Elisabeth Kulas will retire from her position as Executive Director of the Housing Trust of Rutland County in December 2020 after 27 years leading the organization. Kulas’s retirement was announced by the Board of Directors on Friday. The search for a replacement will begin immediately, and an overlap with the new director is planned prior to Ms. Kulas’ departure.
Said the Board President, Norm Lash, “Elizabeth will be greatly missed by the board and employees alike. Her dedication, leadership qualities, intimate knowledge of the complex rules and guidelines of the rental housing industry, and strict attention to detail have made the Housing Trust of Rutland County a model for others to follow. While she certainly leaves big shoes to fill, we are confident that because of the fantastic job she has done and continues to do, that our next Executive Director will have a smooth transition. We wish Elizabeth all the best for whatever comes next”.
Under Ms. Kulas’s leadership, the Housing Trust has grown from a fledgling organization to the largest provider of affordable housing in Rutland County. She has overseen the development of 25 housing projects containing almost 400 housing units and currently serving approximately 1,000 local citizens.
Currently, the Housing Trust is nearing completion on the renovation of the 40-unit Appletree Apartments in Fair Haven, and is embarking on an exciting new housing development at the former Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Rutland City.
Kulas has not shied away from major renovation projects in her career; projects that sought to breathe new life into historic gems, including the marble Adams House in Fair Haven, the Tuttle Block in Downtown Rutland, the Watkins School in Rutland City and the Stanislaus School and Convent in West Rutland. She also championed the applications of energy efficiency and the use of renewal energy sources in the more recent projects including the transformation of the former Admin Building at the Brandon Training School, and the historic Stanislaus School and Convent. She was never afraid to take on the most challenging projects, embracing brownfield sites and hazardous material cleanups, tear downs and rebuilds, and scattered site housing to maintain the fabric of the existing neighborhoods.
In 2016, Kulas was recognized with the Art Gibb Award for Individual Leadership by the Vermont Natural Resources Council. This award is given to an individual whose leadership, vision and courage has brought about positive and lasting change in the way their community or our state integrates growth and conservation. Kulas was recognized for promoting smart growth, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and strong communities through the development of affordable housing. Said the late Paul Bruhn, and Emily Wadhams, in the nomination, “Across her more than 20 year career at the Housing Trust of Rutland County, Elisabeth has demonstrated the leadership, creativity, vision and commitment to public service that this award recognizes.”
Governed by a 17-person Board of Directors, the Housing Trust of Rutland County has a staff of 16 employees and an annual budget of $1.4 million.
Ms. Kulas expressed confidence about the future of the organization: “The Housing Trust is up to this challenge! It is primed to continue its growth and impactful work under new energy and leadership. The strong and committed Board of Directors and dedicated staff are in a phenomenal position to take this opportunity. I wish only the best for the organization and the community.”
She continued: “For me personally, this has been the greatest journey. At the age of 25, I arrived with youthful energy and idealism. Rutland was ripe for my talents, passions and skills, and together we have learned and grown over the past 26 years. I have experienced more successes, felt the impact of my work on countless lives, and struggled with the most complex challenges. I have been truly blessed beyond anything imaginable. I am energized and looking forward to working hard with the Board, staff and my replacement to the finish, and then I look forward to writing a new chapter in my life.”
The Housing Trust has formed a Transition Committee to lead the search for a new Executive Director, and anticipates hiring in early fall.
Said Lash, “The Housing Trust of Rutland County is well positioned to continue its critical revitalization and community-building work in Rutland County.” The organization currently has an option on the empty former Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Rutland, where they plan to create a 19-unit “Lincoln Place” with 10 apartments reserved for homeless individuals. Plans are also in the works to do a round of renovation to a number of HTRC properties, including the downtown Tuttle Block. Lash added, “This is a great organization with a great staff. We’re so grateful for Elisabeth’s leadership, and look forward to continuing the work of creating housing opportunities for members of our community”.
The Housing Trust of Rutland County provides housing that is affordable to residents of Rutland County, Vermont so that they can choose to stay, play, live, work and retire here. It offers affordable rentals and mobile home lots in several communities within the greater Rutland region.