CEO and Co-Founder
Dr. Troy Nash
Section 8 housing to eight degrees, a city council seat, a governor's appointment and a development company. The claims on this page are the reason the advice is worth anything.
The beginning
Where it all began.
Troy Nash was born in Kansas City, Missouri and raised by a single mother with six children. The family lived in poverty, on welfare, in Section 8 housing, bouncing between public housing projects including Holy Temple Homes and Friendship Village Apartments.
As a child in the Kansas City desegregation program, Troy was bused across town to attend predominantly white schools, including Korte Elementary and Nowlin Middle School. He learned early what it meant to navigate worlds that weren't designed for him.
"I know what it feels like to wonder if you'll have a roof over your head tomorrow. That's why I've dedicated my life to making sure others never have to feel that fear."
Service to country
Duty. Honor. Community.
Dr. Nash served in the United States Air Force, serving in support of both Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm during the Gulf War.
At just 20 years old, he was appointed Dorm Chief of Honor Flight 048, leading and mentoring over 50 airmen. During his service, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics from Wesley College while on active duty.
He received an honorable discharge, carrying forward the values of duty, honor, and community that continue to define his approach to development.
Why the advice is different
Six seats at the table. He has sat in all of them.
The firm makes that claim on its homepage. This is the bill for it. Every line below is on the record.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri and raised by a single mother with six children. The family lived in poverty, on welfare, in Section 8 housing.
Elected at 29. As an at-large councilman of Missouri's largest city he represented more than 440,000 residents and helped oversee a city budget that The Kansas City Star put at $1 billion in 2001.
As Chairman of Planning, Zoning & Economic Development he helped guide major development approvals during a period of significant growth in the city.
Nominated by Governor Jay Nixon and confirmed by the Missouri Senate on a bipartisan basis, to the commission that awards the credits this firm now applies for.
First African American to become a partner in a top 10 commercial real estate firm in the history of the State of Missouri, at Newmark Zimmer, mentored by Hugh J. Zimmer.
Teaching real estate fundamentals, principles and development at a major university, to the people who will sit in these seats next.
Quoted from nashdg.com/dr-troy-nash and nashdg.com/about-us. Unit and development figures elsewhere on this site trace to the MHDC applications as filed and match MHDC's published approval lists.
Academic record
Eight degrees, a ninth in progress. One mission.
Each one acquired to serve communities in need, as the page itself puts it.
"From Section 8 to Systems Change"
2025 Public Health Impact Award
Brown University School of Public Health recognized Dr. Nash for advancing public health by integrating affordable housing and health care through the Alumnus Gardens campus in North St. Louis, a project he co-developed with our development partner that includes 112 homes (60 at Alumnus Gardens and 52 at Alumnus Gardens West) and a comprehensive health clinic.
Family First
After serving his country, Troy returned to Kansas City to his family. He had matured and grasped the impact he could have on other people. His first priority was to focus on his family. His goal was to empower them, through the only medium that would ensure success and opportunity: education.
At the age of 25, Troy converted his mom's small house into a classroom, bought used textbooks from the local thrift store, tutored his family, and helped his three older brothers enroll in college for the first time.
Troy's mother was not left out. With his help, at 55 years old, she studied for and received her GED. When she passed away on March 15, 2003, she was a junior in college. The University of Missouri–Kansas City posthumously awarded her a Bachelor's degree. Troy accepted the degree on behalf of his mom.
Public Service
A Lifetime of Service to Kansas City & Missouri
From student curator to city councilman, Dr. Nash has dedicated decades to public service, fighting for underserved communities at every level of government.
Kansas City City Council
At 29 years old, Troy was elected to the Kansas City City Council. As an at-large councilman of Missouri's largest city, he represented more than 440,000 residents and helped oversee a city budget that The Kansas City Star put at $1 billion in 2001.
As Former Chairman of Planning, Zoning & Economic Development (2003-2007), he helped guide major development approvals during a period of significant growth in the city.
He also served as Vice Chairman of the Budget and Audit Committee with jurisdiction over a city budget that The Kansas City Star put at $1 billion in 2001.
Former MHDC Vice Chairman
Missouri Housing Development Commission • 2009–2017
Nominated by Governor Jay Nixon and confirmed by the Missouri Senate on a bipartisan basis, Dr. Nash served as a Commissioner of the Missouri Housing Development Commission.
The commission administers HUD's most successful affordable housing programs including the Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), Missouri LIHTC, and Affordable Housing Assistance Tax Credit. This experience gave him unparalleled insight into Missouri's affordable housing ecosystem, knowledge he now applies as a developer.
University of Missouri Board of Curators
First African American Student Curator • 1996–1998
At just 26 years old, Troy was nominated by Governor Mel Carnahan and confirmed by the Missouri Senate to the University of Missouri Board of Curators, becoming the first African American to hold the position in the university system's history.
As student curator, he served as the voice for about 55,000 college students throughout the state of Missouri.
