Toby O’Berry has been named executive director of the Polk County Housing Trust Fund, the nonprofit group announced today.

O’Berry, who begins the new position on June 5, has been director of Iowa Homeless Youth Centers since September 2013. He is also associate vice president of transition for Youth and Shelter Services.

He will replace Eric Burmeister, who is retiring on June 30. Burmeister has been Polk County Housing Trust Fund’s executive director for 12 years.

The Trust Fund, which was formed by the Polk County Board of Supervisors in 1995, describes itself as a “comprehensive planning, advocacy and funding organization for affordable housing.”
The Polk County Housing Trust Fund board conducted a national search for an executive director. About 20 applications were submitted; five people were interviewed.

O’Berry has over 20 years of experience working in the finance, real estate and housing sectors, according to a news release. He has worked as a real estate analyst for Principal Financial Group in Des Moines and in corporate real estate for Morgan Stanley in New York City.

O’Berry, who grew up in Ames, learned about property management from a residential real estate company his family owned and managed, according to a news release. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in management from Luther College and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Denver.

O’Berry serves on the board of directors for United Way of Central Iowa and Orchard Place. He is also on Homeward Iowa’s directors’ council.