WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 22, 2026) Frontier Housing announced this week the graduation of Board Member Shantee Lamarr and Assistant to the Secretary of the Board Lois Spears from the NeighborWorks® America Excellence in Governance Program and received the NeighborWorks America Board Governance Leader Certification. The program – over 60 hours of governance training over 18 months – is designed for board members, chief executives and board support staff who are ready to sharpen their leadership skills, strengthen their governance strategies and experiment with promising practices. This credential recognizes board leaders, senior executives and board support staff who demonstrate a strong understanding of governance fundamentals, value multiple perspectives and help organizations navigate decisions with confidence and care.
Each cohort accepts just over 70 participants to work on these strategies through peer learning, training and tailored resources.
“At NeighborWorks America, we know how important it is to have an engaged and informed board that keeps us connected – and looking forward – in the communities we serve,” said NeighborWorks President & CEO Marietta Rodriguez. “It not only helps the organization; it helps the whole community. I’m already anticipating the impact our newest graduates will make in their respective communities.”
Jennifer Christian, senior director of Network Leadership Development, said that NeighborWorks invests in board members knowing that the training will have what she calls a “multiplier effect.” “Participants become leaders not just on this board, but in other ways in the community. Their impact grows exponentially.”
Chelsa Hamilton, Interim President & CEO, said she was proud to have a graduate of the program.
“We are extremely grateful for the partnership of NeighborWorks and the vast resources provided to us as a member. The Excellence in Governance Program is another wonderful resource made available to us to strengthen our organization and our leadership. We are proud of Shay and Lois for completing this program and bringing these skills back to the communities we serve.”
Lois Spears, Assistant to the Secretary of the Board of Directors, said the training was transformational.
“I am grateful to NeighborWorks and Frontier for providing me with the opportunity to attend the Excellence in Governance training,” she said. “The experience has strengthened my understanding of board governance and has made me more confident in my work and collaboration with our Board of Directors. I now feel better prepared and more knowledgeable in my role, allowing me to serve more effectively as an assistant secretary to the Board.”
The success of Shay and Lois adds to the strength of Frontier Housing, which serves the needs of our communities by helping them reach affordable housing solutions.
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Frontier Housing is the leader for affordable housing solutions in Appalachian communities in the heart of the Ohio River Valley. Frontier improves the quality of life for individuals and families, helping them achieve long-term stability, financial independence, and generational wealth. Learn more at frontierky.org
About NeighborWorks America
For nearly 50 years, Neighborhood Reinvestment Corp., a Congressionally chartered national nonprofit known as NeighborWorks® America, has strived to make every community safer and more prosperous. Our network of excellence includes nearly 250 nonprofits in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and on Native lands. NeighborWorks offers grant funding, peer exchange, technical assistance, evaluation tools and access to best-in-class training as the nation’s leading trainer of housing and community development professionals. NeighborWorks network organizations build homes and apartments, expanding the supply of affordable housing in every community; provide financial counseling and coaching that increases self-sufficiency; encourage resident leadership, and collaborate with local stakeholders in the areas of health, economic development, employment and education. In Fiscal Year 2025, for every dollar received from Congress, NeighborWorks network and NeighborWorks America attracted an additional $74 of investment from other sources.
For more information, visit neighborworks.org.