Special Assistant to the Mayor
Mayor Emanuel Cleaver's Office • 1997–1998
Served as Special Assistant to Mayor Emanuel Cleaver(now a United States Congressman), serving as the Mayor's primary point of contact for economic development and community housing initiatives.
In this role, he worked on numerous economic development and community housing initiatives. Troy learned from Mayor Cleaver that one can be involved in politics while still promoting civility and decency.
TIF Commission Committee Chair
Governance, Finance & Audit Committee • 2014–2019
Appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council in October 2014 to the Tax Increment Financing Commission. As Chairman of the Governance, Finance, and Audit Committee, he helped encourage development of blighted, substandard, and economically underutilized areas.
As a TIF Commissioner, reviewed the Loews Convention Headquarters Hotel incentives package.
Missouri Tax Credit Review Commission
Appointed by the Governor to the bipartisan Missouri Tax Credit Review Commission. The commission was created with the mission to review each of the state's 61 tax credit programs and make recommendations for greater efficacy and enhanced return on investment to the state.
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
Board of Directors • Washington, D.C.
Named to the Board of Directors of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation in Washington D.C., where he served as Chair of the Real Estate Committee and as a member of the Executive Committee.
Salvation Army Christmas Campaign
Given the honor of being asked to chair the Salvation Army's Annual Christmas Campaign in Kansas City.
In 2015, The Salvation Army nationally provided 10.8 million nights of shelter and 58.4 million meals to people in need.
Board Service
Current
Selected past service
Leading by Example
Bold Actions. Real Results.
When words weren't enough, Dr. Nash took action, putting himself on the front lines to fight for change.
6 Days on the Corner
In 2000, Troy camped out for six days at 39th & Prospect, one of America's most crime-ridden corners, to focus attention on decades of poor urban planning, redlining, and discrimination.
His efforts resulted in a citizen-driven economic development corridor plan and he worked to bring two grocery stores to the East Side: a Save-A-Lot at 3410 Troost, which opened in 2001, and an ALDI at 39th and Prospect, which he first proposed in 2004 and which broke ground in 2013.
1 Month in the Projects
Fighting for forgotten residents against corrupt management, Troy moved in for the month of June 2002 in one of the city's most crime-ridden housing complexes, well-known for open-air drug sales and violence.
As a result, the property was cleaned up and placed under new management.
6 Fire Stations
After learning about the horrible living conditions of Kansas City's firefighters, Troy spent the night in six fire stations throughout the city (one in each council district).
Voters then approved a 15-year, quarter-cent fire sales tax projected to raise $276 million to repair or replace aging fire stations, add new stations, hire firefighters and pay for equipment.
Empowering Family Through Education
After serving his country, Troy returned to Kansas City and converted his mom's small house into a classroom. He bought used textbooks from the local thrift store and helped his three older brothers enroll in college for the first time.
His mother was not left out. With his help, at 55 years old, she studied for and received her GED. When she passed away on March 15, 2003, she was a junior in college and was posthumously awarded a Bachelor's degree by UMKC.
Global Humanitarian Leadership
Presented an award to Archbishop Desmond Tutu in Hong Kong on behalf of People to People International and Kansas City.
Led a delegation to Cuba to study healthcare and education systems. Featured on NewsOne with Roland Martin discussing U.S.-Cuban relations.
Has traveled to over 50 countries promoting humanitarian causes and international cooperation.
The Record
Actions Speak
Taking chances. Trying new things. Getting results.
Current Leadership
Five Questions with Executive MBA Professor and New Real Estate Center Director
UMKC Names Troy Nash as Director of Lewis White Real Estate Center
Troy Nash Grew Up in Public Housing; Now He's Leading Real Estate Innovation
KCATA Announces Transit-Oriented Community Development Projects
KCATA Approves Three Affordable Multi-Family Housing Developments
KCATA Approves Two Transformative Affordable Housing Developments
Fighting for Neighborhoods
Killings Spur New Spending For Prospect
Activist Approach To Fighting for Neighborhoods
Delivers On Promise for Quality Grocery Store
Public Safety & Facilities
Nash Sleeps Over in Fire Stations
Labor Unions Partner to Renovate Community Centers
Plan to Combat Crime in The Third District
Economic Development
KC Seeks New Jobs, Business with Mexico
Progressive Legislation for Inner City Neighborhoods
Vice-President Gore Campaigns at East Side Park
Community & Family
Child Care is Personal Matter for Councilman
Forum to Bridge the Racial Divide
Leadership
Nash Appointed Chair of Plans & Zoning
Former KC Councilman Joins Zimmer (Kansas City Business Journal)
Historic Achievement
Breaking a Barrier Broken
In 2014, Dr. Nash made history as the first African American to become a partner in a top 10 commercial real estate firm in the history of the State of Missouri, at Newmark Zimmer.
This achievement shattered a glass ceiling.
Mentored by legendary real estate developer and business leader Hugh J. Zimmer at Newmark Zimmer, Dr. Nash continued to break barriers while creating pathways for others to follow.
