TONALEA, Ariz. – Navajo Housing Authority (NHA) is pleased to present its new logo created by Ryan Wilson (27) a resident of Tonalea, AZ and a recent graduate of Northern Arizona University with a degree in Graphic Design. Wilson was awarded a $250 check for his design and concept on June 28, which was presented on behalf of NHA by Christian Bigwater, Public Information Officer for NHA as well as logo contest judge. 

“It is an honor to have my design selected as NHA‟s new logo,” Wilson said. “I am glad I can use my education as a graphic designer, come back to the Navajo reservation and help out my people.” 

The contest, coordinated by NHA‟s Government and Public Relations Department, began on March 1 and ended March 30. Contest participants were encouraged to submit entries incorporating NHA‟s motto „Hooghan – Center of Family Growth, Strength and Beauty‟ into their design. 

NHA Board of Commissioners as well as NHA employees judged the submissions based on simplicity as well as concept. 

Aneva J. Yazzie, CEO of NHA and one of the logo contest judges, was impressed with the logo entries, “All contestants responded well to the call for a logo design consistent with NHA‟s motto,” Yazzie said. “We (NHA) believe we have chosen an image that will represent our mission and vision both professionally as well as beautifully.” 

Wilson‟s design was chosen from a total of twenty-six hand drawn and digitally generated entries submitted by thirteen individuals from across the United States as part of NHA‟s rebranding efforts. 

The new logo design features the four sacred Navajo colors red, blue, black and yellow and includes elements of Navajo landscape, culture and family. 

“Wilson‟s entry is a well-designed interpretation of NHA‟s new direction and will be used for NHA‟s website, newsletters and other official printed materials,” said Bigwater. 

The NHA board approved resolution NHA-4106-2010 on July 1 with a vote of 7-0, adopting the new logo design. 

NHA‟s first order of business for the new logo is to include it in brochures being produced for its upcoming Housing Summit being held in the latter part of August 2010.