The National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies (NALHFA) is proud to honor Jim Shaw with its Distinguished Lifetime Service Award in recognition of his extraordinary contributions and decades of dedicated service to both NALHFA and the entire affordable housing finance community.
This prestigious recognition has been awarded only five times in the association’s 44-year history, underscoring the significance of Shaw’s impact on the industry and the communities it serves. Shaw served on the NALHFA Board of Directors for more than 25 years, including terms as President and Immediate Past President, providing steadfast leadership and guidance to the organization during periods of both growth and challenge.
“For all that he has given to NALHFA—and to the entire affordable housing finance community—Jim is truly deserving of this honor,” said Jonathan Paine, NALHFA Executive Director. “He is an industry icon whose legacy will stand the test of time.”
Shaw is the immediate past Executive Director and current Deputy Director of the Capital Area Housing Finance Corporation (CAHFC), a nine-county regional bond issuer in Central Texas. CAHFC plays a critical role in both single-family and multifamily mortgage revenue bond transactions, as well as in the development, construction, and ownership of affordable housing.
Under Shaw’s leadership, CAHFC issued more than $1.7 billion in tax-exempt and taxable bonds—helping more than 5,000 first-time homebuyers achieve homeownership and supporting the construction or rehabilitation of more than 9,500 affordable rental units. Additionally, CAHFC served as an owner or co-developer in more than 3,600 housing units.
Shaw also played a pivotal role in working with the United States Department of the Treasury, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac to establish the New Issue Bond Program in 2009, an initiative that helped revitalize the national housing market following the Financial crisis of 2007–2008. With more than 40 years of experience in economic development, real estate development, planning, and public finance, Shaw has been responsible for projects totaling more than $3.5 billion. His leadership and expertise have left a lasting imprint on communities across the country.
“Throughout his career, Jim has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing affordable housing and strengthening the communities he serves,” said Jonathan Paine. “It has been one of my greatest honors to recognize Jim with NALHFA’s Distinguished Lifetime Service Award, a well-deserved recognition of his extraordinary leadership, dedication, and lasting impact on the affordable housing finance community.”
Shaw is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and has also served as President of the Texas Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies (TALHFA).