Sharon Wilson Géno, a 30-year housing industry veteran, has been named president of the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC). She will assume the role from longtime leader Doug Bibby at the NMHC Annual Meeting at the end of January. Effective Oct. 11, Wilson Géno will serve as president-elect and will work closely with Bibby for a seamless transition.
Most recently, Wilson Géno served as executive vice president and chief operating officer of leading affordable housing nonprofit Volunteers of America National Services. Throughout her career, she has helped guide nonprofit, for-profit, and government entities on housing policy, affordability, and related development and operational issues.
“I am incredibly excited to join the stellar team at NMHC—the leading voice when it comes to advocating for sensible, successful housing policy,” said Wilson Géno. “Throughout my career, I’ve admired the work that NMHC has done, and I am proud to be a part of its next great chapter.”
Wilson Géno says she will be tapping into her affordable housing development and policy expertise in her new role. “The U.S. is facing a national housing affordability crisis, and I am confident that I can leverage my experience in housing policy as well as my active role in developing and operating affordable and market-rate housing to help advance real solutions,” she says. “While much of my career has been focused on affordable housing, the challenges facing market-rate housing are the same—legislative and regulatory barriers, and NIMBY opposition to new housing production. I have spent nearly 30 years seeking to overcome those obstacles and advocating to increase the supply of all types of housing at all price points.”
Bibby has served as president for over 20 years, guiding the multifamily industry through national crises as well as elevating the asset class in the world of real estate. He had postponed stepping down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am incredibly proud of the work our team has done to help foster a vibrant industry, and I’m confident that Sharon will continue to drive the industry forward, confronting challenges and seizing opportunities,” he said. Over the course of my career, one of my proudest achievements has been to invest in the next generation of leaders. I know that I’m leaving this organization and industry in great hands with Sharon and the team at NMHC.”