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Leadership Update
James is a veteran of Housing First Minnesota with two decades of experience advocating for homebuilders, remodelers, and associates in the housing industry.
The Housing First Minnesota Board of Directors appointed James Vagle as Housing First Minnesota’s new executive director. Vagle previously held the role of vice president of advocacy at Housing First Minnesota, where he was the architect of the industry’s emergence as the leading voice and trade association for housing in Minnesota. “After a comprehensive search process, the board is pleased to have found the best individual to assume leadership of our nationally recognized organization,” said 2022 president of Housing First Minnesota, James Julkowski. “James has a track record of visionary leadership and success. This, combined with his deep industry knowledge and institutional tenure, makes him uniquely qualified to lead Housing First Minnesota successfully into the future.”
With Vagle’s unique experience, Housing First Minnesota is positioned to grow its influence and continue its efforts to bring the housing industry together to advocate for housing and homeownership in Minnesota. As the producer of the largest consumer home tour events in the nation and with its position as the leading housing industry advocacy organization in Minnesota, Housing First Minnesota is poised to build upon its strong legacy. “I’m honored, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead this exceptional organization of dedicated industry leaders and talented professionals,” said Vagle. “Our work touches the lives of all Minnesotans who seek homeownership opportunities, and our work has never been more important.” Vagle has been with Housing First Minnesota since 2006. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Minnesota and is a veteran of the US Navy. Vagle resides in Victoria along with his wife, Katie, and daughter, Elena. He grew up in the northwestern Minnesota cities of Mahnomen and Moorhead.
