Ability Housing Appoints New Strategy Chief
The Florida-based nonprofit developer brings on Paula Naugle Bides to help oversee its expansion and development goals.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in People
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Ability Housing has appointed Paula Naugle Bides as the new chief of strategy and development to lead its organizational growth and partnership initiatives. Bides brings 20 years of experience in the health care sector to the nonprofit, which is marking its 35th anniversary this month.
Why it matters
The hire is designed to support the organization as it works to address the ongoing need for access to safe and stable affordable housing across Florida. Bides will oversee fund development and operational strategies to help the group meet its ambitious production targets.
Ability Housing plans to develop more than 2,200 affordable housing units by 2030, a significant jump from the 180 units added in the past year. Current pipeline projects across Jacksonville, Orlando, and St. Petersburg aim to serve nearly 300 families.
The players
Paula Naugle Bides
She is the newly appointed chief of strategy and development for Ability Housing and has two decades of prior experience in the health care sector.
Ability Housing
This Florida-based nonprofit developer specializes in creating affordable multifamily housing and is currently celebrating 35 years of operation.
The details
In her new role, Bides is responsible for marketing and communications initiatives along with partnership growth and operational efficiency. She holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Florida and a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Central Florida.
Timeline
Ability Housing celebrated its 35th anniversary in October 2026.
More than 180 units were added in the past year in St. Augustine and Jacksonville.
The organization targets the completion of 2,200 affordable units by 2030.
Market Landscape
This leadership expansion follows the trend of nonprofit organizations scaling their administrative capabilities to meet the high demand for affordable housing in Florida. By professionalizing its development strategy, Ability Housing is positioning itself to compete more effectively for limited funding and land resources.
The organizational growth will directly impact residents in Jacksonville, Orlando, and St. Petersburg as the nonprofit works to add 2,200 housing units to the market by 2030. Families seeking stable housing in these high-growth areas may see increased availability in the coming years.
The takeaway
The appointment of a new strategy chief signals a significant push toward long-term expansion for the organization. As housing affordability remains a critical issue in Florida, the success of these development goals will be vital for supporting thousands of residents.
Further reading
For more information on organizational shifts in the state, visit our People section.
More information
Learn more about the organization's mission and pipeline at the Ability Housing official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Ponte Vedra Recorder.
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