Commissioner Lauren F. Nance

09/13/2026

Our application phase to identify our next Executive Director ends this Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Paterson Housing Authority

Lead the transformation of one of New Jersey's most dynamic housing authorities.

The Paterson Housing Authority (PHA) is seeking an impactful, mission-driven leader to guide the agency through an exceptional period of growth and reinvention. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of affordable housing in New Jersey's third-largest city - backed by a strong balance sheet, a bold redevelopment pipeline, and a Board fully invested in the next Executive Director's success.

PHA's portfolio includes 992 public housing units in six (6) buildings, 3,274 Housing Choice Vouchers, and opportunities for growth through the reestablishment of the HCV Homeownership Program, and a
Family Self-Sufficiency Program. The agency is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners and employs 38 staff with room for growth.

A Moment of Momentum

The incoming Executive Director inherits an agency positioned for modernization and impact:

● Financially strong - provides real flexibility to invest in strategy and heightened operations.
● Transformative redevelopment underway - the public housing portfolio is converting to the
Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program with project-based vouchers, unlocking new
capital and long-term sustainability.
● A proven track record of delivery - the HOPE VI revitalization of the Alexander Hamilton Development brought 275 new units of affordable housing, a community building, and an early childhood education center to life.
● Community wealth-building in action - an imminent business incubator program can cultivate Section 3 businesses, connecting residents directly to economic opportunity.
● Actively strengthening compliance - the next ED will play a central role in advancing that
work from a position of financial strength.

A City on the Rise
Paterson is the county seat of Passaic County and New Jersey's third-largest city, with a 2020 population of 159,732 - up 9.3% from 2010 - and a prime location within the New York City
metropolitan area. Nearly one-third of Paterson is designated as an Urban Enterprise Zone, encompassing most of the city’s commercial corridors, supporting business growth through state economic incentives.

Paterson's identity is firmly rooted in reinvention: the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park 77-foot waterfall once powered a 19th-century industrial boom in silk, fi****ms, and locomotive manufacturing. Today, the historic district of the city is attracting meaningful development, including
Hinchliffe Stadium, the Charles J. Muth Museum (which showcases the stadium’s role in the Negro Baseball League, and a historic church that will be transformed into performing arts center.

Demographically, nearly 65% of Paterson residents identify as Hispanic/Latino, led by large Dominican, Peruvian, Puerto Rican, Colombian and Mexican communities. Black residents are the next largest racial group, followed by White residents. Thriving Arab, Bangladeshi, Turkish, and other immigrant communities continue to shape Paterson’s neighborhoods and commercial corridors.

This diversity emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive outreach, multilingual communication, and a mix of housing options that reflect the city’s multigenerational and multicultural communities.

What We're Looking For

Candidates must meet the qualifications established under applicable New Jersey statutes governing housing authority Executive Directors:

● Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in public administration,
business administration, urban planning, social sciences, or a related field (candidates with equivalent prior experience in a similar Executive Director role may not be required to meet this criterion)
● Minimum seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in public administration, public finance, real estate or property management, or a related field involving management of multifamily housing or redevelopment projects
● A Master's degree in an appropriate discipline may substitute for up to two (2) years of required experience
● Completion of mandatory training prescribed by PHA within a designated timeframe following appointment
● Prior to appointment, credentials must be submitted to the Commissioner of the NJ
Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for review
● Finalists will undergo academic, work history, and salary history verification, along with criminal and credit background checks and employment/education verification, conducted by the consultant

Compensation & Benefits

A salary range of $202,000-$225,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience is offered for this position. The selected candidate must reside in the State of New Jersey or commit to relocating within one year of the date of hire.

The full position description and comprehensive benefits package is available on the agency website.
PHA is an equal opportunity employer.

How to Apply

Submit the following by email to Stan Quy, President/Principal, The Organizational Leadership
Edge, at [email protected]:

● A one-page cover letter
● A two-page resume including salary expectations
● Three professional references

Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, by 6:00pm ET/5:00pm CT.

For the positions prospectus, visit:
https://patersonhousingauthority.org/jobs/

The Paterson Housing Authority is an equal opportunity employer. It maintains policies and practices that are designed to prevent discrimination against any qualified employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, s*x, age, marital status, s*xual orientation,...

09/04/2026

Wow. Just, wow!

About 40 residents, community leaders and government officials gathered at the housing authority headquarters tonight to discuss the qualities commissioners should seek when hiring our next Executive Director.

What a great exchange of information!The honesty in the room was raw and real. We discussed the good, the bad, and the ugly of the PHA alongside opportunities for progress. All who attended were free to share their views.

For them - by their words - it was refreshing. For us, the productive conversation affirmed that we're on the right track.

Of all the things I heard tonight, the one thing that bugged me the most was this ...

**Multiple residents said they were told that our PUBLIC meetings were for resident council officers only.!** The lies people tell to control and silence others...bullies!

I don't take the suppression of resident rights lightly and will work with my commissioner colleagues to ensure we promote transparency through sharing accurate information.

Family, we're working hard to cut through the foolishness and take much needed action - not lip service - to fix things forward in the Paterson Housing Authority. It will take time...and some fervent prayer.

