Trinity Development Alliance (TDA) is pleased to announce and welcome new board director, Jim Schirmer, to the TDA team!  We are thrilled to have Jim share his time and talents, along with his impressive legacy of service to his country and community. 

Jim served in the US Army for the majority of his career. Right out of high school, he attended the US Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned as an Armor Officer. The first part of his military career was spent in operational units, where he journeyed far and wide, serving on tanks in Germany, Texas, Kuwait, and Bosnia. He then moved into the Army Acquisition Corps where he was involved in purchasing, testing, producing and fielding equipment for the Army.  As project management specialist he managed a number of combat vehicle programs for the Army. 

For nearly three decades, Jim served our country, retiring as a Colonel. In 2023, he left the government and went to work in the defense industry as a civilian. 

Jim’s family was a key component of his service to his country. His beloved wife of 31 years, Amanda, and his four sons, did what many military families have to do: moving homes regularly. The moves took the family to Kentucky, Germany, Texas, Kansas, Michigan (twice), Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and eventually, back to Michigan, where Jim retired from active duty. It was not easy for the family, but they focused on the positive. 

“It was sometimes difficult, especially for the kids,” shares Jim. “But we really enjoyed all the different places we got to see and the friends we made along the way.” 

Today, settled in Michigan, he and Amanda, now enjoy their adult sons, travel, concerts, sports, and working around the house. 

And now, Jim is also prepared to support underserved communities in his new role as a board director with TDA. Jim has been acquainted with TDA CEO Kirsten Dernbach since their high school days, and was both surprised and excited when she reached out to him to share the opportunities to give a hand up to rural communities through affordable housing and other critical services and resources. 

“I consider affordable housing a very worthy cause and was impressed at how quickly Kirsten had grown TDA from scratch,” says Jim. “One of things that resonates with me most is the upgrowth pillar – how do we help residents grow out of affordable housing so that it is a stepping stone rather than a permanent destination. Probably the most challenging of the tasks in front of TDA, but very important.” 

Jim is eager to learn more about affordable housing and welcomes meaningful conversations and analysis on how he can best be of service in helping to contribute to solutions and creative problem-solving. 

Here is Jim’s take. 

“I still have a lot to learn about affordable housing, but two things that concern me right away,” said Jim. “The first is that demand is outstripping supply across the country. We’ve all heard a lot about the increase in homelessness across the country, and probably a less visible increase in people who are couch surfing or living with others in less than ideal circumstances. So the shortage of affordable housing contributes to misery and crime as well as reducing the labor supply in those communities where it’s difficult to find. 

The second area of concern I have is the stability of affordable housing.  As properties change hands, low interest loans mature, grants run out, etcetera, residents with little means may be forced to move unless the larger community can find a way to keep that property viable in the affordable housing market.” 

Jim is anxious to learn more about the affordable housing ecosystem to address those very concerns and continue to serve individuals, families, and communities in need. 

Thank you, Jim for joining the TDA team! We are honored to have you!