Lori McGowan Named NAHRO’s 2024 Emerging Leader
Lori McGowan, Deputy Executive Director of the Spokane Housing Authority, was named the 2024 recipient of the Emerging Leaders Award by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). The award was presented on Friday, September 27, during the 2024 National Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, Florida.
“Lori’s an experienced houser and dedicated leader,” said Mark Thiele, NAHRO CEO. “Her work at the national, regional and state levels of NAHRO is already exceptional, and I can’t wait to see the new heights to which she’ll rise. I’m so proud to present this award to her.”
Ms. McGowan’s affordable housing career spans over 23 years of providing management and financial expertise. In 2001, she worked with Housing Kitsap as a finance professional, then moved to Spokane in 2006 to take a staff accountant position with the Spokane Housing Authority, where she quickly moved up the ladder to her current position as Deputy Executive Director.
She is actively involved in NAHRO as a member of the board of governors and serves on several standing and advisory committees. She is also the incoming president of the Pacific Northwest Regional Chapter of NAHRO for 2025-2027 and served as a past president for the Washington Housing Authority Accounting Professionals, is an alumnus of the Leadership Spokane class of 2021, and serves on local boards in her community.
Ms. McGowan is a graduate of Virginia Wesleyan University with a BA in Business Administration.
About The Emerging Leaders Award
The Emerging Leaders Award recognizes an individual who has been involved in NAHRO at the national, regional and/or chapter levels for at least five years and has distinguished him or herself as an emerging leader.
About NAHRO
NAHRO, established in 1933, is a membership organization of nearly 20,000 housing and community development agencies and professionals throughout the United States whose mission is to create affordable housing and safe, viable communities that enhance the quality of life for all Americans, especially those of low- and moderate-income. NAHRO’s membership administers more than 3 million housing units for 7.6 million people.