Ricky Cheath’s journey as a first-generation Cambodian refugee, who came to the U.S. to escape civil war, solidified in him the value of sustainable home ownership. In addition to his role as senior vice president of regional development and diversity lending at Granite Mortgage, Cheath sits on the executive board of the Roseville-based Housing First Minnesota Foundation, which builds transitional homes for people who are homeless. Currently, Housing First is partnering with the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans to build three homes in Minneapolis. Cheath twice served as president of Asian Real Estate Association of America—Twin Cities and sits on its advisory board. He is also on the leadership committee at the Homeownership Opportunity Alliance (HOA) and regularly speaks at high schools and colleges on the importance of financial literacy.