BMCC Names 2026 Terrence R. Duvernay Award Recipient

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BMCC Names 2026 Terrence R. Duvernay Award Recipient
Committee Selects Jennifer Everhart, Chief Impact Officer for Cinnaire

LANSING, Mich. - Today, at the Building Michigan Communities Conference (BMCC), Jennifer Everhart was honored with the 2026 Terrence R. Duvernay Award for her outstanding contributions to affordable housing and community development in Michigan.

Everhart, Chief Impact Officer at Cinnaire, brings more than 30 years of experience advancing affordable housing through innovative financing, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to equitable community development. Since joining Cinnaire in 1997, she has overseen the underwriting and investment of more than $4 billion in equity and loans, supporting the creation and preservation of thousands of affordable homes across Michigan and a multi-state footprint.

Previously serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Underwriter, Everhart led a more than 200% expansion of Cinnaire's lending portfolio, strengthening the organization's ability to respond to housing needs while maintaining strong asset performance. In her current role, she aligns capital deployment, philanthropic resources, and community development strategies to maximize impact for residents and communities.

A recognized leader in the field, Everhart has also advanced efforts to expand access to capital within the affordable housing industry. She played a key role in the creation of Cinnaire's $55 million Ubuntu Fund, which supports underrepresented developers by reducing traditional barriers to entry and pairing investment with technical assistance. This has helped build a more diverse and sustainable development pipeline.

"Jennifer's career reflects an unwavering belief that capital, when guided by purpose, can be a powerful force for human dignity," said nominator Amin Irving, Founder, President, and CEO of Ginosko Development and last year's Duvernay Award recipient. "For more than 30 years, from her early work in Detroit to her current executive role, she has ensured that financial complexity never obscures human need. She has repeatedly used her platform to advocate for those most often left behind-particularly low-income seniors-ensuring access to stable, dignified housing and supportive communities.

"(Her) legacy is not only measured by dollars invested or policies influenced, but by the lasting culture shift she has helped create: one where empathy, equity, and accountability are embedded in how the affordable housing industry defines success."

Throughout her career, Everhart has bridged on-the-ground community development experience with large-scale financial strategy, helping translate complex tools into practical solutions that expand housing opportunity. Her leadership continues to shape how capital, policy, and partnerships come together to strengthen communities.

"Jennifer Everhart's career reflects the very best of affordable housing leadership-deep expertise, principled stewardship of capital, and a commitment to community impact," said Mark McDaniel, President and CEO of Cinnaire. "Her work embodies [Terry's] legacy, and we are proud to see her contributions to Michigan and the broader housing field recognized with this well-deserved honor."

Terrence R. Duvernay served as executive director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority from 1983 to 1990. The award bearing his name recognizes individuals at the pinnacle of their careers who carry forward his legacy of leadership in affordable housing. Recipients are selected by a committee of past honorees and recognized annually at the BMCC, the state's premier housing conference.

In recognition of this distinguished honor, Everhart will receive a $5,000 cash prize to direct to the nonprofit organization of her choice, Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation.

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About MSHDA
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), established in 1966, provides financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing, engage in community economic development activities, develop vibrant cities, towns and villages, and address homeless issues.