Dr. Troy Nash
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Positive Energy Fuels Growth
Meet Dr. Troy Nash - a real jack-of-all-trades! As the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of
The Nash Group, he wears many hats, from overseeing the firm to leading its strategic direction. And get this - he's not just your average CEO. Dr. Nash has a diverse background that includes experience in the Air Force, economics, political science, financial analysis, education advocacy, urban planning, epidemiology, social entrepreneurship, humanitarian work, and real estate development focused on affordable housing. His extensive resume reflects a wide range of skills and interests across various fields and more! Today, Dr. Nash is using his background and experiences to tackle issues in underserved communities all over the country and beyond. Whether it's providing real estate advice, setting up public-private partnerships, or working on community and economic development projects, The Nash Group, co-founded with
Arielle Nash,
is all about making a positive impact. If you're looking for someone who's not afraid to roll up their sleeves and make a difference, Dr. Troy Nash is your guy! The firm basically finds land, builds affordable and mixed-income housing, and takes care of properties through different partnerships and joint ventures. Dr. Nash is a pro at putting together land options, managing projects, and making sure mixed-income affordable housing projects run smoothly. They're all about using all kinds of financing tools like 4% LIHTC, 9% LIHTC, Housing Trust Fund, Tax Abatement, Bond Financing, NMTC, CDBG, HOME, ARP Funds, and getting regular construction and permanent financing sorted.
Rough Start To Life
Troy Nash has
overcome incredible odds
and is a true believer in the power of positivity and the American Dream! Hailing from the heartland of America in Kansas City, Missouri, Troy's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Despite being raised by a single mother in poverty and on welfare in Section 8 housing, Troy never let his circumstances hold him back. Troy was bused from the inner city and attended Korte Elementary School and Nowlin Middle School in neighboring Independence, Missouri, home of United States President Harry Truman. This was part of the famous
Kansas City desegregation experiment, and even though he was labeled "at-risk" early on, Troy persevered through a challenging childhood. From odd jobs to public housing projects, Troy has navigated it all with resilience and determination. His story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the limitless possibilities of hard work and perseverance. Troy's journey began with skepticism, as he was once told he wasn't "college material." But rather than be discouraged, he embraced the challenge and quickly adapted to new and ever-changing environments. Determined to steer clear of drugs, crime, and violence, he discovered a life-changing opportunity as a teenager: the
United States Air Force. This pivotal moment transformed his life, teaching him the power of discipline, focus, and hard work in overcoming obstacles. The Air Force instilled in him a deep love for his country, a sense of duty, and unwavering personal responsibility. Despite facing daunting odds without family wealth or influential connections, Troy leaned on the guidance of others and his faith in God as he embarked on a remarkable path. His journey led him to explore over 50 countries, serve in public office, and achieve a groundbreaking milestone as the first African-American real estate executive to become a principal/shareholder in a
top-tier commercial real estate firm
in the history of Missouri. In doing so, Troy shattered a glass ceiling that had persisted since Missouri's inception in 1821. His story is a shining example of how perseverance, mentorship, and unwavering faith can help you achieve your dreams. Troy is a firm believer in the power of personal empowerment through self-determination, boundless enthusiasm, and positive daily habits. These keys have helped him defy the odds and succeed against all challenges. Troy's belief stems from his own life experiences, and he is living proof that you can achieve anything with the right mindset and determination.
Military Service and Lifelong Learning
Troy is a passionate lifelong learner who eagerly seeks out knowledge, skills, and information to make a difference in challenging communities. From a young age, he understood that education was the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Thanks to the support of the G.I. Bill, scholarships, and government loans, Troy pursued his education with determination. His educational journey began at Penn Valley Community College, where he built a solid foundation for his future. Despite serving on active duty and participating in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm during the war with Iraq, Troy earned a BS in economics from Wesley College in Dover, Delaware. When he returned to Kansas City, Nash embarked on an exciting journey of education and community service. He attended the University of Missouri – Kansas City College of Arts and Sciences, where he earned not just one, but two Master's degrees: one in political science and another in economics. All the while, he dedicated his time to working in underprivileged communities on the city's East Side, giving back to the place where he grew up. But Nash didn't stop there - he went on to earn a JD from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Law and an MBA from the Bloch School of Management. His passion for education and empowerment led him to encourage hundreds of inner-city residents to further their education. In 2015, Nash achieved a significant milestone by earning a Doctor of Education degree from Saint Louis University, focusing his research on helping children in underserved urban school districts. Adding to his impressive list of accomplishments, he holds a Master of Urban Planning degree from the University of Southern California. And the excitement doesn't end there - Dr. Nash earned a Master of Public Health degree from Brown University, a renowned Ivy League institution in America. He is currently completing a Master of Artificial Intelligence degree at Johns Hopkins University.
