Release date: 6/22/2023

Contact: 
Lindsay Moore, NeighborWorks America Media 
202-760-4097
[email protected]

NeighborWorks America appoints Rodney E. Hood board chair

Washington, D.C. — NeighborWorks America announced the election of Rodney E. Hood as its board chair, effective June 23. Hood succeeds Martin Gruenberg of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Since 2019, Hood has served as a member of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) board and was chairman of the board from 2019 to 2021, fulfilling a notable tenure as the first Black American to lead a banking regulatory agency. Prior to that time, Hood served as a corporate responsibility manager for JPMorgan Chase, managing national partnerships with nonprofit organizations, financial regulators and community stakeholders to promote financial wellness and economic mobility in marginalized communities throughout the United States. 

"I am deeply honored to be named Chairman of the NeighborWorks America Board. NeighborWorks America and its 247 affiliates serve on the front lines of affordable housing initiatives all across this country. Access to affordable housing is essential, and I look forward to working with my Board colleagues to build on the excellent work of Chairman Gruenberg to create opportunities for vulnerable and underserved communities to build wealth through sustainable homeownership."

As board chair, Hood will provide strategic leadership in support of NeighborWorks America's goal to equitably meet the housing needs of communities and provide essential resources for individuals, families and communities to thrive. NeighborWorks America supports a network of nearly 250 nonprofit organizations, located in every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

"I am excited to welcome Rodney Hood as NeighborWorks America's new board chair," said Marietta Rodriguez, NeighborWorks America president and CEO. "Rodney's extraordinary insight and dedication to advancing financial inclusion and shared prosperity in underserved communities will further enhance our work and our impact across the network organizations. His knowledge of issues surrounding affordable housing and community development will serve us well." 

NCUA Chairman Todd M. Harper added: "With his deep background in community development and commitment to financial inclusion, Board Member Hood is an outstanding choice to serve as Chairman of NeighborWorks America. What's more, Board Member Hood's commitment addressing the financial disparities experienced by minority, underserved, and unbanked populations make him imminently ready to succeed in this important role."

Determined by statute, NeighborWorks America's board consists of the heads of the financial regulatory agencies and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or their statutorily designated representatives.

About NeighborWorks America 
For more than 40 years, Neighborhood Reinvestment Corp., a national, nonpartisan nonprofit known as NeighborWorks America, has strived to make every community a place of opportunity. Our network of excellence includes nearly 250 members in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. NeighborWorks America offers grant funding, peer exchange, technical assistance, evaluation tools, and access to training as the nation's leading trainer of housing and community development professionals. NeighborWorks network organizations provide residents in their communities with affordable homes, owned and rented; financial counseling and coaching; community building through resident engagement; and collaboration in the areas of health, employment and education.