There are some places where housing conversations stay theoretical. Juneau is not one of them. 

During a recent visit to Alaska, NeighborWorks® America President & CEO Marietta Rodriguez joined housing leaders for a full-day tour across Juneau to see firsthand how communities are responding to some of the country’s most complex housing challenges with urgency, innovation and partnership. 

At NeighborWorks® America, we believe that strong communities start with strong leaders. Not leadership in theory, but leadership in practice. The kind that shows up in neighborhoods, in housing developments and in the day-to-day decisions that shape people’s lives.

NeighborWorks® America's Sustainable Business Initiative helps community-based NeighborWorks organizations strengthen their foundations and grow revenue. In 2024, the SBI provide seed grants to seven network organizations with promising earned revenue strategies. Over the next few weeks, as part of Small Business Month, NeighborWorks will highlight some of those outcomes.

NeighborWorks® America and the National NeighborWorks Association presented four awards this month during the NeighborWorks Executive Symposium.

The symposium’s theme, Collective Leadership: Building Strength for Today & Tomorrow, was evident in each recipient.

Marcia Erickson grew up on a cattle farm in rural South Dakota where neighbors knew and took care of one another. If one neighbor fell ill or got hurt when it was time to bring in the corn, the others were ready to help. “The crops can’t wait,” Erickson said.  

Lee Anne Adams has more than 20 years of experience working with affordable housing and community development organizations, both in the U.S. and Latin America. She's spent more than half of her career at NeighborWorks® America and in July, became the national nonprofit's executive vice president and chief operating officer. We sat down with her to talk about the insights she's gained from her new role.

You’ve been Chief Operating Officer at NeighborWorks® America for about nine months. What have you learned about NeighborWorks and yourself? 

Board service often begins with purpose. But purpose alone is not enough to lead effectively.

For many leaders across the NeighborWorks® network, governance starts with a desire to serve and evolves into something more intentional, more strategic and more impactful. That shift is at the center of the NeighborWorks America Excellence in Governance Academy, a board leadership and governance certification program designed specifically for community development nonprofits.