NAHRO Presents Emerging Leader Award to Melissa Green 

On September 29, the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials presented Melissa Green, Deputy Director of the Bristol Housing Authority (BHA), with the 2025 Emerging Leader award at the NAHRO National Conference and Exhibition in Phoenix, Arizona. 

“Melissa is both a dedicated houser who leads by example and steps up when she’s needed,” said NAHRO CEO Mark Thiele. “She has served as both state and regional leadership, has been appointed to NAHRO’s Professional Development Committee, and holds multiple housing certifications.  We’re all excited to work more closely with her.” 

Ms. Green’s housing career began in 2001 when she joined BHA as a Section 8 Housing Coordinator. At the time, the program was designated as “troubled” by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Through her leadership, determination, and strategic oversight, the program was successfully rehabilitated and ultimately recognized as a high-performing initiative. Before joining BHA, she worked with a nonprofit agency supporting families through an eviction prevention program.  

About NAHRO  

NAHRO, established in 1933, is a membership organization of nearly 20,000 housing and community development agencies and professionals throughout the United States whose mission is to create affordable housing and safe, viable communities that enhance the quality of life for all Americans, especially those of low- and moderate-income. NAHRO’s membership administers more than 3 million housing units for 7.6 million people.  

About The Emerging Leaders Award  

The Emerging Leaders Award recognizes an individual who has been involved in NAHRO at the national, regional and/or chapter levels for at least five years and has distinguished him or herself as an emerging leader.