Blueprint for July
Going to the Races
By Jessica Hoefer
3 min read
The National Housing & Rehabilitation Association has been bringing together industry leaders for 50 years. In that time many of its member organizations’ leaders have had long-tenured careers. We are now seeing a number of those leaders retiring. But each has left their mark on the industry, and in many instances were able to groom their successors. With a turnover in leadership there will inevitably be changes in missions, goals, perspectives and so on. But leaders are, by definition, changemakers, and in business, change is vital to growth and longevity.
The affordable housing industry has proven its resiliency year after year, a direct result of its leaders jockeying for change. They are the trailblazers who have opened doors to innovative construction, holistic approaches to the community, diversity and inclusion, sustainability and so much more. This month’s issue focuses on changes in leadership within our member companies, as well as in the government agencies that are related to our business. It is exciting to see what changes the next generation of leaders will bring.
Let’s take a look at some of the ongoing changes in the industry and to its leadership.
The National Housing & Rehabilitation Association is undergoing its own transition in leadership with the promotion of Kaitlyn Snyder to managing director. We’ll hear from her as she takes the reins in her first official Industry Insights setting the stage for continuity amid an ever-changing environment.
In Three Government Agencies Propose Updates to the Community Reinvestment Act we get a first-hand assessment of the impending changes to the CRA from Brian Coffee, president of the Affordable Housing Investors Council and Benson Roberts, president and COO of National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders.
In Retaining LIHTC Leadership – Why Succession Planning Matters CohnReznick shows us the need for “thoughtful succession.” The article asserts that, “The wealth of experience among Low Income Housing Tax Credit senior management is impressive and a key contributor to the broad success of the housing credit program…”
And in Generational Shift: Wave of Retirements Brings New Leaders into Affordable Housing Space some newly ascended leaders talk about their transitions into new roles. They offer advice on creating a smooth transfer of power, while one former company founder lends his thoughts on how to best pass the baton.
In Breaking Ground Larry Di Rita, Greater DC market president for Bank of America, talks about the bank’s holistic approach of using investments as catalysts for change to bolster community relationships, strengthen parks, nonprofits and other services and amenities in communities.
For a look at government leadership, this month’s Housing USA (p. 8) is a who’s who of top leaders for seven key federal agencies for affordable housing, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Federal Housing Administration, Department of the Treasury and others.
Here’s to the those leading the charge. Tallyho!
Regards,
Jessica Hoefer
Editor-in-Chief
