Northside Development Group announces new CEO David Summers
June 26, 2025
After an extensive national search, the Board of Directors of Northside Development Group (NDG) announced the appointment of David Summers as Chief Executive Officer, effective July 2, 2025.
Summers brings over a decade of experience in affordable housing development, community partnerships, and nonprofit leadership to NDG’s mission of empowering resident-led community transformation. Most recently serving as Project Manager at Gulf Coast Housing Partnership, Summers has successfully led real estate development projects totaling over $44 million and secured $5 million in federal funding for community transformation initiatives.
“David’s proven track record in creating public-private partnerships and his deep understanding of community-centered development make him the ideal leader to guide NDG into its next phase of growth,” said Board Chair John Verreault. “His personal connection to the challenges facing our community, combined with his technical expertise in affordable housing and development finance, aligns perfectly with our mission.”
Prior to his role in Louisiana, Summers served as Chief Operating Officer at Partners Southeast, where he created a $281 million development pipeline and increased organizational net worth by $3 million. He holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School with concentrations in Real Estate Development and Finance.
As CEO, Summers will lead NDG’s continued work across its four pillars: mixed-income housing, cradle-to-career education, community wellness, and economic vitality. He will also guide the implementation of the organization’s 2025-2029 strategic plan, “Centering Community: The Northside and Beyond,” and expand NDG’s impact through the new Thrive Spartanburg initiative.
NDG, a member of the Purpose-Built Communities Network, has transformed $25 million in investment into $150 million in impactful projects since 2011, serving as the community quarterback for the revitalization of Spartanburg’s Northside neighborhood.
“The hiring of Mr. Summers is a testament to the work of the Northside community and NDG,” commented Mitch Kennedy, Deputy Director for the City of Spartanburg. “To be able to attract someone with his experience not only in the development market, but with the unique perspective of the communities in which he has lived, will benefit the Northside and more broadly Spartanburg.”
Summers will work closely with the Northside Voyagers, the Northside’s resident leadership team and the organization’s 17-member board to continue building sustainable paths out of poverty and into future prosperity for neighborhood residents.
The Northside Development Group’s CEO search was led by BoardWalk consulting, a national executive search firm that specializes in finding top leadership for nonprofits and foundations.
About Northside Development Group
Northside Development Group (NDG) is a certified 501(c)(3) community development organization founded in 2011 that empowers resident-led community transformation in Spartanburg’s historic Northside neighborhood. Operating across 400 square acres on the northwest side of downtown Spartanburg—once home to the state’s largest textile mill—NDG’s vision is safe, strong, and thriving neighborhoods for all.
For more information, visit spartanburgndg.com.
