Wednesday, September 29, 1999
Housing authority taps new director
BY SUSAN VELA
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COVINGTON — After a lengthy selection process, a Fort Thomas resident has been named executive director of the Covington Housing Authority.
William Simon, former executive director of the Affordable Housing Fund in Dayton, Ohio, and former special projects coordinator for the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority, replaces Oneita Perry. She retired in August.
Mr. Simon, 49, takes the helm Oct. 11.
“I have not worked for the housing authority for the last 10 years. It will be nice to get back into the business,” said Mr. Simon, who will oversee the authority's four housing developments and an annual budget of about $7.7 million.
He will receive an annual salary of about $78,000. That will be increased by $1,000 if he moves to Covington, according to his contract. Mr. Simon said he plans to do so.
His first task will be to replace the agency's executive staff, which has been depleted because of retirements. He also is expected to develop a three- to five-year strategy plan in 2000.
J.T. Spence, a Covington city commissioner who was part of the selection committee, said Mr. Simon proved to be the best choice of more than 30 applicants because of his work experience and potential to help public housing tenants become more self-sufficient and possibly future home owners.
“We wanted someone who was aggressive, entrepreneurial, innovative and who could build (relationships) with other organizations,” he said. “I'm very comfortable with our decision. He'll be a real asset to the community.”
As executive director of the Affordable Housing Fund, Mr. Simon worked with Montgomery County, Ohio, officials to provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income families. The agency was funded by the county.
He was special projects coordinator at the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority from 1980 to1991. During that time, he administered a $15 million rehabilitation program and helped secure $3.4 million for self-sufficiency programs.
Mr. Simon is a New York City native. He has a bachelor's degree in urban affairs from Brooklyn College and a master's in community planning from University of Cincinnati.
He is looking forward to no longer making the daily commute to Dayton.
“My life has been I-75. It'd be nice to get back into the swing of living and working in the same area.”
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