New Leaders Take Over Several HFAs

Here's a scorecard of some of the recent lineup changes at state housing finance agencies across the country.

The reasons for the leadership changes vary from retirement to resignations to moves made by governors.

Cris A. White (pictured) has become executive director and CEO of the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. White has been with the agency for more than 20 years, most recently serving as the interim executive director and COO.
His appointment was announced today after a nationwide search.
White takes over the top post from Roy Alexander, who retired at the end of the last year.

In Iowa, Joe O'Hern was appointed director of the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) by Gov. Chet Culver at the end of last year. This moves comes after Culver plucked Bret Mills from IFA to led the Iowa Department of Economic Development. O'Hern was interim director at the economic development agency and was deputy director at IFA before that.

And, in case you missed it, Gloria Materre took over as executive director of the Illinois Housing Development Authority last fall. She's the former deputy chief of staff under Gov. Pat Quinn. Materre succeeds DeShana Forney, who resigned "to pursue other career opportunities," according to the authority.

There will also be changes at the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC), where Pete Ramsel recently resigned as executive director. "I am surprised by the sudden resignation of Pete Ramsel from MHDC," said Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder in a Feb. 3 statement. "Pete has been a consummate professional during his tenure at the commission. Over the past 15 years, Pete has worked tirelessly with commissioners and public and private entities to help strengthen our state by providing affordable housing for low-income Missourians." Last year, state Auditor Susan Montee issued a critical report of MHDC. The audit criticized the agency's procurement policies and procedures.