Allyson Laackman has been appointed as the executive director of the Burlington Housing Authority (BHA), the organization’s board of commissioners announced today.
Laackman, who was recruited in December as interim co-executive director to help lead the organization through a strategic planning process, has a distinguished career in public service, including serving as the White House’s chief financial officer.
“Allyson has impressed all of us on the board of commissioners with her energy and enthusiasm for BHA’s mission,” said Michael Knauer, the chair of BHA’s board of commissioners.
“Safe, affordable housing should be the foundation of our community, and I’ve been deeply moved by the work that BHA’s team does every day across Chittenden County to serve our residents,” Laackman says. “I believe that we are well-positioned to build on the terrific work of BHA and our community partners to help address the region’s affordable housing crisis. I’m deeply committed to ensuring that all Burlington-area residents have quality, stable, affordable housing.”
BHA owns or manages 680 rental units across 31 properties around the area, and administers HUD's rental assistance programs, which provide $21 million to help ensure safe, affordable housing for 2,600 families. The agency serves residents in Burlington, South Burlington, and Winooski, as well as portions of Colchester, Essex, Essex Junction, Shelburne, St. George, and Williston.