Alameda, CA  December 4, 2024

After an intensive talent search, the Alameda Point Collaborative (APC) proudly announces the appointment of Andrea Urton as its new Executive Director, effective December 3, 2024.

Andrea takes over from retiring Executive Director, Doug Biggs.  According to Keith McCoy, APC Board Chair, “ Andrea has just the right talents and skills needed to build on the success Doug achieved over the last two decades.”

Andrea graduated in 2001 with a masters degree in clinical psychology from San Jose State University.  She began her career working in behavioral health services with marginalized and at risk families where she partnered with social service provider, FIRST5, and other organizations to create culturally relevant services.  Andrea spent the next 20 years in non profit leadership positions and served as an adjunct professor at Santa Clara University.  In 2019 she was given the Business Journal’s Woman of Influence award.  And In 2021 she was granted a full scholarship to the Harvard Business School’s “Strategic Perspectives in Non Profit Leadership” program and is also An American Leadership Senior Fellow class XXXVII.

Because Andrea brings her experience in growth management to APC, she is well positioned to successfully guide APC through its expansion of services made possible through several capital projects currently underway that will almost double the amount of permanent supportive housing in Alameda.

“I am thrilled to be invited to lead APC into this next era” Andrea said.  “I am passionate about APC’s mission to end homelessness by providing housing and services to create communities where formerly homeless families and individuals can flourish.   I look forward to working together with our residents and community to achieve that mission with the addition of these new facilities.”

About Alameda Point Collaborative

The Alameda Point Collaborative is a permanent supportive housing program created out of the closure of Alameda Naval Air Station in 1999. APC is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.  APC serves 500 formerly homeless residents with safe housing, and an array of wraparound services to help overcome the trauma of homelessness and become self-sufficient.

APC currently has three projects under construction that will dramatically increase the number of homeless receiving its services. The McKay Ave. project is building an innovative medical respite facility that will serve 400 homeless annually who require medical care after being discharged from hospitals, as well as providing 100 units of permanent supportive housing for elders with medical needs.  Estuary housing is a 90 unit permanent supportive housing project being constructed in collaboration with Building Futures and the Alameda Housing Authority.  Finaly, the RESHAP project at Alameda Point has broken ground on the replacement and expansion of all permanent supportive housing at Alameda Point, increasing the permanent supportive unit count from 200 to over 330 units, while also expanding APC’s service facilities.

Media Contact
Gena Vincenzi, Administrative Manager

Email: gvincenzi@apcollaborative.org Phone: 510-898-7835

Read the full article here: Alameda Post: Doug Biggs Retires

Also Read Below For Doug’s Letter To The Residents:

Dear Residents,

The time has come for me to say goodbye to you, as I am retiring at the end of this month. I
have worked at APC for more than 20 years, and will cherish every moment of my time spent
here, and will remember each and everyone of you that I got to know during my time. It has
been an amazing opportunity and honor to be able to work for you and to share in your
accomplishments.

I believe I am leaving APC at a good time, we have hired a new Executive Director, Andrea
Urton, who is definitely an upgrade! She will help guide the agency and you to a soft landing,
and improved quality of life at the new RESHAP housing once it is completed. Having someone
with new ideas and a fresh approach is the perfect way to start out life in a new community.
I will still be consulting with APC into next year to help manage the construction projects, and
make sure they stay on track, and I will also stop by at the holiday meal on the 19 th to say
goodbye in person.

I wish you all the success and joy each and every one of you deserve, and again I want to thank
you for the privilege of working with you.

Sincerely,

Doug Biggs