His dedication and enthusiasm for making a difference in the world through education and community engagement is truly inspiring. Thriving at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, Troy was entrusted with incredible responsibility! At just 20 years old, he was chosen as dorm chief of honor flight 048, overseeing a team of 50 airmen. Balancing his duties as an airman and a full-time college student, Troy went above and beyond, attending classes at all hours and earning accolades like the United States Air Force Training Medal, National Defense Service Medal for Operation Desert Shield/Storm support, Air Force Achievement Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Troy proudly received an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force.
Excitedly back in Kansas City after his time in service, Troy felt a newfound sense of purpose and passion. He was determined to make a difference in his community, especially for those who faced challenges like he once did. With a heart full of love for his family, Troy set out to empower them through the transformative power of education. At just 25 years old, he transformed his mom's house into a bustling classroom, stocked with secondhand textbooks from the thrift store. Tirelessly tutoring his three older brothers and helping them enroll in college, Troy's dedication knew no bounds. And he didn't stop there - even his 55-year-old mother pursued her GED with Troy's guidance and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree posthumously, thanks to his unwavering support. Troy's devotion to his family's education and success is truly inspiring, and his proud moment accepting his mom's degree on her behalf is a testament to his incredible commitment and love.
Troy's passion for community service ignited when he returned to Kansas City, and he dove headfirst into making a difference! From supporting former U.S. congressional campaigns to contributing to Mayor Emanuel Cleaver's re-election efforts, Troy was all in. Not stopping there, he lent his expertise to political campaigns across the nation, championing both moderate causes at the local, state, and federal levels. As if that wasn't impressive enough, Troy also excelled in law school, leading various organizations and even snagging the role of Urban Affairs editor for the Urban Lawyer Law Journal. His dedication didn't go unnoticed, as he proudly received the National Lawyers Guild Award in 1996 for his outstanding volunteer work. Summers were spent sharpening his legal skills at the esteemed law firm of Lathrop & Gage in Kansas City. At just 26, Troy was appointed student curator to the University of Missouri Board of Curators by Governor Mel Carnahan.
A passionate and dedicated individual who has had the incredible opportunity to make a real difference in his community. As a student curator, he represented over 55,000 college students across Missouri, giving them a powerful voice. During his time as an administrative assistant for a member of the Kansas City Missouri City Council, Troy discovered the transformative impact that local government can have on people's lives. Known for his inclusive approach, Troy worked tirelessly with individuals from all walks of life, regardless of differences. His journey continued as he joined the staff of a local Mayor where he spearheaded economic development and community housing initiatives, engaging with various groups to drive positive change. Inspired by Mayor's commitment to civility and decency in politics, Troy realized that he, too, could make a difference. With nearly two and a half years of valuable experience in municipal government under his belt, Troy was encouraged to take the next step and run for public office.
Making Progress for Kansas City
Under the guidance of the incredible leader and community advocate, Rosemary Lowe, Troy achieved a remarkable milestone at just 29 years old by winning a seat on the Kansas City, Missouri City Council. His re-election in 2003 solidified his dedication to public service, a commitment that continued until May 2007 due to term limits. As an at-large councilman in Missouri's largest city, overseeing a workforce of nearly 4,560 and a budget exceeding $1.2 billion, Troy directly represented the interests of over 450,000 residents. From leading the Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee to chairing it, Troy's impact was monumental, spearheading a historic economic boom of over $10 billion in diverse developments throughout Kansas City. Serving as Vice Chairman of the Budget and Audit Committee, with control over the city's substantial budget, Troy demonstrated his unwavering dedication to the constituents of the city's most underserved district by championing various HUD programs. Troy Nash's tenure on the City Council was marked by passion, dedication, and a drive to create positive change for all residents of Kansas City, Missouri.
In the summer of 2000, Troy fearlessly camped out for six days on one of the most notorious corners in America –
Kansas City's 39th and Prospect! With unwavering determination, he set out to shed light on the economic and public health challenges stemming from years of neglect and discrimination. His leadership sparked the creation of a citizen-driven economic development
corridor plan, paving the way for much-needed private investments. Troy's relentless efforts led to the establishment of public/private partnerships that not only benefited the community but also reaped profits for investors. He passionately pursued investors to revitalize the area, attracting two
new grocery stores
and breathing new life into a neglected neighborhood. Standing up against corruption, Troy even resided in a
crime-ridden housing complex
for over a month, advocating for the underserved and forgotten residents. Troy's dedication and bold actions have truly made a lasting impact on the community! The property was transformed with a thorough cleaning, freshly paved streets, and a meticulous weed-cutting session before being placed under new management. But wait, there's more - while serving on the city council, Troy uncovered the challenging living conditions faced by
Kansas City's firefighters
in various fire stations. Determined to make a difference, Troy decided to spend a night in six fire stations across the city to truly understand their daily struggles. The overwhelming support and media attention that followed resulted in the approval of a $276 million sales tax aimed at enhancing and modernizing public safety facilities throughout Kansas City.
