Non-profit, low-income housing developer to seek permanent CEO
STOCKTON, CA. – (June 30, 2026) – Visionary Home Builders of California has named Justin Llata and Annette Sanchez as interim co-Chief Executive Officers to lead day-today business operations at the non-profit, affordable housing developer.
Llata and Sanchez each have previously served in executive roles for Visionary Home Builders, and as interim co-CEOs will again serve together specializing in development/finance and operations/human resources roles, respectively. The Board of Directors will oversee an independent national search for a permanent CEO to replace Carol J. Ornelas, who separated from the company Monday.
Llata previously served with Visionary for more than 20 years in various roles, most recently as chief operating officer from 2011 to 2020 and chief real estate development officer from 2020 to 2023. Sanchez served as chief operating officer for Visionary from 2020 to 2024, following a 20-year tenure at El Concilio, the Central Valley’s largest Latino-led nonprofit community service agency. She most recently ran as a candidate for City of Stockton Councilmember, District 1 in the June 2026 primary election.
“Visionary Home Builders is unified in our commitment to upholding the values, mission and vision of this organization for our employees, tenants and business and community partners,” said Lisa Blanco Jimenez, Chair of the Board of Directors for Visionary. “Our professional and dedicated staff delivers excellent outcomes as advocates for the affordable housing community and will continue to be proud partners with community
leaders and like-minded organizations for quality affordable housing.’’
Ornelas led Visionary for more than 40 years, overseeing construction and rehabilitation of more than 1,400 units of rental housing and over 900 homes for first-time buyers. VHB’s Homeownership and Rental Center has assisted thousands of families through foreclosure processes and loan modifications.
“With these passionate, experienced and well-known leaders stepping to the helm once again, we will remain true to our founding mission to create and advocate for healthy, vibrant and safe communities throughout this leadership transition,” Jimenez added.
