Olga Regalado Named NAHRO Outstanding Professional of the Year 

The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) named Olga Regalado the Outstanding Professional of the Year. The award was announced on Sept. 23, at NAHRO’s National Conference and Exhibition, NAHRO Together: Advancing Our Communities, in San Diego, Calif. 

“We celebrate Olga’s hard work and dedication to both Edinburg Housing Authority and the community they serve,” NAHRO CEO Mark Thiele said. “Having grown up in EHA public housing and excelled in a wide range of roles at the housing authority, she’s a shining example of both a a housing leader and the success that safe, affordable housing in thriving communities can help enable. Congratulations, Olga!” 

Regalado is currently the Deputy Director of EHA. She serves as the agency’s main spokesperson, and works with both EHA staff and outside partners to provide not just affordable housing, but also myriad health and wellness programs to EHA’s residents. 

Regalado has served at EHA for 19 years, working as a Quality Control Inspector, a Public Housing Intake Specialist, a Public Housing Supervisor, a Section 8 Supervisor and a Social Services/Homeownership Coordinator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and is a member of both the Hidalgo County Extension Program Area Committee and Edinburg Crime Stoppers. 

About the Outstanding Professional of the Year Award   

The Outstanding Professional of the Year Award is NAHRO’s highest and most prestigious award given to honor an exceptionally qualified person who has made outstanding contributions to the quality of life through service in the field of housing or community development. The award is made on the basis of extraordinary accomplishments and contributions.   

The award was established in 1975 in the name of M. Justin Herman. It was renamed and revamped in 2019 to better reflect the purpose of the award and to encourage nominees from all agency sizes to apply.