Creating Change in the Private Sector
As term limits brought his public service to an end, Troy was met with exciting opportunities to run for higher office. However, he decided to embark on a thrilling new journey in the business world as a real estate entrepreneur. In 2007, he joined the prestigious full-service commercial real estate firm, Zimmer Real Estate Services, L.C., (d/b/a Newmark Zimmer) in Kansas City. Under the mentorship of the legendary real estate developer and business leader Hugh J. Zimmer, Dr. Nash achieved a historic milestone in 2014 by becoming the very first African-American executive to hold the title of principal/shareholder/partner in a top ten commercial real estate firm in Missouri’s history. Today, Dr. Nash continues to inspire and guide others as a mentor. His passion lies in providing communities nationwide with clean, safe, high-quality, affordable, attainable, and workforce housing as part of dynamic mixed-income developments. Dr. Nash is widely recognized as an expert in structuring successful public-private partnerships between private developers and public-sector entities. Nash is an accomplished professional who has achieved numerous milestones in his career. He completed the Urban Land Institute Real Estate School and holds prestigious certifications such as the Housing Development Finance Certification (HDFP) and the Economic Development Finance Certification (EDFP) from Growth America (formerly the National Development Council). Additionally, he completed all the coursework toward the Certified Commercial Investment Manager (CCIM) designation, showcasing his dedication to excellence. In 2015, Dr. Nash reached another pinnacle in his career by being inducted into the exclusive 2015 Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame. His impressive track record also includes his nomination by the Democratic Governor of Missouri and confirmation by the Republican-led Missouri Senate to the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) in 2009.
The commission oversees the implementation of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development's highly successful affordable housing programs. Acting as a financial powerhouse, the Housing Finance Agency provides direct financing to borrowers, making dreams of homeownership a reality. But that's not all - the Commission also manages a range of tax credit programs, including the Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, the Missouri Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, and the Affordable Housing Assistance Tax Credit, to name a few. Let's not forget Nash's appointment by the Governor of the State of Missouri to the Missouri Tax Credit Review Commission from 2010 to 2016! This bipartisan commission was established to optimize the state's 61 tax credit programs, ensuring greater effectiveness and maximizing returns for Missouri. Dr. Nash's dedication and leadership have truly made a lasting impact in the world of affordable housing and tax credit management! In 2014, Nash was nominated by the Mayor of Kansas City unanimously approved by the city council, and appointed to the Tax Increment Financing Commission. As chairman of the Governance, Finance, and Audit Committee, the Commission encourages the development of blighted, substandard, and economically underutilized areas that would not be developed without public assistance. In 2019, Dr. Nash participated in HUD’s Region IV Emerging Strategies to Affordable Housing Expo. In 2020 and 2022, Dr. Nash was named one of the Most Influential Executives In Corporate America by SAVOY Magazine. Dr. Nash is the recipient of many awards and honors, and has been featured in numerous publications, radio, and television programs including the University of Southern California News, the University of Missouri-Kansas City Alumni Award Recipients Class of 2017: Defying the Odds Awardee, be encouraged magazine, Savoy Magazine, Missouri Life Magazine, Diversity MBA Magazine, Smart Companies Radio, NewsOne with Roland Martin, Think Bigger Business Media, Black Enterprise, Ingram’s Magazine, Kansas City Star, Kansas City Business Journal, Missouri State Post, Kansas City Call Paper, Kansas City Globe, and Midwest Real Estate News for his community and public service, professional achievements, and global humanitarian efforts.
Building Community Through Service
Dr. Nash is truly a force to be reckoned with! He's served on numerous prestigious boards of directors, including the renowned Arvest Bank, a $20 billion financial institution and the largest privately owned bank in the entire United States of America! Not stopping there, he's also been an integral part of the University of Missouri Kansas City Trustees and currently holds a position on the Board of Directors of the iconic Starlight Theater and the Kansas University Advancement Board. As if that wasn't impressive enough, Dr. Nash is also a key member of the Board of Directors of University Health, showcasing his dedication to making a difference in the healthcare sector. And in 2019, Dr. Nash was bestowed with the incredible honor of chairing the Salvation Army’s Annual Christmas Campaign in Kansas City. Being only the second African American to hold this prestigious position in the Salvation Army's history with the city, he truly stands out as a trailblazer. The Salvation Army's impact is immeasurable, providing 10.8 million nights of safe shelter annually and serving over 60 million warm and nutritious meals to those in need worldwide. Dr. Nash's commitment to serving others is truly inspiring and his achievements are a testament to his unwavering dedication to making the world a better place!
Dr. Nash is also a distinguished Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City's Henry W. Bloch School of Management. He holds the title of Executive in Residence, which acknowledges his remarkable accomplishments in the business realm. With a strong emphasis on innovation and achievement throughout his career, Dr. Nash serves as an inspiring figure in the business community.
