Linda Mandolini, David Gasson, Jeff Whiting, and Tom Collishaw didn’t set out to work in affordable housing—but once they started, they never looked back.
They’ve helped create thousands and thousands of affordable homes across the country and have worked tirelessly to make the industry stronger.
For their lasting contributions, they are being inducted into AHF’s Affordable Housing Hall of Fame.
Mandolini is president and CEO of Eden Housing, a California-based nonprofit that has become one of the most successful affordable housing providers in the nation. It has developed or acquired more than 11,000 affordable homes throughout the state. Beyond her work at Eden Housing, Mandolini serves on key industry boards and is an important figure in housing policy, including working on critical bond measures that support affordable housing.
Gasson is a partner and co-founder of MG Housing Strategies and executive director of the Housing Advisory Group. For 30 years, he has been educating state and federal officials on housing programs and advocating for policies to expand affordable housing production and preservation. This year, he helped secure a historic expansion of the low-income housing tax credit program.
Whiting is executive chairman of CREA. Since founding the company in 2001, he has helped finance more than $12.6 billion in equity for affordable housing, resulting in the creation of more than 90,000 homes across the United States. In addition to establishing a major low-income housing tax credit syndication firm, Whiting is a founding member of the Indiana Affordable Housing Council and a leading advocate for affordable housing.
Collishaw is president and CEO of Self-Help Enterprises, a nonprofit that has helped more than 6,600 families build their own homes, rehabilitated more than 7,000 unsafe residences, and developed over more than 3,000 affordable rental units for farmworkers, veterans, seniors, and families across Central California. Much of that work has been done under Collishaw’s leadership. He’s also been an important voice in advancing programs for rural housing development and increasing resources for affordable housing at the local, state, and federal levels.
These honorees will be recognized during the annual awards ceremony at AHF Live, Nov. 17 to 19, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
Read more about the 2025 inductees below.
-
Mandolini Drives Growth and Innovation at Eden Housing
For her work at the nonprofit and beyond, the longtime leader heads into the Affordable Housing Hall of Fame.
-
Gasson Marks 30 Years Championing Affordable Housing
The longtime advocate will be inducted in the Affordable Housing Hall of Fame.
-
Whiting Turns Partnerships Into Homes
The founder of CREA is being inducted into the Affordable Housing Hall of Fame.
-
Collishaw Places Purpose Over Prestige
For his longtime efforts, the head of Self-Help Enterprises is headed into the Hall of Fame.