An Interview with General Manager Michael Kelly

Q: You served as NYCHA’s GM previously (2009-2011). How does it feel to be back?

A: It’s fantastic. I’m so impressed by the incredible talent and dedication of NYCHA employees, and it’s such an honor and privilege to work with them again to serve residents.

Q: What are your thoughts on OPMOM, a decentralized property management pilot at certain developments?

A: I’m looking forward to getting it into full operational mode as quickly as possible so that we can test the assumptions and create the systems needed to bring it to scale. Private property managers have embraced this approach for decades, and this is an opportunity for us to learn best practices from the private sector. I believe that empowering staff at the development level will make a real difference in how we serve residents.

Q: Considering the shortfalls in federal funding for NYCHA’s operations and capital work, how do we maintain efficient and effective repairs and maintenance?

A: We have to continue making wise capital investments that decrease the pressure on our maintenance and repair needs. I look forward to working with our Capital and Operations teams to ensure there’s clear communication about how we can leverage resources between those two important funding streams.

Q: You’ve helped some large public housing authorities (D.C., New Orleans, Philadelphia, San Francisco). How did you contribute to their success?

A: I think I helped create opportunities for staff and residents to engage in dialogue about their vision for what healthy public housing should be, and to take ownership of their vision.  Advocating for resources and assisting with operational efficiencies also empowers staff to be successful.

Q: What’s been the biggest challenge of your career?

A: There needs to be recognition of how important public housing is to the nation. So the greatest challenge I’ve had is making the case of why public housing matters at the federal level and getting a national response to the crisis.

Q: What’s most satisfying about your career in public housing?

A: Seeing how my staff and I have made a difference in people’s lives, watching young adults develop careers based on jobs that we connected them to.