Alexandria-Based Affordable Housing Developer Chooses New Leader

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A new leader has been chosen for Alexandria-based Wesley Housing, an affordable housing developer.

Wesley Housing's board selected Kamilah McAfee as the new president and CEO, who will replace Shelley Murphy. Murphy has led Wesley Housing for 15 years.

McAfee has held leadership roles at Wesley Housing since 2008 and is currently senior vice president of real estate development. Her appointment as president and CEO is effective Jan. 2, 2023.

"Housing is a foundational human need that paves the way for an individual’s or family’s success in so many areas," said McAfee in a statement. "I am deeply committed to the work that Wesley Housing does in this area, and I am honored to be selected as the next President and CEO at this important time in the organization’s history."

McAfee is credited with leading the affordable housing developer's real estate development
team through five years of growth, including construction completion at seven communities with a collective 571 new units. The new units will provide homes for an estimated 1,500 or more low and moderate-income residents. To date, Wesley Housing has developed or acquired 2,800 affordable units.

McAfee's previous positions have included director of public finance for the DC Housing Finance Agency and development associate for Forest City, Washington.

"The Board has always been deeply impressed with Kamilah’s vast knowledge of affordable housing and commitment to Wesley Housing’s mission," said Wesley Housing Board Chair John Gibb in a statement. "We are confident she is the right person to lead the organization during this important period of growth."

One of Wesley Housing's recently completed projects was the Waypoint at Fairlington, an 81-unit community serving households with 30 to 60 percent of the area median income. The Waypoint is co-located on Fairlington Presbyterian Church property.

Another property coming soon will be the Arden near the Huntington Metro Station in Fairfax County. The community will have 126 affordable units and become Wesley Housing's new main office.