EPISODE 128: Yvonda A. Bean, CEO, Indianapolis Housing Agency

ChangeMaker Yvonda A. Bean, CEO of the Indianapolis Housing Agency (IHA), joins Katie Goar to share her transformative journey as a national leader in affordable housing.  With 25 years of experience turning around crisis-stricken housing authorities, Bean reveals her core philosophy: investing holistically in people—residents, staff, and community partners—is foundational to success. She discusses innovative solutions she’s pioneered, from housing formerly incarcerated individuals in Louisiana to partnering with mental health services, proving that creative collaboration can overcome resource limitations and systemic challenges.

Now leading IHA’s recovery from receivership, Bean details her 12-month action plan, "A New Day and Better IHA," which prioritizes five pillars: people, finances, operations, properties, and partnerships. She highlights the unique support from HUD, city leaders, and local philanthropies—a rare advantage in turnaround scenarios—and explains strategic decisions like selling aging properties to address deferred maintenance. Bean also shares her leadership approach during crises: running toward problems with calm confidence, radical transparency, and an unwavering commitment to residents’ dignity.

Throughout the conversation, Bean reflects on housing "choosing her" despite early career dreams, and how her lived experience fuels her mission. She emphasizes that progress hinges on remembering "it’s not about me"—service to vulnerable families is what sustains hope amid daunting challenges like the industry’s $70 billion maintenance backlog. For housing professionals and changemakers alike, this episode offers a masterclass in resilient, resident-centered leadership.