Lamoille Housing Partnership (LHP) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of David Ford as the new President of the affordable housing organization’s Board of Trustees, as well as Tess Milner and a Lamoille Community House (LCH) representative who join the Board of Trustees as two new Members at Large.
“I am honored to have been selected and supported by my fellow LHP Board of Trustees, as well as LHP staff, to serve as President of the LHP Board,” says Ford. “I care deeply about the quality of life in local communities, and I’m concerned about the Lamoille region’s increasing need for affordable housing. I view my new role as an important way to help our communities come together to support the housing needs of local residents.”
Ford was elected to the LHP Board of Trustees in 2016; prior to being nominated as the Board’s incoming President, he served as Vice President. Ford is no stranger to leadership. Before retiring, Ford’s two decade career in education saw him as Co-Superintendent as well as Principal at local schools including Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union and Hazen Union School in Hardwick, and Craftsbury Schools in Craftsbury. Ford lives in Morrisville with his wife, Nancy.
Ford accepted the role from outgoing President, Davis Koier, who will stay on the housing partnership’s Board for another year as a Member at Large.
“Davis has been a caring, thoughtful and involved leader who really cares about his community and LHP’s mission,” says LHP Executive Director Jim Lovinsky. “The leadership transition will leverage the positive momentum of Davis’ guidance and help LHP continue advancing housing solutions in local communities.”
New additions to LHP’s Board of Trustees also included Tess Milner of Johnson, as well as a representative from LCH, the Hyde Park shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Milner is the Office Manager at the Lamoille Chamber of Commerce, and oversees the economic development organization’s communications and membership. With a “genuine love and compassion for helping others,” Milner also works at the Clarina Howard Nichols Center, a local nonprofit that works to end sexual violence in Lamoille County. “LHP is a vital community organization, and I’m pleased to continue supporting local communities in this new role.” Milner resides in Johnson with her family.
Due to the complementary nature of LHP’s and LCH’s respective missions to address local housing challenges, LHP sought the addition of a representative from LCH. LHP provides long term housing for low and moderate income individuals in Lamoille County and Hardwick, including to individuals who have experienced homelessness, while LCH offers emergency shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness between November and April.
“Partnerships are essential to the success of our mission, so it’s important that the voices of residents and partner organizations are represented on our Board. We work with many community partners, and their valuable input helps us advance our work in ways that benefit the whole community,” says Lovinsky.
Their additions to the housing partnership’s Board replace seats vacated by Bob Malbon and Jennifer Burton. Milner and the LCH representative join Ford, as well as Davis Koier of Morrisville, Stefani Eichler of Morrisville, Cheryl Fuller of Johnson, Robyn Masi of Jeffersonville, Graham Mink of Stowe and Brian Story of Johnson as members of LHP’s Board of Trustees.
The Lamoille Housing Partnership develops, rehabilitates, and maintains safe, decent, energy efficient affordable housing through rental, home ownership, and other means to low and moderate income persons and families living within Lamoille County and the Town of Hardwick. The Lamoille Housing Partnership provides such assistance without discrimination or prejudice, using a combination of private and public funding partnerships. Learn more at www.lamoillehousing.org.