FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 23rd 2022

The National Community Stabilization Trust Announces New President, Christopher J. Tyson

After a six-month, nationwide search, the National Community Stabilization Trust (NCST) has named Christopher J. Tyson as its next President. Tyson will begin at NCST on July 5, 2022.

“Please join me in welcoming Christopher Tyson to NCST. In addition to being a distinguished scholar and thought leader, Chris is an experienced community development executive. He brings a wealth of experience in real estate development, public finance, and land banking, as well as a deep and abiding commitment to equity and inclusion,” said Andrew Jakabovics, NCST Board President. “Chris has the vision, skill, and heart to increase NCST’s impact and lead NCST’s next chapter. I’m excited to have someone with his diverse background and demonstrated talent as our next President.”

Christopher J. Tyson is currently the Newman Trowbridge Distinguished Professor of Law at the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University. In December 2021 he completed a four-year term as the President and CEO of Build Baton Rouge, the city’s redevelopment authority and land bank. Under his leadership the city launched a $50 million Bus Rapid Transit project, won a $30 million HUD Choice Neighborhoods grant, was awarded the highly competitive $5 million JP Morgan Chase AdvancingCities grant, and established Baton Rouge’s first Community Land Trust. During that same period Build Baton Rouge acquired and prepared for development over 20 acres of vacant and blighted urban property and administered over $20 million in HUD Community Development grants on behalf of the city of Baton Rouge.

“NCST has an amazing track record of impact in communities around the country. This is a rare opportunity to elevate the nation’s focus on revitalizing disinvested communities, expanding opportunity, and advancing affordable housing and home ownership,” Tyson said. “I’m honored to join this Board and staff in this critically important work.”

Over the course of his career Tyson has promoted racial equity in housing and urban development through his speaking, scholarship, and advocacy. He previously worked as a real estate and land use attorney in private practice and served on the Washington, DC staff of former United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu.

Tyson received his Juris Doctor degree from the Georgetown University Law Center, his Master of Public Policy degree from the Harvard Kennedy School, and his Bachelor of Architecture degree, with honors, from Howard University.

Tyson will succeed NCST’s immediate past President, Julia Gordon, who was recently appointed by President Biden to be the Assistant Secretary for Housing and Federal Housing Commissioner. The NCST Board thanks Carlos Alcazar who has led NCST as Acting President for the past three months. Alcazar will resume his role as Chief Operating Officer.