Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) is seeking a Manager of Business Development for its Homeownership programs. This position is responsible for developing, implementing and promoting Homeownership loan programs and services, working closely with our network of participating lenders, real estate professionals, home building organizations, housing non-profits, consumers, and other state housing partners.
Employment
Dave Chien joins VHFA as IT Director
Executive Director Maura Collins announced that Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) has hired Dave Chien of Williston as its new Director of Information Technology (IT).
Chien comes to VHFA from Vermont Legal Aid, where he worked for the past 12 years, most recently as their Senior IT Administrator. He is a graduate of Stony Brook University and the University of Buffalo.
“We selected Dave from a pool of over 150 applicants for this position,” Collins remarked. “Dave’s experience in nonprofit IT will be a valuable asset to the Agency as we pursue new initiatives.”
VHFA launches car sharing initiative
VHFA recently began partnering with CarShare Vermont to offer its staff access to shared vehicles for business travel. This initiative will allow the Agency to reduce its carbon footprint while making travel more convenient and more affordable for its staff.
VHFA has long encouraged housing development in downtown, walkable areas, with the goal of connecting Vermont renters with jobs, schools and amenities, reducing reliance on cars and decreasing harmful emissions. However, going without a personal vehicle in Vermont can be challenging. Even if Vermonters are able to go without a car or reduce the number of cars in their household, it is often necessary to travel to rural areas that don’t have robust public transportation.
VHFA welcomes two new Development Underwriters
Executive Director Maura Collins announced that Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) has hired Megan Roush of Northfield and Bill Schrecker of Burlington as Development Underwriters.
Roush comes to VHFA from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, where she served the past four years as a Vermont Housing Loan Specialist and Public Information Officer. Roush is a graduate of Saint Michael’s College.
Bill Schrecker previously served as Family Shelter Coordinator for the Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS). Prior to that, he worked as a research analyst at the Reinvestment Fund, a Philadelphia-based community loan fund. Schrecker is a graduate of Boston College, the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University.
VHFA is hiring!
Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This position is responsible for the direction, management and oversight of the financial, accounting, audit, Information Technology (IT) and investment areas of VHFA. The CFO oversees the development and implementation of financing structures that support the Agency’s loan programs, including the sale and management of VHFA tax-exempt and taxable bonds.
VHFA is hiring!
VHFA is seeking applicants for two immediate job openings: Director of Information Technology and Community Development Underwriter.
VHFA recognizes employee volunteers
VHFA is proud to recognize staff who participated in the Employee Volunteer Program (EVP) in 2018.
As part of our mission to finance and promote affordable, safe, and decent housing opportunities, VHFA encourages its employees to lend their voluntary support to programs that positively impact the quality of life within our communities. The Employee Volunteer Program allows all regular VHFA employees one additional day of paid Combined Time Off each calendar year to volunteer in a community program.
Katie Buckley and Fred Baser appointed to VHFA’s Board of Commissioners
Governor Phil Scott has appointed Katie Buckley of Brattleboro and Fred Baser of Bristol to Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA)’s Board of Commissioners.
Until recently, Katie Buckley served as Commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). In that role she sat on VHFA’s Board as the appointed designee for Michael Schirling, Secretary of Agency of Commerce and Community Development. Buckley now works as Development Director for M&S Development, a community development management firm in Brattleboro. Buckley became the new Chair of the VHFA Board of Commissioners this month.
Interim Zoning in South Burlington likely to reduce housing affordability
Due to its upward pressure on home prices, VHFA urged the South Burlington City Council this week to end the ban on home building known as Interim Zoning. South Burlington adopted the Interim Zoning Bylaw on November 13, 2018 after protests about future home building proposed within the City.
Next to Burlington, South Burlington has been the largest community in Vermont for many years. Since 2010, South Burlington experienced modest annual housing stock growth of 2%, similar to Essex, Shelburne and Williston. With other parts of the state facing population and economic decline, allowing for growth near jobs is considered by many to be essential for local and regional economic vitality.
Seth Leonard joins VHFA as Managing Director of Community Development
Executive Director Maura Collins announced that Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) has hired Seth Leonard of Winooski for the newly created position of Managing Director of Community Development. Leonard comes to VHFA from the USDA Office of Rural Development, where he served as Housing Program Director for Vermont and New Hampshire. Prior to that, Leonard worked at VHFA for four years as Homeownership Outreach Coordinator.
“Seth’s experience with multifamily rental housing, his familiarity with VHFA programs, and his leadership skills will be a valuable addition to the agency’s staff,” Collins remarked. “We love welcoming previous employees back ‘home’ to VHFA, and Seth’s integrity, knowledge, and style make him perfect for this role.”