CEO Yvonda A. Bean named Outstanding Professional of the Year by National Organization

On October 8, the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) awarded three affordable housing leaders with the association's highest honor, the Outstanding Professional of the Year award: Lisa Baker, Yvonda Bean and Peter LiFari. The awards were presented during the 2023 NAHRO National Conference and Exhibition in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Yvonda A. Bean - CEO, Columbia Housing

Yvonda A. Bean is the Chief Executive Officer of Columbia Housing, which serves more than 6,500 families in the city of Columbia and Richland County. She is leading a 10-year, $500 million initiative to reposition, renovate and redevelop the agency's affordable housing portfolio. In 2022, the agency broke ground on three new developments valued at more than $100 million. Scheduled to be completed in early 2024, the developments will provide Columbia Housing with more than 400 new townhomes and more than 75 stand-alone homes.

"Yvonda is a dedicated houser," said NAHRO CEO Mark Thiele. "Under her leadership, Columbia Housing is building housing, empowering minority- and women-owned business, and investing in education, employment and mentorship opportunities for the community's youth. It is a pleasure and an honor to present her with this well-deserved award."

Prior to her work at Columbia Housing, Yvonda served as the Executive Director/CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Lafayette (Louisiana), and as the Executive Director/CEO of Preferred Properties, Inc. She serves on NAHRO's Board of Governors and Legislative Network.

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