Eight Questions for Lisa Bova-Hiatt, NYCHA’s Interim Chief Executive Officer
Lisa Bova-Hiatt was appointed NYCHA’s Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in September 2022. She was previously the Authority’s Executive Vice President for Legal Affairs and General Counsel, a role she held for nearly three years. With more than 25 years of experience at various City and State agencies, Ms. Bova-Hiatt brings deep knowledge of how to get things done in government and an equally deep passion for improving the quality of life for New Yorkers. Read on to learn more about Interim CEO Bova-Hiatt and her vision for the Authority.
What drew you to a career devoted to public service?
My parents were both public servants, and I’ve always had a passion for helping others and collaborating with teams to achieve a common goal. A career in public service was practically predestined, a natural fit.
Can you describe some of the other notable positions you’ve held in government and how they’ve made you the person you are today?
Being the Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery is probably the most impactful position I’ve held – until now. Hurricane Sandy devastated our state, and being part of the rebuilding process was life changing. Seeing people at their most vulnerable, and then lifting them up and assisting them to get back into their homes, while also helping their communities rebuild, had an incredible impact on my life; it only further fueled my desire to serve others.
How did your experience as NYCHA’s General Counsel prepare you for the role of Interim CEO?
Spending two-and-a-half years as NYCHA’s General Counsel provided me with a birds-eye view of the organization as a whole – its strengths as well as its vulnerabilities. Understanding both is key to progress and addressing the challenges. The General Counsel role also provided me with an opportunity to meet so many of NYCHA’s incredible staff, from the hardworking folks maintaining grounds and buildings or completing critical repairs to those who are connecting residents to life-changing job and educational opportunities. Having those relationships in place before assuming this role has helped me work effectively with colleagues to analyze and solve problems as well as strategize for tomorrow.
What are your goals as Interim CEO?
As Interim CEO, I’m endeavoring to provide continuity in leadership, guidance, and support for NYCHA’s residents and staff as we work together to improve the quality of life in NYCHA communities, and while our partners (HUD, the Southern District of New York, and the Mayor) search for our next CEO.
What’s a typical day – if there is one – for the CEO of NYCHA?
I don’t think I’ve had a typical day in the past two months! I aim to visit developments every week to meet with residents and staff to see first-hand the work they are doing, hear their concerns, speak with senior leadership, and work to address the issues that matter most to our residents and stakeholders.
What do you find most gratifying about our work at NYCHA?
NYCHA has amazing staff, and an incredible executive and senior leadership team. Working with colleagues who are absolutely dedicated and collaborative is very gratifying and a reminder of why I went into public service.
What is most challenging?
We have to take action now to address the immense capital needs of our aging buildings. I’m confident that we can meet this challenge – we have assembled a team of seasoned and committed professionals who have solved similar problems at the highest levels of City and State government throughout their careers. At NYCHA, this means using the housing preservation initiatives that we’ve been developing over the past several years – such as PACT and the Public Housing Preservation Trust – to deliver to residents radically improved homes and quality of life.
What’s the most impactful advice you’ve received?
Although this wasn’t given to me directly, there’s an inspiring quote by athlete and broadcaster Jimmy Valvano, who gave an unforgettable speech at the ESPY Awards in 1993: “Never give up! Failure and rejection are only the first step to succeeding.”
Photo caption: Interim CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt (far right) tours Claremont Consolidated in the Bronx.
