Helen S. McIlvaine, City of Alexandria Housing Director, Recognized for Contributions to Public Service
On October 18, the Center for Nonprofit Advancement awarded Alexandria Office of Housing Director, Helen S. McIlvaine, the Phyllis Campbell Newsome Public Policy Leadership Award for her contributions in public service. Annually, this honor recognizes four public officials who have demonstrated exceptional partnership with the nonprofit sector to ensure more vibrant communities.
During Ms. McIlvaine’s tenure, the City has successfully partnered with nonprofit housing providers, faith organizations, and service providers to provide critically needed affordable housing in Alexandria. Partners have included Carpenter’s Shelter, Alexandria Housing Development Corporation, Community Lodgings, Inc., AHC, Inc., Wesley Housing, Church of the Resurrection, and the Harambee Community Development Corporation whose projects are delivering housing opportunities to hundreds of Alexandria households across the city.
Prior to her work in Alexandria, Ms. McIlvaine was Director of Real Estate Development for the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia, and Executive Director of Catholics for Housing.
The Phyllis Campbell Newsome Public Policy Leadership Award was named in honor of the Center for Nonprofit Advancement’s former Director of Advocacy and Community Relations. One public official is selected annually from each of the following jurisdictions: District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County. The other awardees this year include: Najla Husseini, Deputy Chief, School Partnerships, DC Public Schools; Isiah “Ike” Leggett, Montgomery County Executive; and Derrick Leon Davis, Prince George County Council Member.