National Affordable Housing Trust (NAHT) is excited to congratulate Jim Bowman, NAHT’s President and CEO, on receiving Retirement Housing Foundation’s (RHF) Friend of the Elderly award. In 2006, RHF launched its Friend of the Elderly award to recognize individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the health, housing, social, psychological, or spiritual quality of older adult’s lives.
Dr. Laverne Joseph, President at RHF, had this to say about the award, “It takes someone with great integrity and strong moral fiber to dedicate their life to providing the most vulnerable people in society with a safe quality place to call home.” He continued, “Through his work with RHF and other affordable housing developers, Jim has been an example of what unselfish sacrifice looks like, and has continually demonstrated his commitment to the mission of ensuring all Americans have an opportunity to live a life of dignity.”
“At some point in life, we will all find ourselves needing help from others. For low-income seniors, this means creating the opportunity for them to live in safe quality affordable housing,” stated Jim Bowman. He continued, “If you understand the work, then you understand that this is an honor, but that it is a team effort. This award is not just about me, it is also a reflection of the dedication, hard work and comradery of my team at NAHT. It is truly a pleasure to be in the business of providing security and opportunity.”
For over 30 years, Jim Bowman has worked to preserve and create quality affordable homes for seniors, families, persons with disabilities and all others in need. As a known leader in the development and preservation of affordable homes, he has secured investments for the construction and rehabilitation of over 18,000 rental units for people in need. Jim has diligently worked with investment partners and top multifamily housing developers to ensure that quality, safe and sustainable places to call home are available to the most vulnerable groups of people throughout our society.
In 1998, Jim took the helm of NAHT, but his leadership dates back almost two decades. Prior to joining NAHT, he served in the following roles: SVP of the Housing and Long Term Care Group with National City Investments, Director of Finance for Franklin County, Ohio and Chair of the Metropolitan Human Services Levy Review Committee in Columbus, Ohio.
Other awardees include, but are not limited to: Congressman Barney Frank, Ellie Hollander (Meals on Wheels Association of America), Larry Minnix (Leading Age) and Henry Cisneros (former Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development).