Washington, DC – (October 13, 2023) Today, the National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders (NAAHL) announces the retirement of President and Chief Executive Officer Benson (Buzz) Roberts, effective December 31, 2023. Roberts will close his career after serving affordable housing and community development for over 45 years, including nearly eight years in his leadership role at NAAHL.
“NAAHL is special because it unites major banks and mission-driven capital providers to expand economic opportunity by financing housing and stabilizing struggling communities,” Roberts said. “Our members provide more than $200 billion in sustainable financing every year. They know what works in a wide range of local communities. I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity NAAHL has given me and for all the people I’ve been fortunate to work with. I know that NAAHL will continue to build on its achievements in the years ahead.”
At NAAHL and over his career, Roberts helped to create and improve such ground-breaking policies such as Low Income Housing Tax Credit, the New Markets Tax Credit, HOME Investment Partnerships block grants, the Capital Magnet Fund, Treasury Department funding for FHA multifamily risk-sharing loans, regulatory changes to the Community Reinvestment Act, and the proposed Neighborhood Homes Investment Act. The annual Policy & Practice Conference convened by NAAHL and its affiliated Center for Community Lending provides a forum for policymakers and practitioners to share best practices and innovations. Roberts also serves as a board member of several national and local nonprofit organizations and coalitions and has written extensively about affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization.
“Buzz Roberts has been a driving force behind the success of NAAHL and has selflessly worked to ensure that the policies continue to be in place for the benefit of NAAHL members and the millions of people who need affordable and sustainable housing,” said Merilyn Rovira, Senior Vice President of Capital/Strategic Initiatives of The Community Development Trust and NAAHL’s Chair. “For the remainder of his time, I know Buzz will continue to lead the organization and help find a worthy successor who will be committed to advancing NAAHL’s mission.”
In anticipation of the transition, NAAHL has hired Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA), a global executive search and leadership advisory firm, to partner with them on the search for Roberts’ successor as the CEO of NAAHL.
To find more information on how to apply or to share candidate suggestions, please reach out to naahl@russellreynolds.com.
About National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders
NAAHL is the only national alliance of banks, CDFIs, and other capital providers dedicated to expanding economic opportunity by financing affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization. NAAHL has worked to advance responsible community reinvestment, fight predatory lending, and strengthen public-private partnerships.
For more information, visit www.naahl.org.
