Advancing NYCHA’s Transformation Plan with an Updated Leadership Structure

Dear Colleagues,

Over the last several years, we have made significant changes across NYCHA. As part of NYCHA’s Transformation and Implementation Plans, earlier this year the Board amended NYCHA’s by-laws to separate the roles of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chair of the Board of Directors. This leadership model is what we have been working toward for the past three years and is consistent with the structure of public housing authorities across the nation.

Effective Monday, September 19, 2022, I will begin serving as Interim Chief Executive Officer, while Greg Russ turns his attention to his role as NYCHA Chair.

I am stepping into this role as a native New Yorker with more than 25 years of government experience, including nearly three years as General Counsel here at NYCHA — an organization to which I am deeply committed. From the beginning of my time at the Authority, I have been involved in all NYCHA matters, including compliance with the HUD Agreement, our Transformation and Implementation Plans, as well as NYCHA operations and administration. I am ready and pleased to be able to provide leadership continuity and guidance at this time and, as always, it is a pleasure to serve the City of New York.

On behalf of NYCHA’s Executive Team, I would like to thank Greg for his service and leadership, as he has taken on important reforms and laid the groundwork for the Authority’s continued transformation.

As we collectively move forward with our work to strengthen this organization, our HUD Agreement partners (HUD, SDNY, and the City of New York) are working together to search for and identify a new Chief Executive Officer. Once the new CEO is in place, I — along with Chair Russ and the NYCHA team — will partner with that individual to ensure we keep making progress to reform NYCHA and improve the delivery of services to NYCHA residents.

NYCHA is stronger than ever, our vision is clear, and our progress is ongoing. I will keep you updated as we move forward together. Thank you for all that you do, and please reach out to transform@nycha.nyc.gov with any questions about our transformation efforts.

Lisa Bova-Hiatt, Interim CEO