July 18, 2025
For Immediate Release:
View Original Press Release
Fairhope, Alabama – Collegiate Housing Foundation (“CHF” or the “Foundation”), the country’s first and most experienced non-profit student housing provider, is pleased to announce two significant additions to its executive team. Michael Baird and Sara Russell have been appointed as Executive Vice Presidents of CHF and will play pivotal roles in driving the Foundation’s strategic initiatives and fostering its continued growth.
With a proven track record of success in public-private partnerships for colleges and universities across the country spanning more than 25 years, Mr. Baird and Mrs. Russell bring a wealth of experience and expertise to CHF. Their extensive background in structuring and financing P3 higher education projects position them as invaluable assets to the organization. They have a strong reputation for innovative thinking, exceptional leadership, and a deep understanding of the industry landscape.
In his new role, Mr. Baird will be the Executive Vice President for Operations and Strategy, responsible for developing, implementing and overseeing strategic plans and operational processes to ensure efficient, effective and successful organizational performance. His responsibilities will include (i) ensuring the Foundation’s operations are aligned with its charitable purpose and developing initiatives that further support the same, (ii) reviewing and participating in budgeting and forecasting to ensure the Foundation is fiscally sound, and (iii) facilitating the transactional business of the Foundation by interacting with universities, developers, rating agencies, investors, investment bankers and attorneys in the procurement and closing of transactions. Mrs. Russell will be the Executive Vice President for Business Development & Transactions, responsible for identifying, evaluating and pursuing a comprehensive business development and transaction strategy that will allow the Foundation to achieve its charitable purpose. Her responsibilities will include (i) identifying new project opportunities, (ii) assessing the creditworthiness of any such new projects, (iii) managing the transaction lifecycle, from initial due diligence to structuring and deal execution to closing of all new project financings or refinancings of existing projects, and (iv) interacting with universities, developers, rating agencies, investors, investment bankers and attorneys in accomplishing the same. Their combined strategic vision and ability to drive operational excellence will be instrumental in guiding CHF towards continued success and expansion.
Before joining CHF, Mr. Baird and Mrs. Russell were Managing Directors at RBC Capital Markets, LLC (“RBC”) and were co-heads of the firm’s P3 Higher Education Group. While at RBC, they successfully completed over $7 billion of P3 higher education financing for over 130 projects in more than 30 states.
About Collegiate Housing Foundation
CHF is the first national 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to assisting colleges and universities with the financing and acquisition of new student housing, dining and other facilities supporting its higher education partners. With its long track record and established reputation, it is uniquely qualified to assist colleges and universities across the country meet their educational goal, as the Foundation has done for 69 projects totaling $4.5 billion at 52 institutions in 28 states. To learn more about the Foundation, visit www.collegiatehousing.org.
Contact:
Collegiate Housing Foundation
William B. Givhan
President and Chief Executive Officer
251.928.9340
willgivhan@collegiatehousing.org