We here at ^Housing Futures believe that highlighting those who advocate and work on behalf of the social housing sector is important.  Below, you will learn about some of the rock-stars of advocacy who have figured out the power of this medium.

1 Sunia Zaterman, Council for Large Public Housing Authorities: Executive Director- -United States: Sunia has over thirty years of experience in affordable housing issues at the federal, state, and local levels. She is the Executive Director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA).  CLPHA works with larger housing authorities around the United States and also advocates and educates congress and others about the importance of public housing.  Sunia holds a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from Princeton University and a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Barnard College.

2 Sebastien Garnier- Netherlands: Sebastien  has many years of advocating for affordable housing both for the Dutch industry and at the European level.  He is extremely knowledgeable about how social housing intersects with European policy and has been a strong advocate for several years.  He is very active on social media. and a good follow if you want to know what is going on in Europe.

3 Mike Allen- Executive Housing Northwest-Australia-Mike Allen is the former longstanding Chief Executive of Housing NSW.  He has accrued almost 40 years experience in social/affordable housing management and asset services, homelessness services, and community and Aboriginal housing.  Mike has led a number of major reforms including more recently the development of the National Regulatory System for Community Housing.  Not only has Mike worked in the social housing field but he has been one of it’s strongest advocates for decades.

4 Jeff Falcusan: Chief Program Officer: National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO)-USA– Jeff has built up a solid reputation as being an advocate and a leader in the USA.  He has worked for NAHRO for several years in roles ranging from a policy adviser who would draft statements for people going in front of congress to a direct liaison and policy wonk.   In his current role, he works across the organization and still has a supreme knowledge about what is happening on the hill.  He can be counted on to be a strong advocate for social housing in America and a source of knowledge.

5 Jeff Morrison Executive Director, Canadian Housing and Renewal Association-Candada- In a smart and interesting move, the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association went outside the sector to find an advocate with a strong history of governmental relations.  Jeff Morrison came to this agency after already having served as a federal affairs director with Glaxo SmithKline and Director of Governmental Relations for the Canadian Pharmacy industry.  He know brings the full force of his experience and connections to the Canadian social housing industry.  It is nice to see the industry step out and bring in fresh talent.

Conclusion:

Do you know an advocate worth highlighting?  Please email us at info@housingfutures.org and let us know!