WASHINGTON, D.C. — Doug Bibby is ready to take on affordable housing issues in his new role as president of the National Multi Housing Council (NMHC). Bibby replaces Jonathan Kempner, who left the organization in May to become COO of the Washington, D.C.-based Mortgage Bankers Association of America (MBA).
Bibby, who most recently served as president of Bethesda, Md.-based Ardsley Consulting LLC, stated he and the NMHC executive committee have set some clear goals. The organization has started an outreach program that encourages policy makers and public opinion leaders to confront what the NMHC claims is a tilt in the nation's housing policy in favor of home ownership. “One of my principal responsibilities is to do what I can — along with the staff, our members, our affiliates and our strategic partners — to try to move the needle on our nation's housing policy toward a better balance between home ownership and renting,” he said.
Bibby, who began his new role with the NMHC in June, added that the organization also plans to attack public misconceptions about apartment housing and renters, which result in communities adopting Not in My Backyard (NIMBY) stances that can stifle smart growth in areas that need affordable rental housing. “I intend to engage our membership in a long-term strategic planning exercise, drawing on their experiences and insights,” he said. “It's time for us to update our strategic plans.”
In his new job, Bibby will draw on his extensive management experience. Prior to serving at Ardsley, he held various positions at Fannie Mae from 1983 to 1999, including senior vice president of human resources and training.