About Elevated CDC
Rooted in Delaware. Committed to Community.
Elevated CDC is a Delaware-based Community Development Corporation dedicated to building economic opportunity, affordable housing, and pathways to prosperity for underserved residents across the state.
Our Mission
Elevating Lives Through Community Development
We believe that every Delaware resident deserves access to stable housing, meaningful employment, and the opportunity to build wealth. Elevated CDC delivers integrated programs — housing development, workforce training, reentry support, and entrepreneurship education — that address the full spectrum of community need and create lasting economic stability.
Our Vision
A Delaware where every community has the resources, leadership, and investment needed to thrive.
Our Values
What Guides Our Work
Community First
Every decision starts with the question: what does the community need? We center the voices of those we serve.
Equity & Justice
We actively work to dismantle the systemic barriers that have excluded communities of color and low-income residents from economic opportunity.
Integrated Approach
We address the full spectrum of need — housing, employment, entrepreneurship, and reentry — because lasting change requires comprehensive solutions.
Accountability
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of transparency, fiscal responsibility, and measurable impact.
Our Story
Built From the Community, For the Community
Elevated CDC was founded by community leaders who saw firsthand the barriers facing Delaware's most underserved residents — the lack of affordable housing, the absence of workforce pathways, and the systemic inequities that kept families from building wealth. What began as a grassroots effort to address housing needs in Sussex County has grown into a statewide organization delivering integrated community development programs that have touched thousands of lives.
Founded
Elevated CDC established in Sussex County, Delaware with a focus on affordable housing development.
JumpStart Sussex Launched
Launched our flagship real estate development training program, the first of its kind in Delaware.
Workforce Programs Expanded
Expanded workforce training to serve 200+ residents annually across multiple sectors.
Reentry Initiative
Launched comprehensive reentry support program in partnership with the Delaware Department of Correction.
$50M Milestone
Surpassed $50 million in total community investment mobilized across housing and economic development.
Statewide Reach
Programs now serving all three Delaware counties with 1,200+ individuals trained and 500+ housing units developed.
Leadership Team
Experienced. Committed. Community-Rooted.
Marcus J. Williams
Executive Director
Marcus brings over 20 years of community development experience to Elevated CDC, having led housing and economic development initiatives across Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region.
Dr. Renée Carter
Director of Programs
Dr. Carter oversees all program operations, bringing expertise in workforce development, adult education, and community-based service delivery.
James O. Thornton
Director of Real Estate Development
James leads Elevated CDC's housing development pipeline, with deep expertise in affordable housing finance, LIHTC, and community revitalization.
Alicia M. Santos
Director of Development & Partnerships
Alicia manages Elevated CDC's fundraising, grant strategy, and institutional partnerships with foundations, government agencies, and financial institutions.
Board of Directors
Governance Rooted in Community
Elevated CDC is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors drawn from Delaware's business, civic, legal, and community development sectors. Our board provides strategic oversight, fiduciary accountability, and deep community connections.
Patricia L. Howard
Chair — Howard & Associates Law Group
Rev. Samuel T. Brooks
Vice Chair — Greater Wilmington Faith Coalition
Denise R. Okafor
Treasurer — First State Community Bank
Michael A. Reyes
Secretary — Delaware State University
Carolyn J. Washington
At-Large — DSHA (ret.)
Thomas E. Nguyen
At-Large — Nguyen Construction Group
Dr. Yvonne M. Pierce
At-Large — Christiana Care Health System
Anthony D. Freeman
At-Large — Community Resident Representative
Join Our Mission
Whether you want to volunteer, donate, partner, or refer someone to our programs — there's a place for you in the Elevated CDC community.