By Joshua Burd
A Hoboken-based development and consulting firm has a new co-owner after a recent promotion within its executive team.
Rockabill Consulting, which specializes in the affordable and supportive housing sector, announced Monday that it has elevated Katie Devine to principal. She has served as a senior vice president since joining the firm in March 2018 and is now a co-owner alongside Niall Murray, its managing principal and founder, as well as Richard Brown and Tim Collins.
“Katie approaches her work with intelligence, passion and integrity, all qualities that we value at Rockabill,” Murray said. “During her tenure as SVP, Katie has earned the respect of her colleagues and emerged as a trusted adviser to the nonprofit supportive housing community, bringing both expertise and grit to the fight to create more affordable housing in New York.”
Rockabill said that, since her arrival, Devine has emerged as a leader in the supportive housing and shelter arena. Her recent work includes helping preserve and rehabilitate single-room occupancy supportive housing in Manhattan’s Chelsea and Upper West Side sections, along with assisting a provider of homeless services in acquiring and building a new homeless shelter and co-located Federally Qualified Health Center.
“I’ve long been committed to creating and preserving affordable, supportive housing and shelter for individuals and families in the greatest need — in particular, formerly homeless individuals with mental illness or other disabilities,” Devine said. “It was important to me to continue this work when I joined Rockabill, and I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to focus on these types of projects and work with truly incredible housing and service providers.”
The firm also highlighted Devine’s work in helping a community-based organization in Harlem to preserve senior housing and a shelter for homeless families.
“Rockabill is unique in that not only do we produce good work on behalf of our clients and partners, but we take an extremely collaborative and creative approach,” Devine added. “As a team, we’re always looking for new and innovative projects and solutions for our clients. I’m truly honored that Niall, Richard and Tim have welcomed and helped me grow as they have over the past two years.”
Murray added: “I am incredibly pleased to make Katie a partner in our company. Creating a pathway from employee to ownership is an integral part of our model and this is both recognition and appreciation of Katie’s talent beyond just a promotion. For two years, Katie has been the driving force behind Rockabill’s rise as a leader in the preservation of permanent supportive housing and we can’t wait to see her grow her business further.”
