People often ask me how I got started in affordable housing.
The truth is, I didn't grow up dreaming about housing programs, federal regulations, or housing authorities. Like many people, I was simply looking for a job. At 21 years old, after working as a flight attendant and moving to Minnesota, I accepted a position as a secretary in the Urban Renewal Department of the Minneapolis Housing Authority.
What I discovered changed the course of my life.
What started as a job became a career. That career became a passion. More than 60 years later, I'm still involved in affordable housing and still excited about the difference this work makes.
Housing Authority Work Changes Lives
One of the things I learned early in my career is that housing is never just about bricks and mortar.
Behind every application, inspection, reexamination, or voucher is a person or family trying to build a better future.
Housing provides stability. It creates opportunities for children to succeed in school. It allows seniors to remain independent. It helps people with disabilities live with dignity. It gives families a foundation for success.
When you work for a housing authority, you become part of that process every day.
Not many careers allow you to see the direct impact of your work on people's lives.
You Don't Need the Perfect Background
When I entered the industry, I didn't have a four-year degree. In fact, I was told there were positions I couldn't hold because I lacked the credentials or because people believed certain jobs should belong to men.
Thankfully, I had mentors who believed in me and gave me opportunities to grow. Those opportunities changed everything. And I went back to school at night for 7 years to finish my bachelor’s degree and work toward a master’s degree.
One thing I love about our industry is that many successful housing professionals started in entry-level positions. They learned the work, developed their skills, and steadily advanced.
Housing authorities need people who care, who are willing to learn, and who want to serve their communities.
Every Day Is Different
I've spent decades in this industry, and I can honestly say I have never been bored.
Housing authority work combines people, problem-solving, regulations, finance, customer service, leadership, technology, and community development.
One day you may be helping a family navigate a difficult situation. Another day you may be analyzing program data, implementing new HUD requirements, or collaborating with community partners.
The work is challenging, but that's part of what makes it rewarding.
The Industry Gives You Endless Opportunities to Learn
I've lived through enormous changes in our profession.
When I began, there were no computers, no internet, and certainly no online training platforms. I wrote books on a typewriter and sold them myself. Over the years, I've watched technology transform the way we work, communicate, and learn.
I worked my way up through the ranks and served as an executive director for nine years. I found I was one of very few women who were executive directors—and now look at how many women there are in high positions in the subsidized housing field!
One lesson I've learned is that lifelong learning is essential. The people who continue to grow are the people who stay curious. They're willing to adapt, embrace change, and learn new skills throughout their careers.
That's one reason I'm still excited about developing new learning tools like HELP (which we'll share more about at a later date). I believe our industry deserves better ways to build knowledge, confidence, and capacity at every level.
The People Are Extraordinary
Over the years, I've had the privilege of working with some remarkable people.
Many housing authority employees are deeply committed to public service. They care about residents. They care about their communities. They care about doing the right thing.
I've also been fortunate to work with mentors who opened doors for me when others would not. Their belief in my potential helped shape my leadership philosophy and influenced how I've tried to support others throughout my career.
The relationships you build in this industry often last a lifetime.
Your Impact Extends Beyond Your Job
The longer I worked in affordable housing, the more I realized that success isn't really about titles.
Success is about helping people.
It's about mentoring new employees.
It's about sharing knowledge.
It's about opening doors for others.
It's about leaving the industry stronger than you found it.
That's one of the reasons I continue working today. I still enjoy helping others learn, grow, and succeed. Affordable housing has given me a lifetime of opportunities, friendships, and purpose, and I want to give back to the profession that has given me so much.
Why Work for a Housing Authority?
My answer is simple.
Work for a housing authority if you want a career that matters.
Work for a housing authority if you enjoy helping people.
Work for a housing authority if you want opportunities to learn, grow, and lead.
Work for a housing authority if you want to make a difference in your community.
More than six decades ago, I accepted what I thought was simply a job.
Instead, I found a calling.
And if I had the opportunity to do it all over again, I would choose affordable housing every single time.
Interested in a career at NMA? From entry level jobs in the Housing Choice Voucher program to consulting and management roles for affordable housing experts, you'll find them at nanmckay.com/careers-at-nma.
About the Author
Nan McKay has spent more than 60 years serving the affordable housing industry as a housing authority employee, executive, trainer, author, consultant, and founder of Nan McKay & Associates. Her career has been dedicated to helping housing agencies build capacity, strengthen performance, and improve the lives of the families they serve. She has two buildings named after her: The Nan McKay Building in South St. Paul and McKay Manor in Apple Valley.
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