Sharon Wilson Géno has taken the reins as president of the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) at its 2023 Annual Meeting after serving as president-elect since September. She takes over the role from Doug Bibby, who has led the industry organization for 21 years.
“The selection of Sharon is inspired,” said Bibby. “She has an impressive mix of smarts, knowledge, experience, and demeanor to be your long-term leader.”
Wilson Géno brings 30 years of housing experience to the role, most recently serving 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 numerous for-profit, nonprofit, and governmental entities on housing affordability, policy, and related development and operational issues.
"I am excited for the opportunity to lead this distinguished organization," said Wilson Géno. "This is a unique moment in time. In my 30 years of working on housing issues, there has never been a time when housing was a priority issue. The U.S. is suffering from a serious shortage of all types of housing at all price points. NMHC and its members stand ready to help meet the need."
She told attendees that the industry has a lot of work ahead, but times of challenge are also times of opportunity.
“I think we have an opportunity to bring some new things to the table,” she said. She noted that at events like the Annual Meeting, a lot of conversation revolves around numbers—from interest rates and margins to the number of units being developed, but that needs to expand to a focus around the industry’s end users—the renters.
“What we don’t talk about enough, which is really the secret sauce, is the housing we develop, operate, and manage and what it means for the people who live there,” she said, adding that it’s time to give them a voice to be the industry’s best advocates.
Bibby was lauded for leading the organization during times of crisis, from 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina to the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, and elevating the multifamily rental market on the national level.
“Doug is a leader, he is a mentor, he is a change maker, but most of all he is a friend,” said Ken Valach, CEO of Trammell Crow Residential and the 2022-2024 chair of NMHC. “Multifamily is a much better industry because of Doug Bibby. He has helped millions of residents who will never know how much they have benefited from his leadership.”
Bibby credited his success to the NMHC members, the volunteer leadership, the staff, and his family. He reminded the audience, “The work that we do collectively is meaningful, essential, and highly rewarding.”
He will continue to bring his leadership and expertise to the housing community. Bibby will serve a three-year term on the board of directors for Shelters to Shutters, a national nonprofit that transitions individuals and families at risk of or experiencing homelessness to economic self-sufficiency by providing employment, housing, and career training opportunities in partnership with the real estate industry.
