IMMOKALEE — AJ Attavar has joined the board of directors for the Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) created in 2018 by a group of concerned citizens who saw the damage done by Hurricane Irma to already substandard trailers and shacks rented by farmworkers, essential workers and other low-income families in Immokalee. The organization is currently constructing the first of eight new affordable housing units for qualifying families.

Attavar first learned about the critical situation in Immokalee in 2022 during his time with the Leadership Collier program through the Greater Naples Chamber Leadership Collier Foundation.

“I was truly astonished that in Collier County – one of the richest areas in the country – there were such difficulties,” said Attavar, “When I visited Immokalee, I felt like I needed a passport; it was like a third-world country.”

He continued to hear stories about the challenges facing Immokalee and felt like the Immokalee Fair Housing Alliance (IFHA) was “doing what others couldn’t do.” Wanting to get involved and make a difference, Attavar met with IFHA Chairman Dr. Arol Buntzman and accepted an invitation to join the Board. He has jumped in by organizing and leading a fund development session at his Wilshire Lakes community clubhouse for his Leadership Collier Class and other friends.

Professionally, Attavar has an extensive resume as a seasoned technology and healthcare entrepreneur and executive. He was with Arthrex for 11 years and is the current founder and President of NPS, Inc., an information technology consulting firm that provides services to for-profit and non-profit organizations.

In addition to Attavar, board members include Dr. Arol Buntzman, CEO and board chair; Betty Mangos, vice chair; Alan Penick, treasurer; Rev. Rob Marrow, secretary; Carleton Cleveland, development chair; Richard Grunert; Rev. Graham Hart; Ashley Jones; Julia Perkins; Rev. Melana Scruggs; and Dr. Martine Woolley.