Middleburg CEO Chris Finlay Transitions Chairmanship of Entryway, the Organization He Founded 12 Years Ago

Melanie French to Succeed Him as Board Chair

VIENNA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Chris Finlay, founder and board chair of Entryway, announced today that he will be transitioning the chairmanship to Melanie French, CEO of RR Living, with Doug Bibby, former President of the National Multifamily Housing Council, becoming vice chair.

Finlay founded Entryway after piloting the model at Middleburg, his multifamily real estate company, where he saw firsthand how the apartment industry could serve as a bridge out of homelessness. Over the past twelve years, Entryway has grown into a nationwide movement supported by more than 100 apartment industry companies that has served more than 2,800 individuals on their path back to economic independence. Today the organization operates across 11 markets, with each hired participant generating nearly $100,000 in total economic impact for themselves and their communities.

"This is exactly the moment a founder should pass the baton," said Finlay. "Melanie and Doug bring the kind of industry leadership and credibility this organization deserves as it enters its next chapter. Combined with David Williams and our national team, Entryway has never been better positioned for growth. I'm not going anywhere as a believer in this work — I'll be cheering this team on from a front-row seat."

French currently serves as CEO of RR Living and brings more than 30 years of multifamily operations and talent leadership experience, including executive roles at Cortland, AIMCO, and DLP Capital. She served as Chair of the Finance Committee for Entryway's national board and was named a 2026 GlobeSt. Women of Influence honoree.

The transition will take effect immediately. Finlay will remain involved as an advocate for Entryway's mission going forward. "This organization will always be part of me," said Finlay. "I'm incredibly proud of what we've built, and I can't wait to see what Melanie, Doug, and this team accomplish next."