NAHRO Names Three Outstanding Professionals of the Year
On September 29, NAHRO announced three recipients of the Outstanding Professional of the Year Award at the National Conference and Exhibition in Phoenix, Arizona. Here are this year’s awardees:
- Charity Saweikis is a Resident Service Coordinator for the Frostburg (Md.) Housing Authority. She is a Maryland Certified Community Health Worker and holds a certification in Self-Sufficiency Service Coordination. Her Meet me at the Table resident service program earned her agency a NAHRO Award of Merit.
- Jerome D. Ryans is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Tampa (Fla.) Housing Authority. His influence is strongly felt at THA’s Assisted Housing Department, which provides vital subsidized rental assistance to approximately 12,000 families across Hillsborough County and has received the prestigious High Performer designation for 18 consecutive years.
- Melissa Taphorn is the Executive Director of the Washington County (Minn.) Community Development Agency, which provides access to affordable housing and support to community and economic development in its 33 municipalities. She has served as the Minnesota NAHRO Legislative chair and on NAHRO’s Legislative Network Advisory Committee since 2018.
“Dedicated affordable housing professionals do excellent work in housing agencies of all sizes, in communities all over the nation,” said NAHRO CEO Mark Thiele. “I’m thrilled to be presenting NAHRO’s most prestigious award to these three accomplished housers. They inspire me!”
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.