The demands on housing and community development organizations are growing.
Rising costs, increasing complexity and shifting expectations require boards to lead with clarity, adaptability and purpose. For leaders across the NeighborWorks network, the question is no longer whether governance matters; it is whether boards are equipped to meet this moment.
For Sam Stuckey and Loaida Rodriguez, the answer is clear: Investing in governance is not optional, it is essential.
Stuckey, a board member with REACH Community Development, sees governance as a critical driver of trust and effectiveness in today’s environment. “A strong board builds trust with stakeholders and allows organizations to adapt to a rapidly changing landscape,” he said.
That adaptability is especially important as organizations navigate policy changes, funding pressures and evolving community needs.
“When your board is strong, you can respond in a way that is grounded in trust and aligned with your mission,” Stuckey said.
A transformative experience for leaders
For Rodriguez, a board member with HDC Mid-Atlantic, the academy was not just a professional development opportunity. It was a personal turning point. “It has truly changed the way I can be of service to my board,” she said.
Her experience reflects a broader theme among participants. The academy creates space for reflection, growth and deeper understanding of what governance requires.
“I thought I understood what it meant to serve on a board,” Rodriguez said. “But this experience gave me a completely new perspective.”
That perspective extends beyond individual growth.
“It feels like a family,” she said. “There’s no ego. People are open, honest and willing to learn from one another.”
Why this investment matters now
According to Jen Christian, NeighborWorks America's senior director of Network Leadership Development, the urgency is clear.
“The challenges facing housing and community development organizations are not getting easier,” she said. “Boards need to be prepared to lead through complexity and change.”
The Excellence in Governance Academy is designed to meet that need. Through structured learning and peer exchange, participants build the skills and confidence required to lead effectively in today’s environment.
Lynne Wallace, vice president of Success Measures Business Development and Operations at NeighborWorks, underscored the commitment participants make.
“These are leaders who are already giving their time as board members,” she said. “Choosing to invest in their development speaks to their dedication to stronger governance and better outcomes.”
The case for applying
For Stuckey and Rodriguez, the value of the program is not theoretical; it is practical, immediate and lasting.
“I want to continue to grow and be more effective in how I contribute,” Stuckey said.
Rodriguez put it simply: “Once you learn this, you can’t go back,” she said.
Call to action
The Excellence in Governance Academy is an 18 month program designed for board members, chief executives and board support staff in affordable housing and community development.
Applications for the next cohort are open now.
Apply by June 5. Learn more and apply through the Excellence in Governance Academy.
