Norwich Housing Authority hires new executive director.

Jeffrey Arn comes to city from Vernon

Norwich — Change is coming to the Norwich Housing Authority, with a new executive director starting in June and the longtime authority chairman retiring after 17 years.

The Housing Authority has hired Jeffrey Arn, 49, who has been executive director of the Vernon Housing Authority since January 2009, to succeed 18-year Norwich Housing Authority Executive Director Charles Whitty. Arn's contract, approved March 28, calls for him to start June 4 at a salary of $145,000. Arn said he will turn 50 on his second day in Norwich.

“I was looking to advance my career and work for a bigger agency and a new challenge,” Arn said.

The Vernon Housing Authority maintains 325 units of federal elderly and disabled housing, state elderly disabled housing, congregate housing and some scattered-site family housing. The Norwich Housing Authority has a total of 686 units of housing and manages an additional 514 federal Section 8 affordable housing vouchers.

Arn grew up in Tolland and now lives in Coventry with his wife and 15-year-old son.

“I'm looking forward to the opportunity,” he said. “I've heard wonderful things about Norwich (Housing Authority). I've heard about their great reputation.”

Arn toured the Norwich facilities on April 27 and was impressed with how well-maintained the buildings are, including the maintenance facility itself.

“I was very impressed with the maintenance and upkeep,” he said. “I never saw a maintenance department so wellkept . ... I realize I have big shoes to fill,” he added, referring to Whitty's long tenure.

Whitty called Arn's hiring “an excellent choice” for Norwich and said he is very knowledgeable with a background in several positions at both East Hartford and Vernon housing authorities.

“He has done an outstanding job in Vernon,” Whitty said. “He was clearly the best candidate for the job, based on his knowledge in the field. He seems enthusiastic about starting.”

The Norwich Housing Authority's other new face is no stranger to Norwich. Former Norwich City Manager Alan Bergren, who resigned under pressure from the City Council in 2015, has been nominated by current City Manager John Salomone to fill the vacancy on the authority left by the retirement of 22-year veteran Hector Baillargeon on April 12.

Baillargeon had served as chairman for 17 years. The authority elected Paul Gauthier as the new chairman. A resolution to confirm Bergren's appointment to the housing board is on Monday's City Council agenda.

Bergren retired after leaving the Norwich city manager position and remained in Norwich. He said he occasionally speaks with Whitty, who urged him to apply for the vacant slot on the volunteer authority based on his management skills and background.

“I thought it would be a nice contribution to the city,” Bergren said. “Community service is what it's all about. I like being retired. I've been a city resident for 10 years, and when he mentioned they had an opening, I thought perhaps I could help out a little.”