Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) has been selected as one of the top five small places to work in the state by Vermont Business Magazine. The award program is dedicated to identifying and recognizing the area’s best employers and providing organizations with valuable employee feedback to continue improving. This year, VHFA ranked fourth overall.
Employment
Report finds rural New England renters disproportionately affected by pandemic
A recent report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston finds that rural New England communities suffered larger economic losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic relative to nearby urban centers and rural counties across the United States. This will heavily impact Vermont renters amidst the current trends of rising rental prices and decreasing supply of affordable rental units.
Benjamin Harrold joins VHFA as Vermont Housing Fellow
Northeastern University graduate student Ben Harrold (he/him) has been named the Summer 2021 Vermont Housing Fellow. Harrold will receive a financial stipend to improve and expand information available to decision makers about Vermont housing markets and opportunities. In addition, the program is intended to provide the Fellow with valuable experience aiding his professional development.
Harrold is pursuing a Master of Arts in Political Science with a Concentration in Public Policy at Northeastern University. He has interned at the office of U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan. A native of New Hampshire, he co-founded the Kearsarge Housing Coalition in his hometown.
Alejandro Flores-Howland joins VHFA as Legal Coordinator
Executive Director Maura Collins announced that VHFA has selected Alejandro Flores-Howland (he/him) of Winooski as its new Legal Coordinator.
Flores-Howland has a Bachelor’s Degree from Green Mountain College and a Paralegal Associate of Applied Science Degree from SUNY Schenectady. He has worked both at private law firms and at the Vermont Attorney General’s office. He enjoys exploring the outdoors and has also worked as a guide at Umiak Outfitters in Stowe.
"VHFA’s Legal Department has been responsible for overseeing several new programs during the pandemic, in addition to its usual work," Collins remarked. "Alejandro’s experience and attention to detail are a welcome addition to the team.”
Investing in housing will help marry growth with vibrancy
Vermont learned last month that its population grew by a slim 2.8% between 2010 and 2020, less than the national average of 7.4%. But by planning to invest millions in American Rescue Plan Act funds in homes and neighborhoods, Vermont policy makers have embraced the opportunity presented by this decade to accelerate community and economic vibrancy. Last week, the Vermont legislature ended its session with a proposed 2022 state budget allocation for housing of $190 million of these federal recovery funds.
Abigail Colbeth and Michael Plunkett join VHFA’s MAP Program
Executive Director Maura Collins announced that Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) has selected Abigail Colbeth (she/her) of Williston and Michael Plunkett (he/him) of Fairfax to join its Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP) team.
VHFA’s Mortgage Assistance Program uses federal CARES Act funding to provide grants covering up to 12 months of past due mortgage payments and property taxes for eligible Vermont homeowners impacted by the pandemic. Since re-opening for a second round on May 3rd, the program has already received over 230 applications.
Grant Williams joins VHFA as Staff Accountant
Executive Director Maura Collins announced that VHFA has selected Grant Williams (him/him) of Colchester as its new Staff Accountant.
VHFA’s Staff Accountant is responsible for the Agency's accounts payable and daily cash receipts functions and participates in quarterly closing activities.
Williams comes to VHFA from a South Burlington based web retailer, where he worked as a Purchasing Associate and more recently as a Web Content Specialist. He is pursuing a B.S. in Accounting from Western Governors University. Williams has also worked to assist low- and moderate-income Vermonters in accessing state healthcare programs and volunteered as a tutor for at-risk students in New Orleans.
Gale Proulx joins VHFA as IT Support Specialist
Executive Director Maura Collins announced that VHFA has selected Gale Proulx of Burlington as its new IT Support Specialist.
Proulx is a 2020 graduate of Champlain College, where she received a B.S. in Data Analytics and worked as a Windows Administrator Assistant. Recently she has worked remotely as a data science associate for a New York company that provides managed IT services for financial firms. She has also worked for the Vermont Racial Justice Alliance and Vermont Public Radio on data analytics projects.
"We’re excited to have Gale join our IT Team," Collins remarked. "Her experience with analytics will be a valuable asset to the Agency as we strive to make data from our programs more insightful and accessible."
VHFA is hiring!
Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) is recruiting for a Staff Accountant and a Legal Coordinator. Named one of the “Best Small/Medium Places to Work in Vermont” several times over the last few years, VHFA offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits.
Kathleen R. Berk named as VSHA’s next Executive Director
The Board of the Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) announced today the appointment of Kathleen R. Berk for the position of Executive Director. Berk will assume her new role on June 1st. Richard M.