Seamus Leheny
Chief Executive
Seamus leads the strategic and operational direction of NIFHA, specialising in development, finance and strategic housing issues.
1. How long have you been with NIFHA?
Three and a half years
2. Describe what your job involves.
The job certainly isn’t predictable and it’s as diverse as our sector and members. I get lots of correspondences from stakeholders and members around queries and requests so dealing with those along with identifying our work priorities is a big part of the role. Representing member interests is a fundamental part of the role so sitting down and listening to members is critical and I use that feedback to form how we represent our member interests. We’re a small but formidable team at NIFHA so I’m always talking to the team about our work streams, identifying what fulfils our member interests most and critically, what the outcomes will be for our members, this ensure we focus on work that can help make a difference.
3. What do you like most about your job?
Working with our members who are not just so varied by each association, but the teams are all so diverse in their work and expertise. I also love to see the positive day to day impacts our members deliver on the ground to people and communities.
4. What’s one challenge facing the housing sector you think more people should understand?
Not enough people realise the challenge of creating sustainable tenancies and communities. People outside the sector recognise the effort in supplying homes but it’s the planning and support of those new communities that are a significant challenge.
5. Describe NIFHA in 3 words.
Responsive, vocal and communicating
6. What did you want to be when growing up?
That changed as often as the tide! I think a few of the usuals like being a pilot, ship captain or a Garda like my dad. I also wrote a letter to Uefa in Zurich asking if there was any handy roles going when I finished school, still waiting on that response!
7. What’s your favourite place in Northern Ireland?
I’ve lived in Belfast now for 25 years and I have to say I do have a soft spot for the city and call it home, The Belfast Hills (Divis & Cavehill) are among some of my favourite spots across the city.
8. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Once upon a time it was football but now it’s running. I am a member of North Belfast Harriers athletics club and regularly run various races and the odd marathon for good measure.
9. What advice would you give someone considering a career in the housing sector?
The roles are so varied therefore no matter someone’s skills, qualifications and experience, there is a role in housing for you so I’d recommend making the jump as it’s a rewarding sector to be in.
10. What’s one thing you’d like people to know about NIFHA that they might not already know?
We’re going to be 50 years old in 2027 – NIFHA was formed by its members and to this day is still influenced and overseen by its members.
Housing matters to Seamus because…
Economic development, GDP, infrastructure, health, education are all KPI’s when it comes to how economists and investors determine how advanced an economy is but without sufficient good quality housing, that economic growth and prosperity is hindered. Housing changes and influences people’s lives for the better and being part of a movement that makes such a positive impact is extremely rewarding.
