NEST Announces Leadership Transition: Rachel Hastings Named New Executive Director

Cincinnati, OH – NEST, Northside’s Community Development Corporation, is pleased to announce a leadership transition as it continues to build on its legacy of community impact. After 6 years of dedicated service, Sarah Thomas, who has been instrumental in expanding NEST’s focus to multifamily housing, commercial development, and business district improvements, will be stepping down from her role as Executive Director. Sarah's visionary leadership has helped NEST deliver on key projects like John Arthur Flats and Dean’s Mediterranean Table, created programs like PAD, and has raised NEST’s voice in housing production conversations in Cincinnati.

NEST is thrilled to welcome Rachel Hastings as its new Executive Director, effective in January 2025. Rachel, a proud Northside resident, brings with her a wealth of experience in community development within the Cincinnati region. Her deep understanding of the community and her proven leadership skills make her the ideal candidate to lead NEST into its next chapter.

Sarah approached the board to express her desire to continue growing her business outside of NEST and transition out of her current role. As NEST looks to the future, the board knew its next leader would need to build on the foundation laid over the past 18 years and guide NEST through its next phase of organizational growth to further support the neighborhood.

"We are deeply grateful to Sarah for her outstanding leadership and contributions over the past 6 years. Her vision has been vital to NEST’s growth,” said Pete Metz, NEST’s Board Chair. “Rachel’s experience and community ties make her the ideal leader to build on our success and drive NEST’s mission forward. We’re eager to work with her to continue to improve the neighborhood we all love."

Rachel most recently served as the Executive Director of Price Hill Will, and before that, she held multiple key roles at the Center for Great Neighborhoods in Covington. Her extensive background in community development will be invaluable as she takes on the role of NEST’s first full-time Executive Director—a significant milestone in the organization’s growth.

Rachel Hastings says, “I’ve lived in Northside for 26 years and we’ve raised our kids here - everything about our life in Cincinnati revolves around and has been impacted by Northside. I’m so excited to merge my professional expertise with my passion for this amazing neighborhood!”

Rachel will lead a team that includes Katie Frazier, Community Engagement Coordinator, as they work together to continue advancing NEST’s mission. Importantly, NEST will continue to benefit from Sarah Thomas’s real estate and community development expertise, as she will remain involved as a consultant and project manager. This will ensure a smooth leadership transition and the successful completion of important developments in NEST’s project portfolio.

Sarah Thomas shares, “It has been a great privilege to lead NEST through the past 6 years of organizational growth. Northside is a spectacular community where I am proud to live and work. I look forward to the organization’s bright future under Rachel’s leadership and am honored to continue helping in the development of critical projects throughout the neighborhood.”

Over the coming months, NEST looks forward to introducing Rachel to our partners and stakeholders as she begins this exciting new journey with NEST in January 2025.

For more information, please contact:

Katie Frazier

Community Engagement Coordinator

Staff@northsidenest.org