Last week we awarded Larry Swanson the inaugural Robert B. Whittlesey Leadership Award at #HPNSeattle. The honor is bestowed to someone who embodies true leadership, embraces innovation and creativity, and cultivates engagement across our network – all of which represent the legacy of the award’s namesake. Bob Whittlesey founded three nonprofits (including HPN) and is widely regarded as one of the great unsung heroes of affordable housing – a tenacious and inspiring leader who died at 101 in 2023. Larry’s impact goes far beyond bricks and mortar. He has been a generous mentor, dynamic field catalyst, and staunch advocate for programs, policies, and investments to make housing more affordable and accessible. He was the major architect from the membership side of one of our first social enterprises – the Housing Partnership Insurance Exchange (HPIEx), a member-owned insurance captive. Larry was HPIEx’s first board chair and also served as HPN’s board chair for six years. Coincidentally, the member meeting marked the 20th anniversary of HPIEx, celebrating two decades of impact and partnership with IMA Financial Group, Inc., who worked closely with Larry and HPN staff to launch the enterprise. IMA supported the dinner at the Seattle Art Museum that commemorated the anniversary and celebrated Larry. Larry will be stepping down as CEO of ACTION-Housing, Inc. after 45 years once his successor is appointed early this summer. Read his parting words to members and celebrate his “gifts” – to and from the field: https://lnkd.in/gAaufFxb
Scott Langford
1mo
Congratulations Larry Swanson. You have always been a generous leader and supporter of global knowledge sharing d=for the benefit of local communities.
EVP and Chief Operating Officer at Housing Partnership Network
1moWho better than to receive this inaugural honor than Larry. He epitomizes the spirit of collaboration and leadership that Bob envisioned over 30 years ago and that remains the cornerstone of HPN today