Celebrating Excellence: Meet the Five Awardees from the Housing Matters Forum

During the Housing Matters forum, the Alliance honored five outstanding individuals and organizations whose work has made a significant impact on housing and community development. These awardees represent leadership, advocacy, partnership, and innovation in addressing housing challenges. Their dedication and achievements set a high standard for others in the field and inspire continued efforts to improve housing access and quality.

Councilmember Rollin Horton Recognized as Government Leader of the Year

Councilmember Rollin Horton was awarded the inaugural Government Leader of the Year award for his unwavering commitment to housing policy reform and community engagement. His leadership has been instrumental in passing legislation that increases affordable housing options and supports sustainable urban development.

Councilmember Horton, who represents District 20 on the Metro Council, has made housing affordability the centerpiece of his tenure. He sponsored the Smart Stair Act, unanimously passed by the Metro Council, which updates Nashville's building code to allow smaller apartment and condo buildings to be constructed with a single staircase — a reform that studies show reduces construction costs by 6 to 13 percent and can lower rents by an average of 22 percent. He also sponsored a major rezoning plan for The Nations neighborhood, allowing for more housing options in an area where prices continue to rise.

Kay Bowers Honored as Advocate of the Year

The Community Advocate of the Year award was given to Kay Bowers for her more than three decades of working in affordable housing development, finance, and property management.

Even after retiring as Executive Director of New Level Community Development Corporation, Kay has continued to fight for affordable housing programs and policies across Nashville and Tennessee. She helped establish the Tennessee Affordable Housing Coalition and the Housing Counselors and Educators of Tennessee, serves on the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency, and has been a driving force within NOAH's affordable housing task force. Under her leadership, NOAH has helped secure nearly permanent affordability commitments on Metro-owned land along the Cumberland River — a first for our city.

Jerry Nicely Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Jerry Nicely was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for his many contributions to affordable housing in Nashville. Jerry's fingerprints are on the very infrastructure our community relies on today.

Jerry served as executive director of Nashville's Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency from 1979 to 2002 — more than two decades leading one of the most consequential public agencies in our city's history. Under his leadership, MDHA was viewed as one of the best-run local housing agencies in the country, and he served as president of the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association. Today, MDHA's headquarters bears his name — a testament to his living legacy.

Jerry was a founding board member of the Frist Center for the Visual Arts and a charter board member of the Nashville Housing Fund — the institution we now know as The Housing Fund, which remains one of our most critical affordable housing tools.

Today, MDHA's headquarters bears his name — a testament to his living legacy.

Pinnacle Financial Partners Named Financial Partner of the Year

Pinnacle Financial Partners was recognized as the Financial Partner of the Year. Pinnacle has a long history of stepping up not just as a lender, but as a genuine partner in building a more affordable and equitable Nashville.

Their commitment to making Nashville more affordable sets Pinnacle apart. They have brought financial resources, leadership, and a long-term vision to the table at every turn.

Evan Holladay of Holladay Ventures Awarded Developer of the Year

Evan Holladay, founder and CEO of Holladay Ventures, received the Developer of the Year award. Holladay Ventures has sourced and developed over $237 million in affordable housing, creating more than 1,300 units across the region.

Evan's work goes beyond the numbers. He partnered with Samaritan Recovery Community to deliver 484 units of affordable housing while more than doubling the nonprofit's recovery operations from 50 to 132 beds. He is currently under construction on The Opaline at Artist Hill — a 251-unit affordable community serving residents earning up to 60% of area median income, with a new 4,000-square-foot childcare facility built on site. And he has done all of it while pioneering innovative financing tools, including introducing PILOT agreements in multiple jurisdictions and combining Renewable Energy Credits with Low-Income Housing Tax Credits.

The five awardees at the Housing Matters forum exemplify the diverse roles needed to address housing challenges. From government leadership and advocacy to financing and development, their combined efforts create a stronger foundation for communities.

Their stories highlight practical solutions and real-world impact. Recognizing their achievements encourages others to contribute in meaningful ways to housing access and quality.