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

The NLIHC Board of Directors 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.  

“At our core, NLIHC will continue to lead with excellence – grounded in our people, our data, and our policy. 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,” said Renee Willis at the announcement of her position as president and CEO.

Following the departure of NLIHC’s previous president and CEO, the Board of Directors partnered with BoardWalk Consulting to launch a nationwide search for the 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. 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. It is a commitment reinforced, as Willis leads NLIHC into its next chapter.