The HomeOwnership Center is overseen by a board of directors dedicated to growing and strengthening the services and programs we offer. These community leaders strive to provide valuable resources to area residents, which ultimately strengthens our communities and enhances the quality of life of all involved. Together we can make a difference in our communities by guiding residents through financial counseling and reliable home lending services.
Steven Nida, President
Branch Manager
WoodForest National Bank
Steven Nida is the President of the HomeOwnership Center Board and has been a member of the HomeOwnership Center Board of Directors since 2014. He is the Branch Manager of Woodforest National Bank in Fairmont, WV. Mr. Nida worked for 10 years with Woodforest National Bank. In addition, he was a previous Vice President and Branch Manager for Premier Bank in Buckhannon and Bridgeport, WV. Steven served as a 2x Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #1135.
“I’m very excited to serve on the HomeOwnership Center board and bring the dream of homeownership to our area residents. I remember my first experience in buying a home and how daunting the process was… We are able to provide our customers with so much good information, advice, and assistance during the home buying process, as well as our down payment assistance loan product that enables buyers to get into a home when they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to with traditional financing.”
Steven Nida is a graduate of Davis & Elkins College with a Bachelor’s Degree in History / Political Science.
Brad Schumacher, Vice President
Branch Manager
Huntington National Bank
Brad Schumacher joined the HomeOwnership Center’s Board of Directors in September 2015 and has served as Vice President since 2019. Brad has worked as Vice President and Branch Manager of Huntington Bank in Elkins, WV, since February of 2000. Brad is responsible for managing retail and business banking for Huntington Bank in Randolph County, including retail and business loans, checking accounts, and credit cards.
“I joined the HomeOwnership Board because I loved the mission of the organization. The fact that the HOC can help people get into the home of their dreams is the primary reason I joined. We can help with downpayment assistance, credit counseling, and partnering with other organizations to help finance homes for families.”
Carrie Allender, Treasurer
Vice President of Lending and Business Development
Davis Trust Company
Carrie Allender joined the HomeOwnership Center’s Board of Directors in January of 2017. She began her role as the Vice President of Lending and Business Development at Davis Trust Company in November of 2022. She will primarily be working out of the Loan Production Office (LPO) in Tucker County. She entered the banking industry in the early 2000s. Carrie is a resident of Tucker County.
“I am excited to be part of an organization that helps families of all income levels achieve their dream of homeownership through financial assistance, education, and step-by-step assistance through the home buying process.”
Carrie is a graduate of Davis and Elkins College with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.
PJ Binns, Secretary
Consumer Service Manager, Burlington United Methodist Family Services
Adjunct Professor, Business/Marketing Department, Davis and Elkins College
PJ Binns joined the HomeOwnership’s Board of Directors in March of 2020. He has worked as the Regional Supervisor for Burlington United Methodist Family Services for their Safe At Home Program since October 2016. Prior to this he worked 15 years in the behavioral health field. He also works as an adjunct faculty member of Davis and Elkins College in the Business Department.
“I am excited to be a member of this organization that helps people in my home community. Being from the Elkins area and having most of my family still here, I know how important it is to keep this community thriving and helping those within it. I was lucky to purchase my first home through the HomeOwnership Center and know how the great opportunities they provide can help others like myself.””
PJ received his Bachelors of Psychology and MBA from West Virginia University.
Brittany Hicks, Member
Digital Strategy Project Manager
Cornershop Creative
Brittany Hicks joined the HomeOwnership Center’s Board of Directors in March of 2020. She worked in West Virginia nonprofits for 18 years before joining Cornershop Creative, a full service digital agency, in 2022. In her current role as a digital strategy project manager, she helps a wide range of nonprofit clients manage their online presence, including website design and development, email marketing, and SEO. In 2019, she and her spouse became first-time homeowners with the help of the HomeOwnership Center.
“I believe access to affordable, safe housing and the opportunity to purchase a home is a critical factor for young people determining whether to stay or move away. For myself, buying and taking care of an old home in these mountains has been a lifelong dream. It represents an investment in my community, a sense of permanence and stability, and a connection to the past through the history of our circa 1909 home. As a member of the board, I hope to make homeownership more accessible to those who have historically been excluded from it.”
Brittany earned her B.A. in Appalachian Studies from Davis & Elkins College and her M.A. in Appalachian Studies from Appalachian State University.
Katie Marcum, Member
Attorney
Legal Aid of West Virginia
Katie Marcum joined the HomeOwnership’s Board of Directors in March 2021. She is an attorney at Legal Aid of West Virginia in the Elkins office where she has worked since 2017. Katie is a native of Randolph County, and provides services to clients in Randolph, Tucker, Upshur, Barbour, Pendleton and Grant Counties. In her practice, she assists low-income individuals and victims of domestic violence in a variety of civil legal issues, including unemployment, housing, adoption and guardianship, and family court matters.
“I see every day the importance of housing stability and the benefits of home ownership in breaking the cycle of generational poverty and creating generational wealth. I am honored to work with a dynamic and thoughtful organization that prioritizes making the dream of home ownership a reality for families that may be excluded from traditional programs.”
Katie earned her B.A. in English Literature from West Virginia Wesleyan, her M.A. in Anglo-Irish Literature and Drama from the University College Dublin, and her J.D. from the West Virginia University College of Law. She is a member of the West Virginia State Bar.
Joseph Solberg, Member
Joe Solberg joined HomeOwnership Center’s Board of Directors in March 2023. Previously the Assistant Finance Director, Joe serves as the Finance Manager of the City of Weston, WV. Prior to this, Joe has worked in the non-profit and public sectors. In his work, Joe gets excited about grant writing and program development. His areas of interest and passion include economic development and social services. Joe is responsible for the financial oversight of the City of Weston, and manages their $3 million budget.
“In my daily communications with citizens in and around Weston, in my experience working in social services, and in my own life, I hear the need for housing solutions. To buy and own a home is one of the biggest steps in achieving financial strength and stability. The more homeowner occupied homes our communities have, the stronger we are – that’s why I am committed to the mission of the HomeOwnership Center.”
Joe lives in Jane Lew with his wife Courtney, daughter Lydia, and two cats. He was a customer of the HomeOwnership Center in 2022.