Executive Director at the Ohio Land Bank Association
Shawn Carvin is a native of Warren, Ohio with over 11 years of experience in Ohio’s land banking community. Shawn is currently serving as the Executive Director of the Ohio Land Bank Association (OLBA), where he leads advocacy, lobbying, and technical assistance support to Ohio’s 66 county land banks. The OLBA has been instrumental in assisting communities addressing affordable housing, reducing blight, and securing crucial resources.
Prior to his role at OLBA, Shawn served as the Trumbull County Land Bank Director at Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership for 10 years. Shawn led the organization from its infancy, and he made significant strides in transforming his community through blight remediation, homeownership opportunities and creative vacant land reuse projects. Shawn has a deep-rooted commitment to revitalizing communities through innovative land banking strategies and creating healthy homes and neighborhoods for Ohioans.
Shawn is a U.S. Air Force Veteran and graduate of Youngstown State University. While now working statewide, he remains involved in his local community, serving on several nonprofit boards and regularly participating in volunteer work. He resides in Downtown Warren, Ohio with his partner.
Land banks and historic preservation often cross paths in neighborhoods where vacancy, blight, and historic assets collide. This session brings together leaders from land banks and preservation groups to explore how these missions can align. Panelists will share real-world examples of collaboration, including historic rehabilitation projects, demolition considerations, home inspection and repair programs, and creative initiatives to preserve community history. From salvaging materials to landmarking properties, the discussion will highlight both the opportunities and the tensions that come with balancing neighborhood stabilization and historic preservation. Approved for 1.50 AIA HSW credit, sponsored by Schooley Caldwell.