our staff
Interim Executive Director: Gretchen Flatau
Gretchen Flatau is a veteran of the not-for-profit world; her career started in Boston as a community organizer in public housing. After moving back to Austin, she served as program director, development director or executive director at multiple local and statewide nonprofit organizations—all focused on making our communities better places to live and work. During the last 12 years, Gretchen has contributed as a nonprofit management consultant and an Interim Executive Director with a focus on improving how npo’s function and thrive. Her interim positions have been with a number of local organizations including Austin Tenants Council, College Houses, Waller Creek Conservancy (now Waterloo Greenway), Austin Parks Foundation, Ben’s Friends Patient Support Communities, YouthLaunch plus others.
Gretchen is currently serving on the Project Connect Community Advisory Committee that is responsible for advising the Austin Transit Partnership and the City of Austin on how $300 million in anti-displacement funds should be spent. She also volunteers at Foundation Communities as a healthcare marketplace navigator. Gretchen has two children who grew up in Austin; her son now works as a software developer in Madison and her daughter is an attorney in Chicago. When she isn’t working, Gretchen enjoys cooking, hiking, gardening and traveling with her husband, Art and her dog, Archie.
Facilities Manager: Chris Hegar
Chris joined the ICC Austin team in November 2016. Chris oversees all aspects of facilities including conducting and coordinating repairs, managing contractors, and generally keeping the houses in working order. Chris started his career by working with his father and learning the carpentry and construction trade. He then moved on to work at Brackenridge Hospital, Seton Shoal Creek Psychiatric, and the Conservatory. Chris spends his time outside of work with his wife, son, 3 dogs, a cat, lizards, and fish. He loves exploring all that Austin has to offer from the food, event, concerts, etc. One of his favorite past times is traveling to see music all around the country. He’s also mastering the fine skills of BBQ’ing.
Operations Manager: Billy Thogersen
Billy has been with ICC Austin for over 20 years serving in multiple capacities including facilities director and executive director. Billy knows the ICC Austin houses inside and out and is responsible for most of the capital improvements over the last two decades. He has helped ICC Austin grow through major organizational shifts and was instrumental in the development of our newest community – Ruth Schulze. Billy is a graduate of the University of Texas and an alumni member of House of Commons and New Guild. Outside of work, Billy enjoys woodworking, listening to music, and playing games.
Cooperative Learning Program Director: Frances Disney
“Education…is the practice of freedom, the means by which men and women deal critically and creatively with reality and discover how to participate in the transformation of their world” –Paulo Freire
This marks Frances’ 13th year facilitating education programming with diverse communities of students. Originally from sunny SoCal, Frances has been privileged to work with a variety of learning communities, including charter, public, and private organizations. As a proud first generation college graduate, Frances is driven by a passion for educational reform and community building. She holds a Master’s in Education from UCLA and a Doctoral degree in Education Leadership from UC San Diego. Prior to ICC-Austin, Dr. Disney has served as a Director of Learning Strategies and AISD School Site AVID Coordinator. She is thrilled to be able to promote students’ intrapersonal learning and wellbeing through a cooperative living model.
We provide quality, affordable, and healthy cooperative housing for students with financial need.
2305 Nueces Street
Austin, TX 78705
512-476-1957
© 2022 ICC Austin
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