Dominion Due Diligence Group (D3G), an industry-leading, national provider of due diligence, compliance and consulting services to the housing industry, today announced a leadership transition designed to support the company’s continued growth and deepen its impact across the affordable housing sector.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer Rob Hazelton will transition to the role of Chief Innovation Officer (CIO), where he will continue to provide strategic guidance to the company while dedicating more of his time to advancing affordable housing policy initiatives. Stephen Evanko, currently Vice President of Energy and Sustainability, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer.
Hazelton founded Dominion Due Diligence Group in 1994 to help lenders, developers, and housing agencies navigate complex due diligence and sustainability requirements in affordable housing development. Under his leadership, the firm has grown into a trusted partner across the industry, working in all 50 states and territories.
“As CIO, I’m excited to focus more deeply on advancing affordable housing policy and helping shape solutions that expand access to quality, affordable homes,” said Hazelton. “I’m particularly optimistic about the opportunities to collaborate with HUD and state housing finance agencies to support innovative policies that strengthen communities and expand housing opportunities nationwide. At the same time, I have tremendous confidence in Stephen’s leadership and vision for the future of D3G.”
Evanko has been instrumental in expanding D3G’s energy and sustainability services and helping clients navigate evolving and complex regulatory requirements across affordable housing programs. In his new role as CEO, he will lead the company’s continued growth and innovation. “D3G has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality services that help our clients succeed in developing and preserving affordable housing,” said Evanko. “As CEO, my goal is to build on that foundation – continuing to grow and evolve our capabilities so we can better serve our clients and play a meaningful role in addressing the affordable housing challenges facing communities across the country.”
“The affordable housing industry needs more vocal advocates right now,” said Hazelton. “I intend to use this role to engage more directly with policymakers, industry leaders, and housing organizations to help advance practical solutions that expand access to quality affordable housing across the country.”
Hazelton has also been actively involved in shaping affordable housing policy through service on several national industry boards and advisory groups. He currently serves on the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council (AHAC), participates in the Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future (SAHF) Industry Leadership Circle, and is a board member of the National Leased Housing Council (NLHC). In his expanded role, Hazelton plans to further increase his engagement across the industry, speaking and participating in conferences and policy discussions nationwide to advocate for stronger solutions to the nation’s affordable housing challenges.
“D3G has reached a point where the opportunity ahead of us is bigger than any one role,” said Hazelton. “By naming Stephen CEO, we’re putting the leadership structure in place to scale the company while I focus on innovation and advocating for solutions at a time when strong leadership in the affordable housing industry is needed more than ever.”
The leadership transition comes as the United States faces one of the most significant affordable housing shortages in decades, creating growing demand for expertise that helps housing providers navigate complex regulatory, financing, and sustainability requirements. D3G works with lenders, developers, and housing agencies nationwide to help projects move forward and expand access to quality affordable housing.
