Shawn Smith

Executive Director

Ohio Housing Finance Agency

After nearly two decades as a governmental accounting and public finance professional, Shawn Smith joined the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) as chief of staff in 2019. He was named interim executive director 10 months later before accepting a permanent appointment to executive director in July 2021.

Shawn has served in numerous roles in state government, including chief operating officer at the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, director of Finance & Technology Services for the Ohio Department of Youth Services, and chief financial officer for the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

A strong proponent for civic engagement, Shawn has also served his local community as a public library trustee and township fiscal officer. His board and committee work includes membership on the Affordable Housing Advisory Council (Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati), National Council of State Housing Agencies Board of Directors, Ohio Attorney General's Criminal Justice and Mental Health Task Force, Eliminating Disparities in Infant Mortality Task Force, State of Ohio 9-1-1 Council, Ohio Utility Radiological Safety Board, Central Ohio Association of Government Accountants Executive Committee, Central Ohio YMCA Finance Committee, and Ohio’s Business Intelligence Steering Committee.

Shawn is a Certified Public Manager and Certified Ohio Fiscal Professional. He earned a bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, in accounting from Capital University and a Master of Accountancy from Rutgers University.