It is truly an honor to serve as NCDA’s President for the 2025–2026 program year. I’m humbled, excited, and — if I’m honest — still a little shocked to hold this gavel and this role. Serving this incredible organization, and now leading it, is one of the greatest privileges of my career.
I’ve been shaped and sharpened by my time in NCDA. Like many of you, I started out navigating HUD entitlement programs and leaned on this network to grow, learn, and lead. I’ve found more than technical training or policy updates here — I’ve found a community of housing nerds, grant wizards, and neighborhood warriors who show up, do the work, and fight for impact.
As we face uncertainty in federal funding and new challenges in our communities, know this: NCDA is ready. We will continue to lead with purpose — delivering high-quality training, practical tools, and the kind of peer connection that strengthens both our work and our resolve. We’ll keep growing our membership and raising our collective voice through advocacy and outreach.
You — our NCDA members — are doers. You don’t flinch at late-night council meetings, shifting regulations, or mountains of paperwork. You stay focused on impact — on the people and places that matter most. You don’t drop the class, even when it’s hard.
You show up. And that’s what makes NCDA strong — not just our numbers, but our people. Whether you’re teaching courses, giving feedback on future conference sessions, mentoring a colleague, or simply making a new connection in a hallway — you are the heart of this organization.
So, along with my fellow officers — Kevin Howard, Vice President (Little Rock, AR); Eric Keeler, Secretary (Alexandria, VA); and Sean Glennon, Treasurer (Quincy, MA) — and with the support of our Executive Director Vicki Watson and our incredible staff, my simple ask for the year ahead is this:
Let’s stay focused. Stay passionate. Stay together. Because the work ahead isn’t just necessary — it’s transformational.
With gratitude and excitement,
Angela Rahman, MSURP
Community Development Manager
City of Kettering, Ohio