AMHERST — Networking with other state and regional entities to expand public housing options will be a priority for the Amherst Housing Authority’s new executive director.
After 23 years working for the housing authority, and since last June serving as its interim executive director, Debbie Turgeon was named to the permanent post in a 4-1 vote by the Board of Commissioners Jan. 18.
She will oversee 14 employees and nearly 200 units of low-income public housing
“I’m very pleased to lead the agency,” Turgeon said after the decision made her the successor to Denise LeDuc. “This is something I’ve strived for for many years.”
Runner-up when LeDuc was selected in January 2012, Turgeon, previously the director of housing programs, was picked over Sandra Desrosiers, accreditation manager for the Affordable Housing Accreditation Board Inc., in Hartford, Connecticut. Desrosiers had also overseen housing authorities in several Connecticut municipalities.
The vote provides Turgeon a three-year contract that will pay her $89,214 annually for 37½ hours per week. The contract expires April 1, 2020.
When the vote was announced, the 15 people in attendance, both staff and residents at housing authority properties, erupted in applause. Turgeon, who was not present when the decision was made, entered the room several minutes later, giving hugs to many of those present.
Commission members initially appeared divided over the selection, which Chairwoman Laura Quinn attributed to having two qualified candidates. Only commissioner Tracylee Boutilier cast a vote against the contract with Turgeon.
Commissioner Peter Jessop said even though Turgeon was passed over during the last search, he didn’t want to see that happen again.
“I’ve been extremely impressed with her growth over the past four years,” Jessop said.
He added that Turgeon brings longevity, knowledge of state regulations and experience with the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development, along with deep tenant support and compassion.
Turgeon made efforts to improve morale among staff and tenants, ably represented the housing authority in the region and demonstrated support for affordable housing, said commissioner Constance Kruger.
An appreciation for diversity was something Quinn said she appreciated in Turgeon’s approach.
Commissioners Stephen Jefferson and Boutilier both expressed support for Desrosiers based on her career outside Amherst.
“The experience we see with Sandra is something we need to see at this point,” Boutilier said.
But the discussion wasn’t without controversy, as Boutilier went on to question whether support for Turgeon, through evaluations and feedback forms, was legitimate. She said it appeared that some of the comments were submitted by the same person multiple times.
“I’m disappointed there wasn’t trust in the process,” Boutilier said.
Kruger said she was distressed that a fellow commissioner would call into question the process. “I’m just very disturbed by that and find it very problematic,” Kruger said.
Quinn said the search was done in a professional manner, and put weight in the comments in favor of Turgeon.
The finalists were selected following a search led by Robert Half Executive Search of Boston that included interviews with eight candidates. Three of those candidates were interviewed by a housing authority screening committee. Supplementing the feedback was a petition for Turgeon from tenants at Ann Whalen Apartments informing the commission that she had created a sense of teamwork, improved maintenance and provided a locked storage room.
Lead petitioner Alan Root said he was pleased with the outcome.
“A 4-1 vote is a good, strong vote,” Root said. “I was surprised there was even one vote against her.”
Quinn said the state’s housing and community development agency, which must approve the contract, will be notified about the vote.
The Amherst Housing Authority owns nearly 200 units of low-income public housing and is also responsible for providing rental assistance vouchers and verifying individuals and families seeking federal Section 8 certificates and rental subsidies.
Turgeon will oversee a 14-member staff that includes housing specialists, rental assistance personnel and maintenance workers.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.