Leah Evans

President & CEO, Homeport

Leah F. Evans is the President and CEO of Homeport, a NeighborWorks America ​affiliate and leading housing developer serving the Central Ohio region. Leah ​has 25 years of experience in economic and community development having ​worked for the Ohio Department of Development and the City of Gahanna ​prior to her time at Homeport. She understands how to work with diverse ​partners and maximize resources to deliver positive community impacts. In her ​role, Leah leads a team of talented team of cross-sector professionals to ​develop and operate 2,800 apartments and homes and support and serve ​more than 7,000 residents.

Under her leadership, Homeport has launched two programs representing almost $6 million in ​homebuyer assistance, is breaking ground on Homeport's first development in Delaware County, the ​fastest growing county in Ohio, and has increased the onsite programs and services at all of Homeport ​communities across Central Ohio. Previously she served as the Senior Vice President, Real Estate ​Development, driving the largest development pipeline in the organization’s history representing over ​$70 million of investment that provided housing for over 600 new residents.

Leah currently serves on several boards and commissions including NeighborWorks Capital ​Corporation, the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio, and the Columbus Women’s ​Commission. Leah holds a Master of City and Regional Planning from The Ohio State University, is a ​graduate of the NeighborWorks Harvard Achieving Excellence Program, is trained in PMP Project ​Management and is a certified Economic Development Finance Professional. She is committed to ​building and sustaining strong and inclusive communities where everyone can succeed.