The City of Santa Fe has appointed Faviola Chavez as its new Affordable Housing Director after a targeted national search led by TS Talent Solutions (TSTS).

Chavez brings more than a decade of leadership in housing and urban development, with deep expertise in federal and local housing programs. Most recently, she served as Director of Real Estate at A New Leaf, overseeing entitlements, infrastructure planning and capital improvements for a 58-property affordable housing portfolio. Her work has involved a wide range of funding sources, including federal, state and local programs.  Her experience spans the full project lifecycle, from evaluating ideas and negotiating development agreements to overseeing environmental compliance. Prior to her role at A New Leaf, Chavez served as a Project Manager for the City of Phoenix’s Housing Department, where she oversaw major housing projects funded through federal programs. She negotiated with developers and ensured compliance with wage regulations and environmental standards. She is recognized for her collaborative, equity-driven approach to affordable housing.

“We were seeking a leader with both the technical expertise and the community-minded vision to guide our affordable housing efforts,” said Andrea Phillips, Deputy City Manager of Santa Fe. “TS Talent Solutions helped us clearly define those qualities and connected us with exceptional candidates. Faviola’s track record and commitment to equitable housing make her an outstanding choice to lead this work.”

Led by TSTS Executive Recruiter Christine Martin and Assistant Recruitment Coordinator Julia Gale, the team developed a tailored recruitment brochure highlighting Santa Fe’s housing priorities, community values and long-term vision. Paired with strategic outreach, this approach drew a competitive and diverse pool of candidates from across the country.

“Our team worked closely with the City to ensure this recruitment highlighted Santa Fe’s values and priorities,” said Christine. “Faviola stood out as a leader who not only understands the complexities of affordable housing but also shares the City’s dedication to serving residents with compassion.”

“It’s an honor to join the City of Santa Fe and advance its affordable housing mission,” said Faviola. “I look forward to working with our partners and the community to create housing solutions that expand opportunity, strengthen neighborhoods and reflect the values of this remarkable city.”

About TS Talent Solutions

TS Talent Solutions is a California-based executive search and talent development organization focused on the local government sector. A division of Tripepi Smith, TS Talent Solutions leverages the expertise and digital acumen of its parent firm to deliver next-generation recruitment solutions for public agencies. The quest for talent never ends, but progress is made with TS Talent Solutions. 

We’ve sourced talent for: 

City of American Canyon, Town of Atherton, City of Bainbridge Island (WA), City of Bell, City of Commerce, City of Fairfield, City of Indian Wells, City of Indio, City of La Cañada Flintridge, City of Lomita, City of Manteca, City of Morro Bay, City of Needles, City of Palos Verdes Estates, City of Paramount, City of Pasco (WA), City of Rosemead, City of San Luis Obispo, City of Saratoga, City of Tracy, Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District, Humboldt County Association of Governments, Redwood Coast Energy Authority, Ventura Council of Governments, West County Wastewater District

We’ve developed strategic plans for: 

City of Bellflower​, City of Carpinteria, City of Cerritos​, City of Foster City​, City of Hercules​, City of La Cañada Flintridge, City of Lomita​, City of Westminster, Heartland Fire & Rescue