Meet Sean Gilbert, NAHRO 2025-2027 President!
October 9, 2025 — On September 30, Sean Gilbert began his term as President of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. Gilbert, who is also the Executive Director of Tennessee Valley Housing Services, took his oath of office at the closing plenary session of NAHRO’s National Conference and Exhibition in Phoenix, Arizona.
“Sean is a veteran houser and a true servant leader,” said NAHRO CEO Mark Thiele. “As a NAHRO Fellow, which is our highest designation, he is also committed to sharing his experience and expertise with others in the affordable housing industry. I look forward to working with him even more closely over the next two years.”
“I am grateful and honored that NAHRO’s more than 26,000 members nationwide chose me to serve as president,” said Gilbert. “As Warren Bennis once said, ‘Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality,” and I am excited to help lead the organization towards achieving our shared vision of thriving communities with affordable homes for all.”
As Executive Director of the Tennessee Valley Housing Services (TVHS), Gilbert directs day- to-day operations of a staff that operates or subsidizes over 1,100 affordable homes. Prior to this, he was the Senior Vice President of Housing for Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC), where he directed the management, maintenance and renovation of KCDC’s Housing and Section 8 Departments. He served as Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Pikeville, KY for 18.5 years prior to joining KCDC.
Gilbert is a past President of the Kentucky Housing Association (KHA), past President of SERC-NAHRO and multi-term member on the NAHRO Board of Governors. He has served or currently serves on numerous local, state, regional and national committees and boards. In 2017 he was recognized with NAHRO’S Emerging Leader Award. In 2019 he was inducted into the KHA’s Hall of Fame. In 2021, he was named a NAHRO Fellow.
About NAHRO
NAHRO, which was established in 1933, is a membership organization of more than 26,000 housing and community development providers and professionals throughout the United States. NAHRO members create and manage affordable housing for low- and middle-income families, and support vibrant communities that enhance the quality of life for all. NAHRO members administer more than 3 million homes for more than 8 million people