Leslie Lannon has been appointed director of development of the New York Housing Conference (NYHC), according to Judith Calogero, CEO. Lannon's position is new. It was created to be part of the organization's expanded operations structure following the passing of NYHC founder Clara Fox. Fox guided the organization from its inception in 1973 until her death in 2007. Lannon will direct the day-to-day operations of the NYHC and manage its annual fund campaign. She will also be responsible for the organization's marketing, communications, and website development. In addition, Lannon will work with the National Housing Conference on developing the NHC/NYHC Annual Awards Luncheon, a "must attend" event for affordable housing professionals throughout the U.S. Calogero said, "I'm delighted that Leslie has chosen to devote her talent, expertise and experience to the organization. Now, more than ever, there is a need for affordable housing. Our primary mission will be to stimulate legislation on the federal, state and local levels to spur housing and community development in New York. Leslie will support that mission on an hour-by-hour, day-to-day basis." An experienced private sector and government service professional, Lannon's career spans two decades. It encompasses the development and management of programs for homeless families at The Children's Aid Society, to the successful management of public affairs, publicity and events, for the Wildlife Conservation Society's three New York City zoos. In the 1990s, she spent several years in Guatemala as a program officer on the U.S. Agency for International Development's Central America-wide natural resource management project - managing a $20 million budget. Most recently, Lannon served as director of development for the Bronx River Alliance, while also working as a consultant to NYHC. Lannon said, "I'm honored to join the NYHC at this most critical and challenging time. I'm confident that we will prevail in our efforts to create much-needed housing for hard working families throughout NYS. Even in these staggering economic conditions, the need for a safe place to live must be a paramount priority for our elected leaders and forward-thinking professionals in the housing industry." Founded in 1973, the NYHC joined the National Housing Conference as its first regional affiliate in 1976. NYHC advocates for the housing needs of New Yorkers through affordable housing legislation with adequate funding and workable regulations. The organization also promotes increased public awareness of the need for and benefit of affordable housing in New York. www.thenyhc.org.