Christa Stoneham

Christa Stoneham is a member of the Board of Directors of the Center for Community Progress. She is the President and CEO of the Houston Land Bank (HLB), where she leads transformative initiatives to repurpose over $100 million worth of vacant and underutilized land into affordable housing and vibrant community spaces. Her work focuses on addressing critical urban challenges such as affordable housing, environmental justice, and sustainable development, with an emphasis on empowering underserved communities.

With more than 15 years of experience in architecture, urban planning, and community development, Stoneham is a recognized leader in her field. During her eight years with the City of Houston, she was instrumental in advancing $30 million across 600 transformative projects, directly benefiting over 20,000 residents in 10 neighborhoods. At HLB, she has amplified this impact by spearheading initiatives like the Finding Home Initiative, which emphasizes affordable, resilient, and green housing solutions. Her efforts have also secured over $5.5 million in federal grants to address environmental challenges and unlock opportunities in historically underserved neighborhoods.

A proud three-time graduate of Prairie View A&M University, Stoneham holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, a Master of Architecture, and a Master of Community Development. She has been recognized as one of Houston’s “Top 40 Under 40” and is the youngest CEO to lead a land bank in the United States.

Stoneham’s leadership is grounded in the power of collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation. Through initiatives such as community-driven design and partnerships with local and national stakeholders, she works tirelessly to create equitable opportunities and sustainable progress. Her passion lies in transforming blighted and abandoned spaces into thriving, generationally impactful neighborhoods that reflect Houston’s diversity and resilience.