09/02/2026

Here is the free version of this story. New leadership and the Board of Commissioners are committed to applying the right solutions to fix this.

PATERSON — In the middle of a national housing crisis , 175 affordable apartments sit vacant in the six buildings operated by the city's Housing Authority,

09/02/2026

As I shared at the beginning of my term, progress is an "inside job". As a commissioner board, we are committed to "fixing forward". Now we have the information we need to know to act.

(This version is behind a paywall. I will post a free version as soon as it becomes available.)

Amid an affordable housing crisis, 175 public apartments sit vacant in the six buildings operated by the Paterson Housing Authority.

09/01/2026

To date, 7 residents have taken thoughtful consideration to tell us what qualities we need in a new Executive Director and how we can improve the housing authority. Know that the board will read and consider every response.

You can still tell us in person, too!

REMINDER: On Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, meet the Board of Commissioners at the Paterson Housing Authority headquarters to weigh-in on the qualities our new Executive Director should possess. We look forward to seeing you.

Can't attend? Scan the QR code to provide feedback.👍🏽

08/21/2026

As we continue the search for the City of Paterson Housing Authority's next Executive Director, we want the input of our community.

This structured forum will have questions posed by our recruiting team to help build the ideal candidate profile for this vital role.

Can't join us? Scan the QR code and take a brief survey so we can still have your feedback.

Lauren Francies Nance

08/11/2026

..that your Board of Commissioners of the City of Paterson Housing Authority is comprised of 7 commissioners? We have a Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer. The Executive Director serves as the Secretary.

We are nominated by council members and approved by a decision of the full council, or appointed by the mayor, or appointed by the Governor. One commissioner is a resident of the housing authority.

We are not elected by a public body and are volunteers - we are not compensated (paid) for what we do. We are nonpartisan - neither opposing or endorsing a political party.

Commissioners are **policy makers**. We also approve budgets, audits and other assessments that are prepared by the Executive Director and their staff.

The Executive Director leads the day to day **operations** of the housing authority. Operational decisions lay with the ED.

The Board and the ED are to be partners in fulfilling the Housing Authority mission - to provide decent, safe, affordable housing to the residents of Paterson.

More to come. Feel free to comment or DM with questions.

08/08/2026

Today's post leans into my work as a nonprofit professional and my role as a Commissioner on the City of Paterson Housing Authority Board.

Yesterday a community member asked, "What is the purpose of a board of directors? Why must nonprofits and public agencies have one?" I LOVED that she asked and we had excellent conversation around the why. Here I expound on the "Why?" some more ...

"Checks and Balances" is a term I learned in social studies class when I was young. (I am STILL young but that's not my point...).

Checks and Balances stops one person or group from having complete control - of a government, an organization, or a situation.

Governments have the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Branches that are SUPPOSED TO balance their decision making within the best interest of those they serve - not themselves. Each has the power to block rogue actions and when used rightly, those they serve are served well.

In the nonprofit organization or public entity space, Executive Directors are the EXECUTIVE BRANCH of the organization and the Board of Directors or Board of Trustees are the LEGISLATIVE BRANCH. The Board makes policies. The ED enforces those policies.

Those they serve are, in my view, are the JUDICIAL BRANCH. If residents, members, or grantees are not served well, they can raise the concern and through a process hold the other two branches accountable. They help determine if the decisions made by the ED and Board are worthy by how those decisions impact their lives or experiences with that organization.

An ED leads an agency in its daily operations while the Board is the check and the balance to ensuring those operations don't go rouge.

An ED implements programming and revenue-generating activities. The Board reviews the outcomes and financials to ensure all is well.

In this Checks and Balances relationship, the ED and the Board are accountable to one another and can maintain a healthy partnership for the good of "their people". Some do. Some don't. Eh! Humans will human, if you know what I mean.

All and all, governance is good and hard, and tough, and can have fruitful outcomes. You have to care, you have to be knowledgeable (or at least curious to find answers), and you have to know how to lay down your self-interest and be more interested in the best outcomes for those you serve.

Does this make sense, y'all? Hit me in the comments with your questions.

CMSR Nance

08/06/2026

Family, I must make this abundantly clear - the City of Paterson Housing Authority is under new leadership as of August 1, 2026.

The Board of Commissioners retained the services of Interim Executive Director Kate Gazunis to lead this agency and prepare for it for BETTER, building upon what has been in place for 26 years. Within DAYS, Kate demonstrated her unshakable qualifications and is ready to modernize and move the operations of the housing authority in a great direction.

Right now, I lead the Board committee to search for a new Executive Director. Our commitment is to hire an ED who will not only lead our devoted housing staff but serve as a true partner to the Board. Keeping the best interests of our residents and voucher holders at heart is a major part of this mandate.

The position announcement and prospectus for the ED search will be released super soon. The Board is taking the time to get it "just right".

These transitions are part of what I promised when I stepped into this role. Good change has been "an inside job" since October...and takes time. Know that my commissioner colleagues and I 👏are 👏not 👏playin' about the residents and voucher holders we serve. Many of you have had the patience of saints with many things but Hang on! We're working some things to deliver on the mission of providing affordable, decent, and safe housing in our city.

Thank you for your continued support. I'll continue to do my part, with God being my help.

CMSR Nance