Sean Gilbert, senior vice president of housing fo KCDC. Image courtesy of KCDC

KNOXVILLE -- Sean Gilbert, senior vice president of housing for Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC), has been selected as the 2017 Emerging Leader by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO).

Gilbert received the prestigious award at NAHRO’s national conference held Oct. 27-29 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The organization is the leading housing and community development advocate for adequate and affordable housing, and its members administer federal programs for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The 2017 conference title was “Building Bridges to the Future.”

“This award reflects the important work that Sean has done and continues to do at KCDC as well as with NAHRO and other organizations,” KCDC Executive Director and CEO Ben Bentley said. “We congratulate Sean on this honor and for his commitment and dedication to service and leadership.”

The Emerging Leaders Award is presented by NAHRO to professionals in housing and community development who immerse themselves in the industry through mentorship, training and conferences. One winner is announced per year.

“An award like this may be given to just one person, but the credit also goes to everyone at KCDC,” Gilbert said. “While I am honored to have been nominated and humbled to be selected as the winner, this award reflects the commitment of KCDC and its leadership to serve the community and put its employees in a position to have a local, regional and national voice.”

Gilbert’s award nomination stated that he “encourages teamwork and brings unity to his employees.” He has been involved with NAHRO since the late 1990s. He participated in the first “40 under 40” leadership class for the South Eastern Regional Council of NAHRO (SERC-NAHRO) and then went on to serve in multiple leadership roles. Gilbert became the SERC-NAHRO president for the 2017-19 term on Oct. 1 and is the first “40 under 40” graduate to move into that position.

“We are glad to have this opportunity to recognize Sean’s commitment, both to NAHRO and to the affordable housing and community development industry in general,” said Adrianne Todman, CEO of NAHRO. “We thank him for his service to the association and applaud his continued growth as both a local and national leader.” Gilbert joined KCDC in 2014 after serving as executive director of Housing Authority of Pikeville in Kentucky, a position he assumed in 1995. He resides in Alcoa with wife Lora and son Trevor.

Since 1936, KCDC has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Knoxville. KCDC’s mission is to improve and transform neighborhoods and communities by providing high-quality affordable housing, advancing development initiatives and fostering self-sufficiency. For more information on KCDC, visit www.kcdc.org.