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CMHA’s Bethany Hahn-Ambrosius selected as new Ohio chapter president of the national nonprofit Women’s Affordable Housing Network

Mar 26, 2026

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio chapter of the Women's Affordable Housing Network (OWAHN) has announced the selection of Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) Assistant Vice President of Planning and Development Bethany Hahn-Ambrosius as its new president. 

WAHN is a national, women-led nonprofit that empowers women and allies in the affordable housing industry through professional development, networking, mentorship, and advocacy, aiming to advance leadership, equity, and access to sustainable housing across all sectors, such as finance, development, and policy. It provides education, builds connections, strengthens leadership, and promotes inclusive policies for women from students to senior leaders. The WAHN membership is dedicated to driving systemic change and creating equitable opportunities for all. 

“I am honored to serve as the next leader for OWAHN, which strives to uplift women in the affordable housing industry,” said Hahn-Ambrosius, who will continue in her role at CMHA in addition to serving as WAHN’s Ohio chapter president. 

“We are historically underrepresented in this industry, and OWAHN is proud to play a part in changing that narrative in Ohio by supporting and elevating our colleagues through networking, professional development opportunities, and engaging with the communities we serve.” 

WAHN now boasts over 8,000 members across 30 chapters in 36 states and regions, including college campuses. The Ohio chapter, which was founded in 2019, has approximately 900 members. 

Its key functions and goals include: 

  • Empowerment & Advancement: Fosters supportive environments for women to exchange ideas and grow in their careers. 
  • Networking & Connection: Connects women across various roles (finance, development, management, law, etc.) through local chapters and national events. 
  • Professional Development: Offers education, training, scholarships, and mentorship to build leadership skills and confidence. 
  • Advocacy: Serves as a voice for affordable housing, supporting policies that increase housing accessibility at state and federal levels. 
  • Community Building: Creates a space for authentic connection, learning, and shared passion for affordable housing. 

Among OWAHN’s priorities under her tenure will be to grow its membership and attract more corporate and nonprofit sponsorships, Hahn-Ambrosius said, who noted that her ascendancy as OWAHN’s president coincides with National Women’s History Month. 

One of the annual hallmarks of National Women's History Month is highlighting the vital role women play in the affordable housing industry and celebrating female leaders, architects of housing policy, and the fight for equitable, safe, and accessible homes. 

“From real estate agents and mortgage lenders to construction leaders and housing policy advocates, women continue to shape the future of the housing industry,” Hahn-Ambrosius. 

The “OWAHN In Bloom” Annual Celebration & Awards Ceremony is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, at the Ohio State House Atrium. To learn details on attending or sponsoring the event, visit: OWAHNIn Bloom. To learn more about joining as a member or becoming an annual OWAHN sponsor, visit: Ohio - National Women's Affordable HousingNetwork. 

In her ongoing role as CMHA’s Assistant Vice President of Planning and Development, Hahn- Ambrosius helps lead the expansion and continuous improvement of CMHA’s portfolio through innovative financing and collaborative partnerships. 

Since joining the CMHA team nearly nine years ago, she has helped CMHA develop or rehabilitate over 3,500 units of affordable housing, while assisting nearly 9,000 residents in accessing quality housing that had previously been out of reach. 

Hahn-Ambrosius received her bachelor’s degree in urban planning from the University of Cincinnati. She is a 2022 graduate of Leadership Columbus’ Signature Program. She is also the 2022 recipient of CMHA’s inaugural Volunteer of the Year Award for her outstanding commitment and tireless dedication to serving CMHA residents. She has served on the Board of the Ohio Women’s Affordable Housing Network for two years. 

About Ohio Women’s Affordable Housing Network 
Founded in 2019, the Ohio Women’s Affordable Housing Network (OWAHN) is an organization of approximately 900 members who are committed to the empowerment and development of women working in the affordable housing sector through partnership, networking, advocacy, and community engagement. It is OWAHN's goal to create a statewide organization that brings together women from all sectors of the affordable housing industry to carry out its mission. OWAHN’s vision is to create a community that provides networking and professional development opportunities and promotes the advancement and leadership of women working in the affordable housing industry. Learn more at: wahnetwork.org/chapters/ohio/ 

About Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority 
The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) helps people access affordable housing through collaborative partnerships, promotes neighborhood revitalization, and assists residents in accessing needed social services. CMHA owns more than 6,000 units of housing and, through its Housing Choice Voucher and Project- Based Rental Assistance programs, provides rental assistance to more than 160,000 residents across Ohio and Washington, D.C. Learn more at cmhanet.com.