Ian Labitue Chosen as Affordable Housing Trust CEO
Experienced community leader is committed to combating affordable housing crisis
The Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus and Franklin County (AHT) board of directors has chosen Ian Labitue, who has spent his career engaging with affordable housing and community development, as its new president and CEO. A government affairs and economic development attorney with Ice Miller, Labitue is a community leader who has served on a variety of local boards, including AHT, the Community Shelter Board and Resident Resources Network. He has deep experience navigating tax credit and local incentive programs and has worked closely with state and local governments and private sector partners to unlock funding for housing projects.
“Addressing the complexities of the Columbus housing crisis requires a strategic, collaborative approach, and I am committed to creating housing opportunities for all,” Labitue said. “It is not lost on me that the word ‘trust’ is in our organization’s name as we are entrusted with public and private dollars to facilitate the creation of affordable, accessible homes. I take that responsibility seriously, and am deeply honored to lead this mission.”
Labitue’s appointment follows a comprehensive national search led by BroadView Talent Partners, which identified him as the ideal candidate among a pool of outstanding contenders. Labitue has been involved with AHT for six years, including serving as board vice chair and chair of the Emerging Developers Accelerator Program Committee. His professional experience spans leading roles at Kaufman Development, Nationwide Realty Investors, and Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter, where he spearheaded real estate development and financing initiatives.
“Ian stood out among an impressive field of candidates because of his deep experience and unwavering commitment to expanding affordable housing opportunities for the residents of this community,” AHT Board Chair Lauren Hagan said. “His experience in fostering public-private partnerships and engaging with stakeholders across various sectors enhances AHT’s ability to expand affordable housing in the region.”
About AHT: The Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus and Franklin County is a nonprofit financial intermediary that accesses public and private capital for the production and preservation of affordable housing. Established in 2001, AHT has loaned more than $350 million to more than 200 affordable housing developments. AHT is certified by the U.S. Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution and operates an Emerging Developer Accelerator Program that provides training and capital to smaller developers entering the field.
For more information about AHT and its initiatives, visit https://www.hztrust.org.