Justin Stotts, new CEO of SEMMCHRA, shares insights to community driven collaboration and development.

Justin Stotts is the new CEO of Southeastern Minnesota Multi-County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (SEMMCHRA). SEMMCHRA has a multitude of housing and community programs throughout the six counties in the area. Stotts said he has spent his first seven weeks in his new role learning and exploring all of the programs that SEMMCHRA has to offer.
Originally from Mason City, Iowa, Stotts attended Winona State, where he earned degrees in Political Science and Public Administration. It was during his college years that he met his wife, Kadie. They both share a love for southeastern Minnesota, and together they have spent the past 25 years in the area raising their three children. When he isn’t working, Stotts enjoys hiking, spending time with his family, and going to his kids’ sporting events.
After graduating from Winona State, Stotts began his career with the Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority. There, he witnessed the profound impact that housing can have on individuals and families. Stotts noted the common misconception that people simply need to “work hard and just get on their feet.” Through years of experience, he has seen how a lack of stable housing can undermine families’ well-being and the health of entire communities. “Holding down a job, mental health, school, and overall success cannot fall into place if someone does not have a roof over their head,” he said. His time working directly with clients in Rochester taught him to “read people” during intake interviews, which has also helped him get along well in different environments. “I’ve learned to pick up on what is not being said.” While working in Rochester, he also became familiar with the many federal and state programs available.
One of his most impactful experiences in Rochester was helping a single mother and her child secure housing, allowing them to leave an abusive environment. “I learned the work I do gives me the ability to give a safe space for someone going through a difficult situation,” Stotts said. He believes that providing a “way out” for people facing tough circumstances can have a resounding positive impact on families and communities.
After his work in Rochester, Stotts became the Executive Director of the North Iowa Regional Housing Authority, a position he held for seven years before taking the role at SEMMCHRA. He is inspired by SEMMCHRA’s forward-thinking, community-centered approach. In addition to offering a variety of housing assistance programs, SEMMCHRA also supports broader community needs. For example, residents who qualify can get help with home renovations that they might not be able to afford, but need. Stotts finds working in rural communities deeply rewarding and takes pride in serving southeastern Minnesota, where his family lives.
Stotts was drawn to SEMMCHRA’s multifaceted approach to housing assistance. He emphasized the variety of programs SEMMCHRA offers that support the community as a whole. Like the importance of providing options for seniors to remain comfortably in their communities, noting that when a senior moves into a one-story home, it can free up larger homes for families, potentially increasing school enrollment and boosting the local economy. “Housing has big impacts on communities…it’s a ripple effect,” he said. “And knocking over the first domino is the first step in making everything else fall into place.”
SEMMCHRA’s programs receive both federal and state support. In Goodhue County, for instance, the agency has launched the Goodhue County Housing Trust Fund RFP, making $500,000 available to local affordable housing providers and developers. The funds, available as grants or loans for new construction or rehabilitation, are intended to leverage additional investment in housing projects. Wabasha County is set to launch a similar program next. More information on these initiatives is available on SEMMCHRA’s website.
Stotts is well aware of the frequent changes in housing regulations at both the state and federal levels. “There is constant change. We can try to prepare for it, but it can be tough. The laws that affect what we do are like constant moving targets,” he said. With decades of experience navigating these challenges, Stotts feels prepared to adapt. He also takes concerns about fraud seriously, stressing that SEMMCHRA is committed to being responsible stewards of public funds.
As CEO, Stotts aims to foster a collaborative leadership style, which he feels aligns well with SEMMCHRA’s values. He said he is looking forward to being involved in an organization that has been a leader in building partnerships in the communities it serves. Wabasha holds a special place in Stotts' and his family's hearts, who have visited to spend time together in the community and to go boating on Lake Pepin. He appreciates how small towns like Wabasha look after their neighbors, noting details like the Senior Banners on Main Street and the thoughtfully placed flowers and benches as signs of community pride. Stotts expressed gratitude for the dedicated faculty and staff at SEMMCHRA, who all share the spirit of collaboration. “We have great staff here, and people who have a passion for the mission, which makes it possible,” he said.