Trusted Partners

About Us

Our History

TDA was founded by Kirsten Dernbach, who led Information Technology, Finance, and Customer Service teams at a Fortune 10 Telecommunication provider for over 25 years. Growing up in Eastern Washington and as a current resident in Tennessee, Kirsten fully recognizes the needs and challenges of rural communities. Upon leaving her corporate career, she decided to pursue her passion for community service and environmental sustainability by creating TDA.

TDA was formed in March 2020 in Nashville, TN, and received its 501(c)(3) designation in June of that year. TDA is a registered business and charitable organization in the state of Tennessee, Oregon, Montana, Washington, California, and Colorado.

Our Vision

Educate and cultivate inclusive and diverse communities through the development of affordable housing options that encourage self-sufficiency, long-term economic independence, and environmental sustainability for families, seniors, and people with special needs.

Our Mission

TDA is committed to working with for-profit and nonprofit partners to support innovative, affordable housing solutions in rural areas, creating diverse and sustainable communities that provide opportunity and inclusivity.

About Us

Equity Statement

TDA is passionate about the elimination of discrimination in all forms. We strive to advance equity where there are no barriers because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. We do this by fostering strong relationships with for-profit and nonprofit partners that share our commitment to this approach to affordable housing development, service delivery and business management.

Our Board of Directors

Meet TDA’s board of directors, who are dedicated, energized, creative, and eager to serve rural communities and create affordable housing and communities with heart.

Kirsten Dernbach
CEO and Director, Tennessee

Michael Holle
Secretary and Director, Washington

Jim Schirmer
Director, Michigan

Catherine Echols
Director, Georgia

Savita Gupta
Treasurer and Director, Virginia

Active Memberships

We are proud to be members of the following organizations.

National Council of State Housing Agencies – www.ncsha.org

American Association of Service Coordinators – www.servicecoordinator.org

Council for Affordable and Rural Housing – www.carh.org

National Affordable Housing Management Association – www.nahma.org