Global Reach
International Impact
From presenting an award to Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu to humanitarian trips abroad, Dr. Nash has carried Kansas City's spirit of service across the globe.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu Award
Selected to present an award to Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu in Hong Kong, with the Board of Directors of People to People International.
Archbishop Tutu was a leader of the nonviolent campaign against apartheid in South Africa and received the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize. This honor recognized Dr. Nash's commitment to international peace, diplomacy, and cross-cultural understanding.
Cuba Delegation (2000)
Led a delegation to Cuba to study their healthcare and education systems. One of the most heartbreaking moments came when a Cuban woman handed Dr. Nash her baby, asking him to take the child back to the United States for a better life.
Featured on NewsOne with Roland Martin and in Black Enterprise Magazine discussing U.S.-Cuban relations and business opportunities.
Moments That Matter: Stories from the Field
Dr. Nash has traveled the globe providing humanitarian aid to some of the poorest places on Earth.
Tanzania
Formed an instant bond with a young boy. When it was time to leave, "He kept grabbing my pant leg."
Jordan
Met a boy pulling tourists on a donkey. Dr. Nash set the boy atop and pulled him through town instead.
China
Seniors were fascinated by his hair. "I figured, why not? It probably needed fluffing anyway."
International Trade & Development
As City Councilman, was named to a 2004 Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce business development trip to Costa Rica and joined Mayor Kay Barnes in leading a 2001 sister city delegation to Mexico to create business linkages and economic opportunities for Kansas City businesses.
Chaired the City Council International Committee created by Mayor Kay Barnes in 2006, to position Kansas City in the global marketplace and strengthen international business relationships.
African Humanitarian Work
South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya & Egypt
Conducted humanitarian work across the African continent, focusing on community development, education initiatives, and building bridges between African and American communities.
Dr. Nash's work in Africa reflects his commitment to uplifting underserved communities worldwide, the same mission that drives his affordable housing work in the United States.
Global Connections & Influence
Through his international work, Dr. Nash has built relationships with leaders across sectors and continents.
Countries & Regions Visited
Today
Current Roles
The Nash Group, LLC
CEO & Co-Founder
AGI Affinity, LLC
AI consulting for underserved communities. TSDOH Assessment Matrix™.
The Nash Group Community Foundation, Inc.
Giving back to the community through education, empowerment, and opportunity.
A major university
Teaching the next generation of real estate professionals.
Recognition
Awards & Honors
A lifetime of service recognized by institutions, publications, and organizations across the nation.
2025 Public Health Impact Award ↗
Making History
Breaking Barriers
Missouri CRE Barrier Broken • 2014
First African-American Partner at a Top 10 Commercial Real Estate Firm in Missouri History
First African-American to become a partner in a top 10 commercial real estate firm in the history of the State of Missouri (St. Louis American, 2014).
First African-American Student Curator
At age 26, nominated by Governor Mel Carnahan and confirmed by the Missouri Senate to the University of Missouri Board of Curators.
National Recognition
Most Influential Black Executives
Presidential Rank Award Review Board (2000)
Selected by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Top 100 Under 50 Executives
Diversity MBA Magazine (2016)
State & Regional Recognition
50 Missourians You Should Know
Ingram's Magazine (2015)
100 Most Influential Kansas Citians
Kansas City Globe (2015)
Defying the Odds Alumni Award
University of Missouri-Kansas City (2017)
Public Service Award
Wesley College Alumni Association (2015)
NextGen Leaders
Kansas City Business Journal (2014)
Official Proclamations & Resolutions
Kansas City Council Resolution
Honoring his appointment as Vice President and Principal at Zimmer Real Estate (2014)
Jackson County Legislature Resolution
First African-American Partner Recognition (2014)
City of Kansas City Proclamation
Honoring Troy Nash (2015)
Congratulated by Sen. Yvonne Wilson on MHDC Appointment (2009)
Sen. Yvonne Wilson, Missouri Senate (2009)
Community Service Recognition
Salvation Army Campaign Chair
Second African-American Chair in KC History (2019)
Desmond Tutu Award Presenter
Honored Nobel Peace Laureate • Hong Kong (2000)
National Lawyers Guild Award
Social and Economic Justice (1996)
Capstone Awards Judge
Kansas City Business Journal (2017)
Featured In
Publications, media, and television appearances
Gratitude
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
Hugh J. Zimmer
Legendary real estate developer and business leader at Newmark Zimmer.
Rosemary Lowe
Civil rights activist and community leader who paved the way.
Mayor Emanuel Cleaver
Former Kansas City Mayor and U.S. Congressman.
And Hundreds More...
Literally hundreds of others I've met along the way who believed in me and helped shape my journey.
Connect With Dr. Nash
Work With Dr. Nash
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From speaking engagements to partnership opportunities, let's start a conversation.
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Bring him the problem.
Speaking, partnership, or a development you cannot get financed.