Jim Brown, Executive Director
Mr. Brown became the second executive director of the nine year old Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing Providers in May 2006. TAAHP is a 501(c)(6) not for profit trade association representing a membership composed of professional individuals and organizations dedicated to the mission of “increasing the supply and quality of affordable housing for Texans with limited incomes”. Mr. Brown has been involved in the housing industry in the public and private sector since 1965. In 1972 he was recognized for his leadership in the City of San Marcos, Texas Urban Renewal Agency’s clearance and redevelopment of the San Marcos River and Purgatory Creek watersheds. Over 30% of the city and most of the project area was inundated on May 15, 1970 and again on May 13, 1972. The plan successfully relocated several hundred families out of the floodplain into new or existing homes and rehabilitation of many structures out of the 100 year floodplain. In 1973 Mr. Brown was tasked as project manager in the recovery of seven cities in the Agnes Disaster area along the Susquehanna River Corridor in the State of Pennsylvania. Housing was a major element of the recovery project.
Prior to entering the private sector as an upscale land developer, Mr. Brown served as city manager in two Texas cities and supervised several housing related departments. His private sector projects include River Place on Lake Austin, Austin, Texas, and the Boardwalk in Round Rock, Texas.
Mr. Brown’s background includes several years in the legislative policy development on natural resources as well as housing issues, the Worthy Grand Master, (international president) of the 200,000 member Kappa Sigma Fraternity, several civic and religious organization boards of directors and was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus by Texas State University – San Marcos. Mr. Brown resides in Austin, Texas where he directs the day to day operation of the Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing Providers, its legislative and policy activities, educational and conference events and general membership services for its 180 members.
Jesus Azanza, Director of Member Services
Originally from Northern California, Jesus Azanza moved to Austin, Texas in May 2005 and worked for TAAHP as an intern during the fall 2007 semester. Jesus received an Associate of Arts Certificate from Santa Rosa Junior College in California and logged 15 hours at California State University - Sacramento before transferring to Texas State University - San Marcos where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Jesus is an active member of the Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Society and Texas State University - San Marcos Alumni Association. Jesus paid his way through college working for Wells Fargo Banks in Santa Rosa, California and Austin, Texas from 2004-2007 where he served as a Lead Teller. A real self-starter, Jesus brings his hard work ethic, creativity, computer skills, and customer service background to assist the Executive Director in coordinating and managing the services for TAAHP's 180 members.