Dianna Payton Named NAHRO’s 2022 Commissioner of the Year 

Dianna Payton, Chairperson of the East Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority (EBRPHA), has been named Commissioner of the Year by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). The award was presented on Sept. 23 at NAHRO’s National Conference and Exhibition, NAHRO Together: Advancing Communities Together, in San Diego. 

“Dianna is an exemplary commissioner,” NAHRO CEO Mark Thiele said. “Her dedication to EBRPHA, ability to forge partnerships with local nonprofits, and support for the housing authority staff are proof of that.  We congratulate her and wish her the best!” 

Payton is a demonstrated community leader, advocate and public relations officer who was instrumental in the EBRPHA’s move from a traditional housing model to the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD). She encouraged the EBRPHA’s successful application for a Choice Neighborhoods grant to revitalize the Ardendale neighborhood, and was instrumental in building a partnership between EBRPHA, the YWCA and Build Baton Rouge to create a $11 million Early Childhood Learning and Women’s Development Center in Ardendale. 

In 2021, she was listed as one of 2021’s Influential Women in Business by the Baton Rouge Business Report and was awarded the National Association of Social Workers Baton Rouge Leadership Award in 2019, among many other awards and commendations. Her professional affiliations include the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge, the Women’s Council of Greater Baton Rouge, the Capital Area Network and the Baton Rouge Mayor’s Women’s Advancement Commission. 

About the Commissioner of the Year Award 

NAHRO’s Commissioner of the Year award honors a current commissioner, or one who has served within the past 12 months, who has demonstrated excellence in advocating for and developing the financial, political, and community support necessary to ensure the continuation and expansion of housing or community development programs. It was established in 1987 to honor the efforts of commissioners in the industry. The first award was given to Ms. Elizabeth B. Wells whose own contributions included being a member of the Board of Commissioners of the King County (WA) Housing Authority and serving as NAHRO’s first Vice President of the Commissioners Committee. This award is provided to a commissioner who embodies the excellence of Ms. Wells’ contributions.