Paul Lumley Wraps Up First Year as Executive Director of NAIHC
Paul Lumley is cultivating relationships in Congress for the sake of NAHASDA reauthorization and appropriations for NAIHC Members. "We've got to keep the doors open," he says.
In a town characterized by movers and shakers, Paul Lumley exudes confidence in his abilities. A 20-year veteran of tribal policy issues, he came to the Executive Directorship of the National American Indian Housing Council as the organization faced strong headwinds on fiscal matters that could determine the course of Indian housing and the continued existence of NAIHC itself.
The way to success, says Lumley (who started at NAIHC on January 29, 2007), was illuminated by the Board and realized through strengthened relationships: with our Membership, with Congress, with Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with high-level government contacts, and with NAIHC's partners—including new ones that may seem unfamiliar to Indian housing.
"You'll see partnerships forming that you've never seen before," he says, identifying the essence of NAIHC's function as maximizing its (provable) benefits for Indian Country.
"I will approach housing like I did with one of my old jobs. How many fish can we put in people's hands?" says Lumley, a citizen of the Yakama Nation of Washington State. "I want to make sure that housing benefits accrue to Native Americans in the same way."
The fish metaphor is experiential as well, as he draws on 17 years with the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, but for the last three years before coming to NAIHC, Lumley was in Washington, DC, with the U.S. Department of Defense as Senior Tribal Liaison within the Office of the Deputy Undersecretary for the DoD's Installations and Environment Program. His work with tribal governments, tribal consortia, virtually all federal agencies impacting Indian Country, and Native American national and regional organizations helped him stand out from a long list of candidates for the position he now holds, according to NAIHC Chairman Marty Shuravloff.
"Mr. Lumley brings a wide-ranging background on issues that directly impact American Indians and Alaska Natives to NAIHC, and he is providing the kind of strong leadership and decisive managerial skills required to lead a national Indian organization," says Shuravloff, who also is Executive Director of Kodiak Island Housing Authority in Alaska.
The Challenge at Hand
"It is amazing what one person can do with a little education, community support and a roof over your head," says Lumley, who's known all manner of housing from homelessness to homeownership.
"In my professional career, as well as privately, I have always worked toward improving the lives of Native Americans," says Lumley. "I look forward to this new challenge of helping improve the lives of Native Americans where they live; on reservations, in Indian communities and in Alaska Native villages."
One person can make a difference, he's learned, and he attributes his own success to a strong sense of focus and persistence—"I do not take ‘no' for an answer"—which he is continuing at NAIHC.
"You won't see me swaying from my purpose for being here," says Lumley. With the exuberance of a youthful 44-year-old, Lumley took the reins from Dennis Daniels, a federal Indian housing veteran who served as NAIHC's Acting Executive Director from September 2006 until Lumley began. Daniels is now Deputy Executive Director. Prior to joining NAIHC in February 2006, Daniels was Director of Headquarters Operations in HUD's Office of Native American Programs.
Reauthorization of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA) is a top priority for Lumley, Shuravloff reiterates, specifying now that "Paul will be articulating to Congress, our federal funders and other non-government organizations, the importance of capacity building for our membership and the necessary funding to support housing and community development in American Indian and Alaska Native communities."
Foreseeing a "full-court press," Lumley references two of last year's communications/advocacy campaigns—Board testimonials to the media and membership letters to Congress—which arguably rescued NAIHC from the brink of fiscal extinction.
Personal Experiences
On a personal level, the formula for success boils down to a few essentials, according to Lumley. "It is amazing what one person can do with a little education, community support and a roof over your head," he says. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Western Washington University (1986). His experience of a full spectrum of housing could foretell an uncommon empathy for people facing unduly difficult obstacles in pursuit of the American Dream.
"I've been homeless. I've been in housing that is inadequate. I've also owned a house, which is a fantastic way to create stability in your life." Homeownership is not for everyone, Lumley acknowledges, at the same time asserting that it is something to vigorously promote, as it potentially benefits both households (in terms of personal equity) and communities (in terms of economic development). "I am all too aware of the challenges in life when housing is inadequate. Challenges that affect every part of your life and your future: health, education, financial stability, pride and a sense of community," Lumley said.
Of Note
In Lumley, NAIHC's members can expect to see someone who is very dedicated to meeting their housing needs, he says. And to that purpose, his door is open. "I want them to express their needs so we can better address them."