Laura Snyder Appointed New CEO of Rockford Housing Authority

It is with great pleasure that the Board of Directors of the Rockford Housing Authority announces today that Laura Snyder interim CEO, is taking on the permanent leadership role as CEO, of Rockford Housing Authority effective September 1. The Board will officially approve the position at the Board Meeting Scheduled for September 20, 2018, retroactive to September 1.

Laura Snyder has been, responsible for the financial and operational success of RHA for the past eight months, and with over 20 years of experience with Public Housing, Laura has assisted in the overall development for RHA and the Bridge Rockford Alliance. After a thorough and deliberate selection process, by the Board of Commissioners, Laura will lead and navigate through the evolving and expanding landscape of affordable quality homes for our community residents. Ms. Snyder states that “I am honored that the RHA Board of Commissioners chose me to follow in the footsteps of truly iconic CEOs who have led RHA for the past several years.”

“The board has always had a strong focus on succession planning. We initiated the formal CEO succession process 9 months ago, searching internally and externally to find the best leader for our employees, clients, partners and community shareholders,” said, Jeffrey DiBenedetto, RHA Commissioner. Mr. DiBenedetto has lived in Rockford all his life and has a deep commitment for economic development for the Rockford community.

“Laura has decades of experience in the industry and led the RHA well as the interim CEO.,” says Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara. “RHA has an important responsibility in our community and we’re looking forward to working with her as she takes on the permanent role.” In his role as Mayor, Tom focuses on developing and implementing plans to reduce crime, increase police technology and training, strengthen neighborhoods and schools, and encourage economic development. These synergies align most closely with the mission and vision of the Rockford Housing Authority.

“I truly am looking forward to growing and deepening our organization relationship with the City and County governmental teams. States Laura. “I am also excited and honored to take on this role and look forward to providing new opportunities to our clients, residents, and constituents through our Workforce Development Institute and our growing Public/Private partnerships through our non Profit, Bridge Rockford Alliance, Inc.” Laura is the first female to take on this leadership role for the community since the organization began over 65 years ago.

Laura Snyder, Bio
Laura Snyder – the CEO, is responsible for the financial and operational success of RHA. With over 20 years of experience with Public Housing, Laura has assisted in the development of our safety and security programs and, currently holds certifications as a Housing Choice Voucher specialist, Public Housing Manager, and Tax Credit specialist. Laura has been a valued member of the RHA Directors and Leadership team. Formerly the Director of Housing Operations for the RHA she was responsible for leading the Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, and Maintenance teams to peak performance and to develop and implement initiatives to improve program integrity within Section 8 and Public Housing programs.

About: The Rockford Housing Authority
The Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) is a municipal corporation established under Chapter 67 1/2 of the Illinois statutes. It is governed by a Board of Commissioners. The Rockford Housing Authority has historically served the housing needs of persons whose income is low and very low in the City of Rockford through HUD-funded public and Section 8 housing. RHA has provided “decent, safe, and sanitary” low-income public housing to Rockford’s citizens for decades.

Bridge Rockford Alliance, Inc. (BRaI), 501(C)(3) HUD recognized instrumentality of RHA, was established by resolution of the RHA Board of Commissioners on March 9, 2011. BRAI extends the services and opportunities of a public housing agency. Instrumentalities allow the housing authority to operate more as private organizations and expand opportunities for residents of affordable housing, housing developments and the related supporting activities i.e. health and human services. This broader reach provides BRAI the authority to seek out and enter into new business relationships as a means to support its mission.

The Rockford Housing Authority, alongside Bridge Rockford Alliance, is in a transition from a provider of decent safe and sanitary housing to the leading provider of housing that meets a higher community vision.