Ivory N. Mathews Sworn in as Senior Vice President of NAHRO’s Board of Governors

Ivory N. Mathews, CEO of Home Forward, Oregon's largest affordable housing provider, has been elected senior vice president of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) Board of Governors by more than 26,000 NAHRO members. Mathews took her oath of office at the closing plenary session of NAHRO's National Conference and Exhibition in Phoenix, Arizona last week, marking the beginning of her 2025-2027 term. Home Forward also took home two NAHRO National Awards of Merit at the conference.

Oregon’s senior senator,  U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), said, “Huge and well-deserved congratulations to Ivory Mathews on her election to this important national leadership post.

"Ivory has been a very effective and eloquent national advocate and leader in ensuring housing is affordable and abundant.

"Having Oregon voices like Ivory’s in national roles like this benefits all of Oregon by strengthening our entire state’s ability to advance federal policies for our communities that need it most. And I look forward to keep working with her to ensure Oregon's priorities are heard in Washington."

"Ivory is a dedicated houser, a fierce advocate and an inspirational leader," said NAHRO CEO Mark Thiele. "She is a champion for both her community and for NAHRO, and I'm excited to continue working with her on our shared vision of thriving communities with affordable homes for all."

Mathews will serve on the national board of governors in a volunteer capacity for the organization representing the 26,000 housing and community development professionals who administer more than 3 million homes for more than 8 million people across the U.S.

“I am so humbled that the members of NAHRO elected me to serve as the senior vice president of the board of governors during such a critical moment in time,” said Mathews. ”This opportunity allows us to continue our collective work toward creating thriving communities with affordable homes for all. I also look forward to working with Oregon’s congressional delegation in this new capacity to advocate for equitable access to safe, affordable housing for residents in Multnomah County.”