Opportunity Home Board Confirms Michael Reyes as President and CEO
April 2, 2025
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The Opportunity Home San Antonio Board of Commissioners has officially named Michael Reyes as president and chief executive officer (CEO), following his tenure as acting president and CEO since June of last year. His appointment marks a pivotal step in advancing the organization’s mission to expand affordable housing, strengthen community partnerships and ensure long-term sustainability.
Reyes’ connection to the organization is deeply personal. Having spent his formative years in one of the very housing communities the organization manages, he brings a unique, firsthand understanding of the challenges residents face and the transformative impact of stable housing.
“Michael Reyes has led with purpose and an unwavering commitment to our residents and mission,” said Gabriel Lopez, chair of Opportunity Home Board of Commissioners. “His lived experience, combined with his expertise in public affairs and international and urban development, uniquely positions him to guide Opportunity Home through the evolving landscape of affordable housing. We are confident in his leadership and vision for the future.”
Since stepping into the interim role, Reyes has prioritized expanding the organization’s role in housing solutions beyond traditional public housing models, recognizing the need for innovative, sustainable strategies to address the city’s housing crisis. Under his leadership, Opportunity Home has worked to preserve public housing, develop income-based housing solutions and strengthen financial sustainability.
Reyes has also been instrumental in reshaping the organization’s approach, shifting its identity from a bureaucratic agency to a mission-driven leader in housing policy, resident engagement and strategic financial planning. His vision includes:
- Expanding jurisdiction to address homelessness and permanent supportive housing
- Advancing transit-oriented housing initiatives to create sustainable and connected communities
- Enhancing partnerships to better serve residents
- Developing innovative financing mechanisms to support housing preservation and development
“I am honored to serve in this role and continue the transformational work that is so vital to our residents and our city,” said Reyes. “This organization changed the trajectory of my life, and I feel a profound moral responsibility to ensure it remains a pillar of opportunity for future generations. Housing is more than shelter—it is the foundation for stability, economic mobility and a thriving community. Our mission is not just about providing homes, but about creating pathways to success for every resident we serve.”
Before his appointment, Reyes served as Opportunity Home’s public affairs officer, leading government relations, community engagement and reputation management. With more than 24 years of national and international public affairs experience, he previously served in the United States Congress, working closely with the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate and congressional committees. He has also held key roles at the Government Accountability Office and the Congressional Budget Office.
As an executive at an international anti-poverty organization, Reyes managed a $1 billion congressional allocation and oversaw U.S. external affairs, coordinating with the White House, U.S. State Department, U.S. Congress, the World Bank Group, non-governmental organizations, diplomatic corps and academia while building public-private partnerships.
Currently, Reyes serves as a commissioner on the City of San Antonio’s Housing Commission and participates in the first Reframing Housing cohort hosted by the San Antonio Area Foundation. His work has been recognized with several national housing awards from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials.
Reyes holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Southern Methodist University (Dallas) and a Master of Arts in Social Public Policy from Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.). He has also completed executive education coursework at MIT’s Sloan School of Management, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
As the first former resident to lead Opportunity Home, Reyes brings an unmatched dedication, vision and personal investment in its future. His appointment marks a historic milestone in the organization’s 88-year history, ensuring it remains a trusted, innovative and mission-driven leader in affordable housing.