission emphasized her experience and deep understanding of the commercial real estate closing process, tax credit program, development financing options, multifamily construction process, and how community partners collaborate to create housing solutions. According to the nomination materials, Ricci has closed approximately 228 affordable housing financing deals, helping to create quality affordable housing for seniors, workforce families, those with special needs, veterans, and others who are in need of affordable homes.
“Her integrity and honesty, as well as her knowledge of the industry and ability to work with multiple personalities, is impeccable,” said Tammy Stansbury, Vice President-Development, who leads the company’s development activities in Kentucky.
Ricci was also praised for going above and beyond to help young female professionals find networking opportunities and build critical skills necessary to succeed. “Jen has encouraged women in our organization to advance to other positions they may be suited to. Jen conducts herself gracefully and professionally in all types of situations. She leads by example through her tenacity and work ethic,” said Mallory Weaver, Vice President-Closing and Development Financing.
Shortly after receiving the award, Ricci stated that one of her proudest career accomplishments was actually not her own. She recalled mentoring a young single mom who worked hard to equip herself and eventually earned a job in the affordable housing construction field.
“It was rewarding to watch her build the knowledge and understanding to compete in the construction arena where women have traditionally been fewer in numbers,” said Ricci.
“As one of the founding board members of the Ohio chapter, it is great to see OWAHN continue to grow in providing support and opportunities, not only to people who work in our industry, but for the residents who live in housing communities throughout Ohio,” added Ricci.
Woda Cooper Companies President David Cooper, Jr. attended the awards luncheon. “Congratulations to Jen on the well-deserved recognition she received from OWAHN. Jen has served as a mentor, friend, and inspiration to many women in affordable housing. We appreciate her efforts and contributions to our company over the past 15 years,” he said.
About Woda Cooper Companies, Inc.
Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. and its affiliates specialize in the development, design, construction, and management of high-quality affordable multi-family communities, senior communities, and single-family homes. The company was founded in 1990 and now has operations in 17 states and a portfolio of more than 300 communities and 15,000 units. Green building is standard with certifications including Passive House, Zero Energy Ready Homes, LEED, Enterprise Green, EarthCraft, and ENERGY STAR. Woda Cooper Companies has offices in Savannah, GA; Indianapolis, IN; Shelbyville, KY; Queenstown, MD; Mackinaw City, MI; Columbus, OH; and Norfolk, VA. Affordable Housing Finance magazine ranked Woda Cooper Companies 7th in nation among Developers and 21st among Owners in 2023.
