Metro housing agency hires new executive director

A new leader will take the helm of the Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority.

Judith Carlin will become the agency’s new executive director following Homer Virden’s retirement after 40 years of service.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have Judy on board, and can’t wait to see her ideas in action,” said Board Chairwoman Evelyn France. “We’re also incredibly grateful for Homer’s leadership over the last four decades, which makes Judy’s transition so seamless.”

Virden will retire Dec. 31. The Housing Authority retained an executive search firm to fill this important role and received many letters of interest from qualified individuals throughout Ohio, according to the announcement from the Housing Authority board.

Ultimately, Carlin’s experience managing large organizations across the country brought her back to her roots in Lorain County, the announcement said.

She said she is excited to return to her hometown, and to work with community leaders to broaden the Housing Authority’s reach.

“We are at a place in time where housing is critical to the health of the nation,” Carlin said. “I want to play a part in making a difference.”

Carlin is an experienced CEO and an expert in public housing, government and nonprofit management, the announcement said.

As part of her vision for growth, she hopes to increase the Housing Authority’s housing inventory through low-income housing tax credit programs and grants, according to the announcement.

Carlin also plans to enhance the services offered to the Housing Authority’s residents and Section 8 participants to promote wellness and independence.

As a self-described “housing policy, community engagement geek,” she said her passion for public service has been evident throughout her work in the housing industry over the last decade.

Most recently serving as a consultant for the New York City and Los Angeles Housing Authorities, Carlin navigated the challenges of the pandemic while ensuring that vulnerable public housing residents were kept safe, according to the announcement.

Previously, Carlin served as the chief executive officer of the Omaha Housing Authority and in-house legal counsel to the Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority.

Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority operates 1,438 public housing apartments and administers 3,129 Section 8 vouchers across the county.