Last week, New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced a new leadership structure at the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), splitting the roles of NYCHA chair and chief executive officer. CLPHA Board Member Gregory Russ will continue in his role as chair of NYCHA’s board of directors, while General Counsel Lisa Bova-Hiatt will serve as interim CEO during the national search for a permanent CEO.
“Knowing the residents and NYCHA staff will be led by Lisa in the interim is an important move to continue strengthening NYCHA. As I step back into the role of chair of NYCHA’s Board of Directors, I will remain a resource and partner to Lisa, the NYCHA team, NYCHA residents, and the city,” said NYCHA Chair Gregory Russ. “My commitment to NYCHA remains as strong as ever, and as we strengthen the authority and deliver the Public Housing Preservation Trust together, I feel confident in the future of NYCHA.”
The restructuring represents a step forward in the next phase of NYCHA’s Transformation Plan and is consistent with the amendment to NYCHA’s bylaws adopted on June 15, 2022. In a press release, New York City Mayor Eric Adams notes that “[t]he separation of these roles establishes a new and more effective leadership structure — aligning NYCHA with the operating structure of public housing authorities nationwide and the leadership structure laid out in NYCHA’s Transformation Plan.”