Francis’s journey at CHL is driven by one powerful belief: safe, affordable housing is a fundamental human right. It’s this passion for social equity that first brought Francis to CHL and it’s what continues to motivate him in his role as Treasurer.
For Francis, working at CHL means being part of something that creates a real, tangible impact. “I’ve always believed that housing is more than just a roof over your head. It’s a foundation for everything else in life,” he says. “Joining CHL allowed me to align my career with a mission that directly improves people’s lives.”
As Treasurer, Francis is responsible for managing cash flow, overseeing bank funding strategies and assisting in planning for CHL’s long-term financial sustainability. His role is essential in ensuring CHL can continue its vital work providing affordable housing to communities in need. As he puts it, “I want to make sure the financial strategies we implement will allow CHL to grow and thrive, ensuring we can continue delivering affordable housing sustainably.”
One of the standout moments in Francis’s career was the creation of a treasury investment framework which has goes a long way to CHL’s objective in be a wise financial steward, ultimately contributing to funding for new housing projects. “That was a big milestone for me,” he reflects. “It was incredibly rewarding to see how this framework helped secure more resources for projects that make a difference to people’s lives.”
On any given day, Francis is balancing multiple tasks to ensure the financial health of CHL. His work also involves managing relationships with lenders, staying on top of compliance requirements and constantly exploring new funding options. It’s a dynamic role that requires a keen eye for detail and long-term planning.
Collaboration is key in CHL and Francis is no stranger to working as part of a team. “I work closely with the finance, project delivery and operational teams to make sure our financial planning supports the services we deliver and the outcomes we want to achieve,” he says. This collaborative approach ensures the organisation’s goals are aligned across all departments and that financial decisions are made with consideration for our purpose.
Reflecting on his journey at CHL, Francis is proud of the sense of purpose that defines his work. “What stands out most about my journey is how deeply connected I feel to the community impact we strive for every day,” he explains. “It’s a role that challenges me to think strategically while always keeping the broader mission in mind.”