VHA Announces CEO Retirement, Transition (Photo) -07/31/23
After 15 years of leading Vancouver Housing Authority through a time of tremendous growth, Roy Johnson will be retiring in January 2024. Under his leadership, VHA has developed 16 properties adding nearly 800 new homes for individuals and families throughout Clark County. He has also increased VHA’s partnerships with numerous nonprofits and elevated the agency’s status as a leader in affordable housing.
“It has been a rewarding experience working at VHA,” Johnson said. “I have appreciated the support of the board and working with very talented staff. The partnerships we’ve developed have made my time here even more rewarding. Together, we have responded creatively to the affordable housing needs and improved the quality of life of the people we are here to assist. Expect great things from the next generation of VHA.”
When Johnson first indicated his intention to retire a few months ago, the VHA Board of Commissioners began to consider how to approach succession planning. Johnson was selected as CEO through a national search, and the board explored completing a similar process. However, there was consensus among the board that VHA had an internal candidate best positioned to lead VHA into its next chapter.
At Thursday’s meeting, the board appointed Chief Operating Officer Andy Silver to succeed Johnson as the next CEO. Silver joined the community in 2012 when Council for the Homeless hired him as its executive director. In his current role, he oversees the housing authority’s property management, supportive services and voucher departments.
“Andy has the experience and expertise to keep the momentum going at VHA,” said Board Chair Joan Caley. “Thanks to all Roy has accomplished for the agency, we’ll be able to keep doing great work with Andy at the helm.”
Silver has deep experience in efforts to end homelessness, the intersection of housing and health, affordable housing development and the operations of a housing authority, Caley said. He is mission-driven and has a demonstrated commitment to equity.
"VHA is an innovative and collaborative housing authority, using every resource at our disposal to expand our impact,” Silver said. “I look forward to leading the talented and dedicated team at VHA to continue this important work and to utilize community partnerships to help eliminate historic inequities in housing. Thank you to the VHA Board of Commissioners for this incredible opportunity and to outgoing CEO Roy Johnson for all he has done for VHA and our community."
To fill the COO role Silver will be vacating, VHA is using a search consultant that specializes in filling executive roles at housing authorities. Alongside Johnson and Silver, the housing authority’s six-member executive team comprises Victor Caesar, chief real estate officer; Natasha Douglas, chief administrative officer; Mila Fabyanchuk, chief financial officer; and Sheila Bommakanti, general counsel. Vancouver Housing Authority employs about 180 people.
About Vancouver Housing Authority
Vancouver Housing Authority is a public agency established in 1942 by the City of Vancouver that’s governed by six commissioners appointed by the city. Its mission is to provide opportunities to people who experience barriers to housing because of income, disability or special needs. The goal is to fulfill that mission in an environment which preserves personal dignity and in a manner which maintains the public trust.
The agency oversees more than 3,300 rental vouchers, 3,100 units of housing and 190 shelter beds. It serves about 13,000 Clark County residents.
