Renee M. Willis Named President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition

Washington, D.C. – The Board of Directors of the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) is proud to announce the appointment of Renee M. Willis as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. This historic appointment makes Willis the first Black woman to lead the Coalition in its 51-year history. 

“On behalf of the NLIHC Board of Directors, I am proud to welcome Renee Willis as the next President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition,” said NLIHC Board Chair Dr. Bambie Hayes-Brown. “Renee brings a deep commitment to housing justice, a proven track record in advancing racial equity, and a powerful vision for ensuring that all people—especially those with the lowest incomes—have a safe, affordable place to call home. Her leadership, compassion, and policy expertise are exactly what this moment demands, and we are excited for the future of NLIHC under her guidance.”  

Following the departure of NLIHC’s previous president and CEO, its Board of Directors partnered with BoardWalk Consulting to launch a nationwide search for the organization’s next permanent president and CEO. The selection process was completed with the appointment of Willis.  

Willis brings nearly a decade of leadership and commitment to NLIHC’s mission, having joined the organization in 2015 as Vice President for Field and Communications. She later served as Senior Vice President for Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, before being named Interim President and CEO in January 2025.  

“I am so grateful to the Board for entrusting me with this opportunity to lead NLIHC into its next chapter,” said Renee Willis. “It is both an honor and a responsibility I do not take lightly — especially as the first Black woman to serve as President and CEO of this vital organization. I carry with me the legacy and values of my grandparents, who came from the proud and resilient lineage of sharecroppers in rural Virginia. They taught me the value of dignity, community, and justice — values that ground my work every day.” 

Renee has over 30 years of experience in affordable housing, including establishing and leading successful community and region-wide initiatives. She has extensive experience in strategic planning, financial management, marketing, organizational development, staff management, and program operations. Renee previously served as housing services chief with Arlington County, Virginia, as administrator of the Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs for Montgomery County, Maryland, and as advocate and manager for the Public Justice Center’s Tenant Advocacy Project. Renee earned dual BA degrees in English and Spanish from the University of Maryland. She also holds a Certificate in Public Management from George Washington University. 

Throughout her tenure, Willis has led with strategic vision, deep collaboration, and an unshakable commitment to centering people with lived experience in the fight for housing justice. 

“At our core, NLIHC will continue to lead with excellence — grounded in our people, our data, and our policy,” said Willis. “We will defend and advance the housing programs that millions rely on, and we will do so with clarity and courage. But we will also unlock our untapped power — reimagining our work by using narrative and culture as catalysts for systemic change. I look forward to working alongside our incredible staff, our Board of Directors, our tenant leaders, state and tribal partners, and all our national, state, and local allies. Together, we will continue to push for bold and lasting solutions to the housing crisis.” 

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