Maureen Friar has been named president and CEO of the National Housing Conference (NHC).
She joins the nonprofit organization after serving as executive director of the Supportive Housing Network of New York for 14 years. In that post, she coordinated advocacy campaigns that resulted in $1 billion in funding from both New York City and the state of New York to create more than 10,000 supportive-housing units and new strategies to end chronic homelessness.
“Maureen brings the right mix of leadership, advocacy, management, and passion for housing to NHC,” said NHC Chair Dan Nissenbaum in a statement. “Her experience also represents a clear understanding that decent, affordable housing is integral to ensuring thriving, successful families and communities.”
Friar replaces Conrad Egan, who has been with NHC for nearly 12 years. Egan served as director of policy for five years before becoming head of the organization. He will be transitioning out of the post this year.
Friar received the advocate of the year award for excellence from the New York State Association for Affordable Housing in 2006.
NHC has been a longtime affordable housing advocate. Its research affiliate is the Center for Housing Policy.
