Management Innovation: Human Resources

District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency:
DCHFA's Wellness Week

DCHFA’s inaugural Wellness Week demonstrated management innovation by placing employee well-being at the center of organizational success. Through a flexible three-day program addressing physical, mental, financial, and social health, employees accessed preventive care, wellness education, fitness, and financial literacy. The initiative strengthened culture, boosted engagement, and reinforced DCHFA’s commitment to healthy, empowered employees who drive mission success daily for all team members.

Illinois Housing Development Authority:
Innovative at the Core: Redefining Organizational Culture through the Core Values Initiative

The Illinois Housing Development Authority strengthened its culture by formalizing Core Values: People, Teamwork, Equity & Inclusion, Innovation, and Respect, and integrated them into hiring, operations, and recognition programs. This initiative unified departments, boosted employee engagement, and ensured values guide decision-making, collaboration, and workplace behavior throughout the organization.

Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency:
Modernizing HR Through Digital Transformation

Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency’s Human Resources team modernized outdated, paper-based processes by implementing a new Human Resources Management System, Paylocity. The change improved efficiency, reduced onboarding time, increased data access, and standardized workflows. Completed in 2024, the transformation strengthened employee experience and positioned OHFA’s Human Resources team as a strategic partner.

Rhode Island Housing:
Building a Culture of Growth: RIHousing’s Scalable Approach to Professional Development and Succession

In a competitive workforce, RIHousing identified a critical need and challenge: how to retain talent, build institutional knowledge, and prepare the next generation of leaders, all without significantly increasing agency costs. What were we doing to encourage personal and professional advancement? How could we intentionally drive long-term employee retention and promote from within? The answer has evolved into an employee-driven professional development culture and environment.

Virginia Housing:
Reimagining the Intern Experience within Virgina Housing’s Experiential Learning Program

Virginia Housing is proud to nominate our Intern Program, which falls within our Experiential Learning Program, for the HR Management Innovation Award. This past year marked a strategic pivot toward elevating our Internship Program.

Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority:
WHEDA Summer Internship Program

The WHEDA Summer Internship Program provides a comprehensive, hands-on opportunity for students and young professionals to gain experience in a quasi-government workplace and Wisconsin’s affordable housing financing industry. WHEDA’s internship program fosters personal and professional growth, connecting young professionals to public service and WHEDA’s mission of expanding access to safe, affordable housing in Wisconsin through professional development opportunities and a group project.