WASHINGTON, DC – Today City First Homes, Inc. (“CFHomes”), one of the larger workforce housing trusts in the country, named Robert Burns as its new president and CEO. Burns is an entrepreneurial leader with more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, community development, and state and local affairs. He replaces Angie Rodgers who served as interim president in 2013 while a national search was conducted to fill the position.

Prior to joining CFHomes, Burns led five regional offices and oversaw grant making across the US as the national director of field operations for NeighborWorks America, one of the country’s preeminent leaders in affordable housing and community development. He played a pivotal role in leveraging $133 million in investment dollars from private and public sources to rebuild the Gulf Coast after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Before serving in this national capacity Burns held the position of regional director in the Kansas City office. Subsequent to his 15 year tenure at NeighborWorks America, Burns was named the director of local government solutions for the Institute for Building Technology and Safety. He currently serves on the executive committee of the National Community Land Trust Network Board of Directors.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Robert as the new president and CEO of City First Homes,” said John Hamilton, president of City First Enterprises and chairman of the board of directors of City First Homes. “Robert’s strong background in affordable housing and community development, his proven commitment to social justice and opportunity, and his experience as a leader of neighborhood-based solutions all will help City First Homes continue to grow in impact — helping support well-stewarded permanently affordable homes and the people who live in them throughout our region.”

Since 2010 CFHomes has created over 120 permanently affordable homes for low- and moderate-income families and is one of ten organizations selected nationwide to be awarded operating support from the White House Social Innovation Fund for outstanding work in affordable homeownership.

“I am passionate about the mission of City First Homes and am committed to maximizing the housing opportunities for working families in the region,” said Burns. “There is a pressing need for a long-term solutions to housing affordability and I am proud to be working to provide one creative response through the work of City First Homes.”

Prior to NeighborWorks America, Burns served as a City Manager in Ferguson, Missouri. He has a Masters in Public Administration from University of Kansas, a BS from Appalachian State University, and is a recipient of the prestigious Truman Scholarship.