International Research and Global Exchange Award
Purpose: To further the work of the NAHRO International Committee by recognizing a person in the housing and community development field who has made an outstanding contribution toward international understanding and exchange of international experience.
History: The award was established in 1983 to acknowledge a person who has made contributions to the international community. It was originally named after John D. Lange, Executive Director of NAHRO from 1951 to 1970, who actively participated throughout his professional career in international exchange and, in his retirement, carried out executive service assignments in Argentina, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This award is provided to a professional who embodies the excellence of Mr. Lange’s contributions.
Qualifications: Each nominee, whether self-nominated or nominated by someone else, must have direct affiliation with the housing and community development field and have made an outstanding contribution to international understanding in housing and community development.
Deadline: 2025
The recipient will be honored during NAHRO’s National Conference and Exhibition.
Scoring Criteria and Application Format
The review committee will base its recommendation on the following factors:
1. Specific achievements accomplished over an extended period of time in the field of housing and/or community development as a public official, provider, funder, researcher or advocate.
2. Professional career in international development either initiating or managing projects or programs in other countries, assisting with projects or programs that are being performed by U.S. or international organizations, or performing research and exploring policies that further such activities internationally.
3. The extent to which the individual is recognized as an expert in the field as exemplified through scholarly and professional writings, participation in international conferences and meetings and participation in professional exchanges.
2023 Recipient
Sijekula Mbanga, PhD
Professor
Nelson Mandela University
Previous Winners
2022
Leilani Farha, Global Director, The Shift
2021
Jeff Morrison, Executive Director, Canadian Housing and Redevelopment Association (CHRA)
2020
Barry Pinsky, Executive Director, Rooftops Canada
2019
Michel Sudarskis, Secretary-General, International Urban Development Association
2018
Robert Cohen, Consultant.
2017
Elizabeth “Liz” Glenn, Principal, Sustainable Community Development
2016
Jaime Bordenave, President, The Communities Group
2015
Kerron Barnes, IRGE Member
2014
Bob Kempink, Chief Executive, FLOW (Fonds Leren en Ontwikkelen Wooncorporaties), Almere-Haven, The Netherlands.
2013
Gerrit Teunis, Chief Executive, Housing Association Beter Wonen Vechtdal, The Netherlands
2012
Theresa Williamson, Executive Director, Catalytic Communities, Washington, DC and Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
2011
Robert Dubinsky , Chairman, International Housing Coalition, Washington, DC
2010
Sofie Eldor, Director, Urban Planning Department, Ministry of Construction and Housing, Jerusalem, Israel
2009
Michel Holsten, Vice President, Office of Business Development, CHF International, Silver Spring, MD
2008
Rick Gentry, President/CEO. San Diego Housing Commission. San Diego, CA, and former NAHRO President
2007
Dr. Thomas Manion, Jr., Chief Executive Officer, Irwell Valley Housing, Manchester, England
2006
Rodney Dykes, Managing Director, RDHS, Ltd., Deputy Chair, Liverpool Housing Action Trust, Formby, Liverpool England
2005
David A. Smith, Recap Advisors, Inc., Boston, MA
2004
Montebang Lawrence Ramashamole, Honorary Treasurer and Immediate Past President, Institute for Housing of South Africa (IHSA), Republic of South Africa
2003
Christine Davies, Housing Researcher/Consultant, Former Trustee of William Sutton Trust, United Kingdom
2002
Claude Roy; Urban Planner, Société d’habitation du Québec, Chair, Canadian Housing & Renewal Association, Montreal, Canada
2001
Peter Kimm; former Director, U.S. – Asia Environmental Partnership; USAID, Washington, DC
2000
Lester Gross, President, International Management Services, Inc., Community Outreach Director, Institute of Public Affairs, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
1999
Mary E. Paumen, Program Officer, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Philadelphia, PA
1998
John Geraghty, Senior International Affairs, Program Officer, HUD, Washington, DC
1997
Gordon Cavanaugh, Esq., Partner, Reno & Cavanaugh, PLLC, Washington, DC
1996
Robert W. Maffin, Consultant and Resident Advisor to Bulgarian Government and Former NAHRO Executive Director
For additional information, contact:
