I am truly honored to serve as 2026-2027 President of the National Community Development Association. For me, community development has always been about people—families who want stability, neighborhoods that deserve investment, and local leaders who work every day to make their communities stronger. Having the opportunity to support and uplift that work at a national level is both humbling and deeply meaningful.Across the country, our members bring heart, creativity, and determination to challenges that don’t always have easy answers. Whether it’s expanding access to housing, strengthening local partnerships, or creating opportunities for residents to thrive, the commitment I see in this community inspires me. It’s a reminder that progress happens because people care enough to show up, listen, and lead.
As President, my focus will be on:
- Strengthening connections between our members so we can learn from one another and share what’s working on the ground.
- Elevating the voices of communities that don’t always get a platform but deserve to be heard.
- Supporting policies and programs that give local governments the tools they need to make real, lasting impact.
- Encouraging the next generation of community development professionals to step forward and grow into leadership roles.
I’m grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me. I look forward to working side‑by‑side with you this year as we continue building strong, resilient, and hopeful communities—one project, one partnership, and one person at a time.
Kevin D. Howard
President, NCDA
President, NCDA
