Alice Small
Why PCH? Why were you interested in joining the PCH Board and working for affordable housing in Princeton? And how long have you been on the Board?
Affordable housing was not initially in my sights. When I first came to town, I was a member of my college club and was the treasurer of U-NOW day nursery. I also served on the Board of the Jewish Children and Family Services. Later on, after I retired, I served on the Consolidation Commission and the Transition Task Force where I had the opportunity to become reacquainted with my former colleague from the New Jersey Attorney General’s office, Valerie Haynes. She suggested that I join her on the PCH board, and so I did. I found PCH to be the most extraordinary organization in Princeton, that far too few people have heard about. Through my board service since 2014, I have become much more focused on the fundamental issues of fairness and the key role that affordable housing plays in individual and family success. The advantages offered by a community like Princeton must be extended beyond a few privileged individuals.
What is your professional background?
I was a government major in college but had an early career in publishing in Manhattan and had the opportunity to be part of the team representing NAL at the Frankfurt Book Fair. Later on, I worked at Mathematica and Educational Testing Service and graduated from law school the same year as my 25th college reunion. I went to law school at night, abandoning my then 8- and 12-year-old children to the excellent care of their father - who complained at the time that my going to law school was not part of the marriage contract! I clerked in two courts and was in private practice before I joined the Attorney General’s office. I retired as the chief shopper for the State of New Jersey.
What other volunteer activities do you participate in?
Up until last June, I was on the Board and then Board Secretary for the YWCA of Princeton. Presidency of the PCHDC board is a full-time volunteer activity!
How long have you been in the Princeton area and why did you come to this community?
We came to Princeton in June 1971 from New York City as newlyweds. I learned to drive on being threatened with abandonment in Manhattan unless I mastered the task. We came because Joe Small had gotten a job at Mathematica. After we arrived, we realized how fortunate we had been, and structured our careers around remaining in Princeton. We first sublet University housing, and then bought, in 1973, our starter house, where we remain to this day.
What are your hobbies and interests, specifically as they relate to housing?
My interest in affordable housing, beyond making it available to as many people as possible, is now to help create warm, welcoming, safe, and beautiful environments for our residents. I think we are very fortunate that our executive director, the magnificent Ed Truscelli, is an architect. My other interests include cooking up a storm, baking bread, and reading newspapers.