A unified leadership move comes as Rockford’s housing shortage deepens.
ROCKFORD, IL – March 2, 2026 – PlatFORM Group announced today that nationally respected housing leader Ron Clewer has been named its first Executive Director and will also serve as CEO for aligned nonprofit partners ZION Development Corporation and Northwest Neighbors, creating a coordinated housing leadership structure focused on expanding affordable housing and neighborhood stability across Rockford.
Clewer began the role in early 2026 after departing his position as a National Market President for Gorman & Company.
Founded in 1978 as the private development partner of the Rockford Housing Authority, PlatFORM Group has played a central role in affordable housing and neighborhood reinvestment for more than five decades. The new leadership alignment is designed to strengthen collaboration, streamline strategy and accelerate housing development in Midtown, Northwest Rockford and other priority neighborhoods.
A Unified Response to a Growing Housing Gap
According to the City of Rockford’s 2024/25 Housing Needs Analysis & Market Study, the city faces projected demand for 3,200 to 9,100 new housing units before 2033. In 2024, Rockford authorized permits for approximately 131 new housing units—roughly one unit per 1,000 residents, below the national pace of 5 to 10 units per 1,000 residents.
The result is a tight market, rising costs and a growing shortage of homes at every price point – rental and for sale.
“This is about alignment and momentum,” said Jerry Lumpkins, Chairman of the PlatFORM Board. “Ron is the right leader at the right time. His experience in housing policy, development and community engagement positions these organizations to expand impact when our community needs it most.”
Building on Strong Foundations
ZION Development, formed in 1982 out of outreach efforts at Zion Lutheran Church, has invested more than $45 million in Midtown housing and economic development initiatives. Under the new agreement, Clewer will serve as CEO and Managing Director, continuing the legacy of former Executive Director Bob Campbell.
“ZION is grateful to partner with PlatFORM and Ron Clewer in continuing our mission of building community in response to God’s love,” said Pastor Michael Thomas, Chairman of the ZION Board. “We believe this leadership alignment will help us enter a new season of affordable housing development in Midtown.”
Northwest Neighbors, a faith-based community development organization serving Northwest Rockford, will also align leadership under Clewer’s direction.
“We are excited to align and expand our efforts,” said Pastor Eric Lemonholm, President of Northwest Neighbors. “This collaboration strengthens our ability to improve neighborhoods from Midtown through the city center and into Northwest Rockford.”
A Leader for the Moment
Clewer brings decades of experience across public, nonprofit and private housing sectors, including his service as CEO of the Rockford Housing Authority and his leadership of major affordable housing initiatives across the Midwest.
“Our housing challenges are urgent and complex, but they are solvable,” said Clewer. “By aligning strategy, partnerships and development capacity, we can build the systems and projects our residents and neighborhoods deserve.”
About PlatFORM Group
PlatFORM Group is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding healthy, affordable housing for working families, strengthening neighborhoods and advancing equitable community development across the Rockford Region. Founded in 1972 as the private development partner of the Rockford Housing Authority, PlatFORM Group performs strategic investment, education and advocacy and strategic partnerships to address the region’s housing shortage.
About ZION Development Corporation
ZION Development is a nonprofit Christian community development organization formed in 1982 through outreach efforts of Zion Lutheran Church. The organization has invested more than $45 million in housing and economic development projects in Midtown Rockford.
About Northwest Neighbors
Northwest Neighbors is a nonprofit Christian community development organization serving Northwest Rockford. The organization focuses on housing stability, neighborhood revitalization and youth development initiatives that strengthen families and local investment.
CONTACT
Ron Clewer – [email protected]
Jerry Lumpkins – [email protected]
Pastor Michael Thomas – [email protected]
Pastor Eric Lemonholm – [email protected]