I set the vision and goals for the team and make sure those are articulated with our partners throughout the city of Fort Wayne: George Guy of Fort Wayne Housing Authority

“I try to lead with compassion and authenticity, and I try to stay consistent with that.” 

George Guy is the CEO and Executive Director of the Fort Wayne Housing Authority, or FWHA. With a career that spans over 25 years of identifying issues and developing solutions to improve the quality of life for families and communities of underserved communities.

Currently, George serves as president of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). In his role, he is responsible for carrying out the organization’s mission as the nation’s leading housing and community development association that inspires the creation of strong and sustainable communities. Before being elected, his NAHRO leadership roles have included senior vice president of NAHRO, president of the North Central Regional Council, president of Indiana NAHRO, vice chair of the Board of Ethics and Credentialing Trustees and the NAHRO Housing and Education Task Force.

With a commitment to elevating the affordable housing conversation throughout the country, he serves as chairman of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis Affordable Housing Advisory Council, Advisory Council Member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Advisory Council on Community and Economic Development, and he is a board member of the Moving to Work (MTW) Collaborative.

An active member of the Fort Wayne community, George also serves as a board member of the United Way of Allen County and as chairman of the board for the Fort Wayne Urban League. He also serves on the Fort Wayne Area Planning Council on Homelessness and the Indiana Balance of State Continuum of Care Board.

The Silicon Review reached out to Mr. Guy for an interview, and here’s what he had to say.

Interview Highlights

How would you describe your professional journey so far? Tell us about a few roadblocks and learning lessons that helped you grow through the years.

Prior to FWHA, I spent 15 years working in community development, education, and workforce Industries, including being a high school athletic coach. Prior to coming to Fort Wayne, I was the Director of Operations at Rock Island Housing Authority. After several years of doing transformative development and program building in the community, I decided that I wanted to leverage my skills and experience to assist in another community.

After looking at different opportunities, I came across the position at FWHA. Fort Wayne was interesting because it appeared to be a place where agencies collaborated for solutions for individuals who have been marginalized in the community. I was successful in that pursuit and began as the Deputy Executive Director in 2009, and as a part of a succession plan, I was to become the CEO/Executive Director after two years. 

Roadblocks and learning lessons are always part of the journey. I look at those as opportunities to grow.

Q. Trust is one of the most important currencies of leadership that requires authenticity and consistency to maintain. What is your take on this?

I try to lead with compassion and authenticity, and I try to stay consistent with that. Robert K. Greenleaf’s book The Servant as Leader, Greenleaf stresses how the servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible. After reading his book I have identified myself as a servant leader. Not just serving our clients, but also the team that administers the services that we provide.

Q. As CEO, what are your significant roles and responsibilities?

I set the vision and goals for the team and make sure those are articulated with our partners throughout the city of Fort Wayne. I am also looking at opportunities for growth for our residents and participants as well as the agency itself. Most important and ongoing role and responsibility is supporting the team in their efforts.

Q. What can you tell us about the Fort Wayne Housing Authority? What are its main focus areas?

Fort Wayne Housing Authority is the largest affordable housing provider in our city. FWHA serves 3,797 families and 8,425 total family members. With HCVP, previously known as Section8, we provide nearly $20M in rental investment income to local property management companies and landlords.

In addition to the work that we do in Fort Wayne, FWHA also manages Decatur and Indiana Housing Authority.

In the last five to seven years, we have progressed by being designated a Moving to Work agency. We have also been awarded several grants to expand our programming, such as the YouthBuild Grant, which allows us to work with those 16-24 who have not completed high school to gain leadership and occupational skills, and The Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant, which focuses on neighborhood stability and investment. We are also set to develop and reposition over 400 units of affordable housing over the next two years, which could go up to over $100 M of investment.

Our team is very passionate about the work and the services we provide. We attend professional development workshops locally, regionally, and nationally, to bring quality and innovative services and programs to the community. Through that effort, we are automating and streamlining our processes for residents and vendors. In addition, we are proud to say that we are recognized as a learning and training center for housing professionals nationwide.

We have also been recognized locally, regionally, and nationally by earning over 60 awards for our developments and supportive services.

Q. Can you introduce us to your services? What are your key features?

FWHA owns/manages over 1,000 properties throughout the city. Those units include housing for the chronically homeless, those aging out of foster care, and single parent families. FWHA also administers Emergency Solutions Grants from the city and the state to provide housing and supportive services for those who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless. We also offer our families pathways to self-sufficiency through our Enrichment and Career Services Department, which focuses on employment, training, education, and homeownership.

Q. How do you see Fort Wayne Housing Authority Changing in the next five years, and how do you see yourself creating that change?

We are focused on addressing the challenges that come out of poverty. We will continue to pursue opportunities that will allow us to collaborate to create solutions that will advance the community we serve. Our team continues to be very passionate about the work and the services we provide. We continue to be innovative and efficient in how we deliver our services to our clients. This will include investing in training and professional development opportunities. We attend professional development workshops locally, regionally, and nationally to bring quality and innovative services and programs to the community. This is why we are excited about being recognized as a national housing and community development learning center.

As the current president of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officers (NAHRO), I plan to utilize this time to be intentional with bold ideas and plans. Also to collaborate with agencies locally, regionally, and nationally in addition to across sectors and industries to ensure that we have a collective impact in the community and those we serve.

“We have been recognized locally, regionally, and nationally by earning over 60 awards for our developments and supportive services.” 

“FWHA owns/manages over 1,000 properties throughout the city. Those units include housing for the chronically homeless, those aging out of foster care, and single parent families.”