It is both an honor and privilege to serve as NCDA’s President for the 2024-2025 year! Believe it or not, I joined NCDA as a newbie to the HUD Entitlement world in 2007 when I became the Director of Housing and Human Services for Collier County, FL.
During my time in NCDA, I have received the most up to date information on CPD programs and changes, excellent training, and developed a network of colleagues spanning from Florida to Vermont, across to Washington and down to Texas and everywhere in between.
I’ve learned that community development and housing professionals are passionate about the work they do making a difference in their communities. They don’t get excited about environmental reviews, subrecipient monitoring or even submitting invoices. But they do get excited about impacting the lives of the people they serve providing new housing, renovated community centers or much needed public services. Because in the end, it’s always about the people and the relationships.
So along with my fellow officers, David Bachrach, Vice President (East Providence RI), Angela Rahman, Secretary (Kettering, OH) and Kevin Howard, Treasurer (Little Rock, AR), our Executive Director, Vicki Watson and our top notch staff, we will continue to deliver and expand opportunities for our NCDA members to build relationships to enhance their professional development to better serve their communities.
NCDA members build relationships while:
- Learning during our online and in person training. Getting to know colleagues and trainers who serve as resources for you.
- Networking during our legislative and annual conferences. Roundtable discussions, caucus meetings and peer-led sessions provide opportunities to engage with others on topics important to you and your work.
- Serving and leading both within NCDA, your office, and community. Get to know others while serving on one of NCDA’s standing committees. Join the NCDA Leadership Institute to hone your leadership skills and provide the much-needed leadership in your community.
If you have questions or suggestions, please contact me. I am looking forward serving you this coming year. Together we will continue to make a difference in our communities. We have strength in our numbers (over 500 members strong) and our purpose-driven direction.
Serving with joy,
Marcy Esbjerg, MPA
Director
Community Development
Pasco County, FL