Ability Housing, a nonprofit developer of affordable multifamily housing, recently announced the appointment of Thomas J. Daly, Jr. as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer. He brings more than 20 years of housing, finance and legal sector experience to the position.

In his new role, Daly oversees the nonprofit organization’s business operations as it expands its portfolio in multiple regions of Florida. He is responsible for managing the property development strategy, including an estimated 375 units of housing anticipated to begin construction this year; asset management policies for the organization’s 800+ apartment and scattered-site homes across the state; programs that serve nearly 1,900 residents each day, executes the business plan and is accountable for financial performance.

Most recently, Daly served as the City of Jacksonville’s Chief of the Housing and Community Development Division. Under his leadership, the division developed more than 1,400 new rental housing units within the urban core by effectively managing city, state and federal funding programs.

“Tom has significant experience in the affordable housing sector, and has been a trusted collaborator of Ability Housing for many years. His familiarity with our projects and programs, as well as the complex legal and financial requirements of our industry, made him the perfect choice to guide our continued growth and mission fulfillment,” said Shannon Nazworth, President and CEO of Ability Housing.

Daly’s career in the affordable housing sector spans several roles in both the public and private sector. Prior to his tenure as Chief of the Housing and Community Development Division, he served nearly five years as the Manager of Finance for the Downtown Investment Authority — a role that helped bring more than 1,000 new affordable, workforce, student and market-rate housing units to Downtown Jacksonville. Additional positions that contributed to his professional acumen include Vice President, Public Finance for Raymond James & Associates; Assistant Vice President, National Housing Group for Evensen Dodge, Inc.; and Senior Financial Analyst for the Indiana Housing Finance Authority. He also served two years as an attorney for Lewis, Longman, and Walker, P.A.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in agricultural economics from Purdue University, a Master of Public Affairs with a concentration in public finance from Indiana University and a Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law. He is a Certified Housing Development Professional through the National Development Council, and an active member of the Jacksonville Bar Association and American Bar Association.

For more information about Ability Housing, visit abilityhousing.org.