After 18 years of dedicated leadership as Executive Director, Grace Morris has announced that she will be retiring from Heritage Housing Partners Corporation on July 3, 2026.
During her tenure, Grace guided the organization through a remarkable period of growth and transformation. Under her leadership, Heritage Housing Partners completed its first LIHTC rehabilitation project at Shalom Square—a project that earned state-level recognition for preservation. She expanded the organization’s role as a property manager, growing from managing only properties HHP owned to overseeing six additional properties for other owners. She also extended the organization’s service area beyond Howard County into Baltimore City and other communities, broadening its reach and impact.
Grace deepened Heritage Housing Partners’ involvement in Howard County’s homeless prevention efforts, with the organization now directly supporting three of the County’s programs focused on housing stability. She also strengthened the partnership with The Arc of Howard County by providing maintenance services across their portfolio.
In 2017, as part of the organization’s 50th anniversary, Grace led the rebranding from Columbia Housing Corporation to Heritage Housing Partners Corporation and oversaw the relocation of corporate offices to the Nonprofit Collaborative. That same year, she established the annual Legacy Award, and more recently, a holiday happy hour—traditions that celebrate the connections and shared purpose at the heart of the organization.
“Leading this organization has been the greatest professional privilege of my career,” Grace shared. “I am deeply grateful to the staff, the board, the residents, the partners, and the community members who have supported this work over the years. It has been an honor to be part of this critically important mission—one I will continue to support.”
As Grace steps away, she does so with confidence in the future of Heritage Housing Partners. With the recent addition of several talented new board members and a strong, experienced staff, the organization is well-positioned for continued success—including its upcoming 60th anniversary celebration in 2027.
On behalf of the entire Heritage Housing Partners community, we thank Grace for her extraordinary service, vision, and commitment to affordable housing. Her legacy will be felt for years to come.