Why NAHRO PD, Part 1: Taught by Faculty With Industry Experience

As the affordable housing and community development field grows and changes, it is important to pursue continuing education and training. NAHRO PD recognizes that we are in unprecedented times, and now more than ever it is vital to make sure you and your team are ready to best serve those in your housing communities.

One way that NAHRO Professional Development stands out is that classes are taught by current or former affordable housing and community development professionals. From commissioners to housing directors, our NAHRO faculty have been in your shoes, and can answer your questions and provide insight from a first-hand basis.

Darlene Kelly, a NAHRO faculty member, has experience as both a Housing Director and as a training director. And while she’s passionate about training and curriculum development, she knows that her background in the affordable housing field is invaluable when it comes to NAHRO trainings.

“I love the training and designing and delivering,” Ms. Kelly said. “But the technical knowledge of being an industry professional allows me to have a good understanding of the challenges and opportunities that housing providers face.”

Ms. Kelly started as a property manager, and worked her way up from there. And knowing that all the faculty have worked in the field inspires confidence when she refers to her peers. “We’ve all lived it,” she says.

“We have that understanding of the complexity of programs and the challenge the housing authorities face,” she continued. “And how things are changing, because they are changing so quickly.
Ms. Kelly said that joining the NAHRO Faculty team is the best of both worlds for her.

“I have a passion for career development. It offers me the opportunity to give back to other housing authorities, and share my knowledge and experience in the housing industry,” Ms. Kelly said. “As rolls are changing, the complexity isn’t getting any easier. It’s more important than ever that people are getting ongoing professional development.”