An Interview with David Danenfelzer, TSAHC’s Development Finance Manager

April 17, 2015 | by Katie Claflin

Categories: Affordable Housing

For this week's blog post, we have interviewed David Danenfelzer, TSAHC's Development Finance Manager.  Dave has been with TSAHC for more than eight years and has played an instrumental role in expanding the programs and financing options we provide to local housing developers.

1. Tell us about yourself.

I was first introduced to the concept of community development more than 15 years ago when I worked as a historian surveying more than 6,000 historic sites for the State of Texas. That experience led me back to school at the University of Texas, where I earned my masters in community and regional planning.  Since then I’ve tried to build my career around finding ways to improve the lives of others, building more sustainable communities, and expanding housing options for lower income families.

2. What do you do at TSAHC?

Like everyone at TSAHC, I do a little bit of everything. My primary job is to manage TSAHC’s development finance programs, including our Multifamily Bond Program, Direct Lending Program and our Affordable Communities of Texas (ACT) land banking program. I’m also called on from time to time to use my building and project management skills in other ways.  For example, I am currently helping TSAHC renovate a building that will provide office space to nonprofit partners.

3. What do you enjoy most about your job?

Getting to work on different housing project types definitely keeps me on my toes. I also enjoy learning about new trends in housing and community development, and I love interacting with our local nonprofit partners in their communities.

4. What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

I like setting goals for myself that take me out of my comfort zone and help me grow as a person. Professionally, I’m proud of the growth and impact that our ACT land bank has had over the past 5 years. Helping the program grow from a pilot program with three properties to a statewide land bank with more than 500 properties has been challenging, but also very rewarding.

5. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I tend to gravitate toward hobbies and activities that get me outdoors and that aren’t considered mainstream. I’m currently involved in Ultimate Frisbee leagues around Austin, and I love riding my bike every chance I get. I am also an avid fly fisherman and a member of the Lone Star Curling Club. (what do you expect, I'm from Wisconsin)

6. Who is your role model and why?

My parents have always been my role models.  They taught me that the desire to learn is the most important skill in the work place and that getting a little bit done every day equals getting a lot done by the end of the week. They also instilled in me the importance of finding meaningful work that allows me to give back to others.

7. What’s the best vacation you ever took?

My wife and I love planning road trips for our family at least once a year. So far we’ve taken our kids to Big Bend, Colorado, the Gulf Coast, and Lake Superior.  But I’d have to say that my all-time favorite vacation was the anniversary trip that my wife and I took to Hawaii last year. There’s something magical about that place.
 

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