Meet Tammy Richelieu: IFHA's New Chief Development Officer
The Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance (IFHA) has appointed Tammy Richelieu as its new Chief Development Officer. As IFHA prepares to open the first of eight apartment buildings for low-income and lower-income families, Tammy’s leadership and passion will be instrumental in driving the organization’s mission forward.
Tammy Richelieu’s journey to IFHA is as inspiring as it is diverse. Born and raised in Osakis, a small farming community in rural Minnesota, Tammy’s early years were shaped by the values of hard work and generosity. She fondly recalls pulling weeds and gathering vegetables with her siblings under the watchful eye of their grandfather, sharing the bounty with neighbors as an act of goodwill.
With a degree in Sociology from South Dakota State University, Tammy’s academic journey took her to Richmond, Virginia, where she attended Union Presbyterian Seminary and earned a Master’s in Christian Education. Her career path led her to numerous churches, where she made a significant impact as a Children's Ministry Director, nurturing the spiritual and personal growth of countless young lives.
Tammy’s life took another turn when her husband, JR, retired from the US Army, prompting the family to relocate to Tampa, Florida. During the pandemic, seeking a change and new opportunities, the Richelieu family made the move further south to Naples, Florida. Here, Tammy’s passion for community service and development found a new outlet with IFHA.
Tammy brings a unique blend of skills and experiences to her role at IFHA. Her background in sociology and education, combined with her deep-rooted understanding of community needs and her hands-on approach to service, makes her an invaluable asset to the IFHA team. As Chief Development Officer, Tammy will spearhead fundraising efforts, build relationships with donors, and work tirelessly to secure the resources needed to complete an ambitious housing project.
“I am incredibly excited to join IFHA and contribute to such a meaningful cause,” Tammy shares. “Having grown up in a farming community, I understand the challenges faced by hardworking families in rural areas. The opportunity to help provide safe, affordable housing to the people of Immokalee is truly a dream come true.”
Outside of her professional life, Tammy enjoys gardening, meditation, and floating in the pool on sunny days—a testament to her ability to balance hard work with relaxation and self-care.
The board at IFHA welcome Tammy to their team and are confident that her dedication and vision will help the organization achieve its goals and make a lasting difference in the Immokalee community. With her at the helm of their development efforts, IFHA is more optimistic than ever about the future of affordable housing for the families in the Immokalee community.