Building the Future Through Stewardship and Innovation

Few people embody Baptist Housing's commitment to stewardship quite like Erich Klein, our Associate Vice President, Asset Management & Sustainability.

After more than 14 years with Baptist Housing, Erich is stepping into a leadership role that reflects both his professional journey and the impact he has made across our ministry. From overseeing complex building systems to advancing award-winning sustainability initiatives, his work has helped ensure our communities remain safe, comfortable, and welcoming places for residents to call home.

Erich's path began in Germany, where he started a heating and plumbing apprenticeship at age 15. What began as hands-on trades work grew into a lifelong passion for building performance, innovation, and sustainability. After pursuing advanced studies in mechanical engineering and renewable energy, he moved to Canada and built a career that combines technical expertise with leadership, strategic planning, and asset management. Despite the breadth of his experience, Erich’s motivation has remained rooted in something much simpler: serving people.

"What initially drew me to Baptist Housing, and what continues to keep me here, is the mission," he says. "It's more than an organization. It's a ministry."

That sense of purpose has guided his work throughout his career. While residents may never see the planning, maintenance, and infrastructure work happening behind the scenes, they experience its impact every day through safe, reliable, and comfortable communities.

"What I value most is knowing that the work we do directly impacts people's daily lives," he says. "Creating environments where residents can live with dignity and peace of mind is incredibly rewarding."

Erich’s new role comes at an important time for both Baptist Housing and the senior living sector. As communities age and operating environments become more complex, thoughtful stewardship of resources has never been more important.

Over the past decade, Erich has helped position Baptist Housing as a leader in sustainability within the non-profit sector. Initiatives under his leadership have contributed to approximately 4,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas reductions, while innovative partnerships with utilities and government agencies have helped pilot new technologies and building systems. These initiatives have earned multiple energy and innovation awards. 

For Erich, sustainability is about more than environmental performance.

"What I enjoy most is solving complex challenges while delivering environmental and operational benefits that improve the environment for our residents."

As Associate Vice President, Erich will focus on strengthening consistency across maintenance and operational practices, advancing long-term asset stewardship and capital planning, and continuing to integrate sustainability into everyday operations. He is equally committed to supporting teams through strong partnerships, clear standards, and aligned leadership.

What excites him most is the opportunity to help shape the future.

"I'm excited to bring together people, processes, and innovation to strengthen how we serve residents and support our teams across the ministry."

Outside of work, Erich enjoys spending time with his family, staying active through sports and motorcycling, and participating in his church community. 

As he begins this new chapter, Baptist Housing is fortunate to have a leader whose technical expertise is matched by his commitment to our mission. His vision for the future is clear: strong communities, responsible stewardship, and innovative solutions that support exceptional living for the residents we serve.