Urban Edge is thrilled to welcome three accomplished members to its leadership team: Kate Bennett as Interim Director of Real Estate, Claire Sokolowski as Director of Finance, and Thomas Emery as Asset Manager.
Left: Kate Bennett, Interim Director of Real Estate | Middle: Claire Sokolowski, Director of Finance | Right: Thomas Emery, Asset Manager
“Kate, Claire, and Thomas bring unique expertise and dedication to affordable housing to our organization,” said Emilio Dorcely, CEO of Urban Edge. “Their leadership and understanding of how equitable housing can promote thriving communities aligns perfectly with Urban Edge’s core values. We look forward to collaborating and are thrilled to welcome them to the team.”
Kate Bennett joins Urban Edge with over 30 years of experience in affordable housing development, policy, and community revitalization. A visionary leader and collaborator, Bennett most immediately served as Administrator and CEO of the Boston Housing Authority (BHA), where she guided a team of 800 and oversaw housing programs serving more than 25,000 households. During her tenure, she spearheaded over $2 billion in redevelopment and capital improvements, expanded green and healthy housing initiatives, and launched award-winning resident empowerment programs. Today, Bennet continues to shape the future of equitable housing as a Partner at VIVA Consulting LLC and Adjunct Faculty at Boston College’s Corcoran Center for Real Estate and Urban Action, where she mentors the next generation of community developers and urban planners.
Urban Edge also welcomes Claire Sokolowski as its new Director of Finance. Sokolowski brings over 12 years of proven expertise in financial strategy, systems implementation, and operational transformation across complex real estate organizations. Sokolowski was most recently Accounting Manager with GID Investment Advisors, and has built and mentored high-performing accounting teams, directed real estate financial reporting, and driven efficiency and scalability. Her strategic and analytical skills will strengthen and support Urban Edge’s financial operations and sustainable growth.
In addition, Thomas Emery joins the team as Asset Manager, bringing with him more than a decade of experience in community development, affordable housing, and urban planning. Emery has managed projects funded through EOHLC and other public and private sources, advancing affordable housing construction throughout Massachusetts. Before joining Urban Edge, Emory most immediately worked as an Originator with MassHousing.
