Faithful fans of NorthBay biz may recognize Kathleen Dreessen’s name from these very pages, as she was a valuable freelance contributor and columnist—that is, until she accepted her current post as executive director of Napa Valley Community Housing (NVCH) two years ago.
“I became interested in affordable housing when we first moved to Napa more than 20 years ago,” she says. “Homes were expensive, and I wondered, if people like us—with well-paying white collar jobs—were having a difficult time, how did those less fortunate afford decent homes?”
Since its founding in 1990, NVCH has built, alone or in partnership with others, more than 600 new housing units and has supervised the rehabilitation of more than 200 additional units. As executive director, Dreessen says, “My job is sometimes like being the conductor of an orchestra: All of the individuals are unique, and each must be ‘in tune’ with the rest to make beautiful music. When creating a new housing development, all parties, county and city governments, funders and partners must be in harmony and dedicated to the goal of working toward producing affordable homes. The best thing is the satisfaction of knowing a hard-working family has a safe, clean and decent place to live.”
This magazine’s loss is definitely Napa’s gain.
What did you do professionally before joining NVCH (besides write for us)?
I was a freelance writer, a published novelist and worked in public relations. Prior to that, I had 20 years of management experience in the public and private sectors.
Are you more of a dog person or a cat person?
I’m nuts about dogs. We have two; Darby and Dixie keep me constantly amused, never interrupt and give great canine kisses.
Describe the worst thing you ever had to wear to school.
For elementary school at St. James’ Girls School in San Francisco, in an era of miniskirts and hippies, I had to wear the worst plaid skirt and maroon sweater combination you’ve ever seen—with white saddle shoes. Oddly, the plaid pattern is now popular, but when I see it in a store, I run the other way.
For elementary school at St. James’ Girls School in San Francisco, in an era of miniskirts and hippies, I had to wear the worst plaid skirt and maroon sweater combination you’ve ever seen—with white saddle shoes. Oddly, the plaid pattern is now popular, but when I see it in a store, I run the other way.
Have you kept any mementos from your childhood?
Yes, I have my first book, The Golden Book of Dogs. I also have my baby shoes.
Yes, I have my first book, The Golden Book of Dogs. I also have my baby shoes.
If you could have a conversation with anyone from history, who would it be?
Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain, would be interesting, thought-provoking and funny.
Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain, would be interesting, thought-provoking and funny.
If you could play a role in a movie, what would it be? Why?
I like old movies, and I’d want to play a role usually portrayed by actresses Kathryn Hepburn or Lauren Bacall, who both embody independent, intelligent and driven women.
I like old movies, and I’d want to play a role usually portrayed by actresses Kathryn Hepburn or Lauren Bacall, who both embody independent, intelligent and driven women.
In what situations are you most uncomfortable?
In adversarial situations when people are reacting from emotion rather than the facts.
In adversarial situations when people are reacting from emotion rather than the facts.
Do you have a big family?
I have a huge extended family with whom I’m very close. My cousins are scattered all over the world, but we manage to have a family reunion every few years. The last was in Ireland and the next will be in South Africa. In my immediate family, I’ve been married to wonderful Bill for 21 years. I also have one sister and two stepsons.
I have a huge extended family with whom I’m very close. My cousins are scattered all over the world, but we manage to have a family reunion every few years. The last was in Ireland and the next will be in South Africa. In my immediate family, I’ve been married to wonderful Bill for 21 years. I also have one sister and two stepsons.
How have your priorities changed over time?
As I’ve grown older and lost family members, I’ve learned to cherish our time together and schedule reunions more frequently. I’m also more committed to community causes.
As I’ve grown older and lost family members, I’ve learned to cherish our time together and schedule reunions more frequently. I’m also more committed to community causes.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
The lack of tolerance.
The lack of tolerance.
What was your last argument about?
I’m known more as a peacemaker.
I’m known more as a peacemaker.
What habit in yourself do you think is most annoying to others?
I’m perennially cheerful first thing in the morning, which grates on a lot of folks.
I’m perennially cheerful first thing in the morning, which grates on a lot of folks.
What room in your house best reflects your personality? Why?
My home office. It’s filled with photos of family and friends, mementos of past activities and copies of my books.
My home office. It’s filled with photos of family and friends, mementos of past activities and copies of my books.
What was the most important thing your parents taught you?
My mother taught me that common sense is as valuable as higher education, and my father taught me to never stop learning.
My mother taught me that common sense is as valuable as higher education, and my father taught me to never stop learning.
Ever fantasize about chucking it all and doing something else?
I’d be a writer again so I could talk to all the wonderful people featured in NorthBay biz articles.
[Come back anytime, Kathleen!]
I’d be a writer again so I could talk to all the wonderful people featured in NorthBay biz articles.
[Come back anytime, Kathleen!]
