Adrian Jones Named NAHRO’s 2024 Commissioner of the Year  

Adrian Jones of the Fresno Housing Authority (Fresno) has been named Commissioner of the Year by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). The award was presented on Friday, September 27 at NAHRO’s National Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, Florida.  

“Adrian is amazing,” said Mark Thiele, NAHRO CEO. “She has extensive and multifaceted experience with affordable housing – as a participant in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, as a staff member of the Fresno Housing Authority, as a commissioner, as a social worker, and as a tireless volunteer. Her history, experience and wisdom make her an incomparable leader and champion of affordable housing in her community and on the national stage. I am thrilled to present her with the Commissioner of the Year award.” 

Born in Fresno, Ms. Jones began her tenure as a commissioner on the Fresno board 17 years ago, when she was a participant in the Housing Choice Voucher program. She has first-hand knowledge of Fresno’s affordable housing situation – having been both a voucher holder and also a former staff member at Fresno Housing. Ms. Jones is the first resident and the first black woman in Fresno’s history to become a board chair, and the first resident commissioner to make the transition to commissioner-at-large. 

Ms. Jones currently works as the Director of Services for THP, a transitional housing program for individuals aging out of the foster care system. She serves, or has served on many professional and service organizations and committees, including:  Take a Stand, Men in Motion, the Mayor’s Citizens Academy, SEIU Local 521 Committee Action Team, District Three Planning Implementation Committee, National Association of African American Social Workers (NAASW), National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, City of Fresno Police Reform Commission, and the Fresno City College Police Academy Task Force. 

In her time with Fresno, Ms. Jones acquired her associate’s degree, her B.Sc. degree in Social Work, and her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is currently completing clinical hours as a Marriage and Family Therapist at North Star Wellness Center, providing mental health services. 

About the Commissioner of the Year Award  

NAHRO’s Commissioner of the Year award honors a current commissioner, or one who has served within the past 12 months, who has demonstrated excellence in advocating for and developing the financial, political, and community support necessary to ensure the continuation and expansion of housing or community development programs. It was established in 1987 to honor the efforts of commissioners in the industry. The first award was given to Ms. Elizabeth B. Wells whose own contributions included being a member of the Board of Commissioners of the King County (WA) Housing Authority and serving as NAHRO’s first Vice President of the Commissioners Committee. This award is provided to a commissioner who embodies the excellence of Ms. Wells’ contributions. 

About NAHRO 

NAHRO, which was established in 1933, is a membership organization of more than 26,000 housing and community development providers and professionals throughout the United States. NAHRO members create and manage affordable housing for low- and middle-income families and support vibrant communities that enhance the quality of life for all. NAHRO members administer more than 3 million homes for more than 8 million people.