Vanessa B. McCleary serves as the Vice President of Real Estate Development at the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, Inc. (CDC of Tampa), where she leads innovative strategies to expand access to affordable housing across Hillsborough County. With over 30 years of experience in community development and real estate across four states, Vanessa has secured and managed more than $75 million in public and private funding to drive equitable development, neighborhood revitalization, and housing innovation.

Prior to joining CDC of Tampa, Vanessa served as the Housing and Community Development Manager for the City of Tampa, overseeing a $12 million annual portfolio of housing programs and leading initiatives such as the city’s Infill Housing Program and post-disaster redevelopment. Her work blends deep policy knowledge with practical development expertise—from navigating HUD programs and leveraging tax credits to managing construction timelines and site acquisition.

Vanessa brings a unique perspective to today’s discussion, as she navigates how rising construction costs—including those driven by federal tariffs on materials—impact the ability of mission-driven developers to deliver affordable housing. She is passionate about protecting affordability, reducing development barriers, and creating sustainable solutions that serve legacy residents and promote economic inclusion.

Vanessa holds degrees in Human Services and Business Administration and is certified in Real Estate Development, Project Management, and Non-Profit Leadership. She is a Diamond Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and actively serves on several nonprofit and industry boards across the Tampa Bay region.