The Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority on Monday announced the appointment of a new executive director who brings with him decades of experience transforming housing agencies across the United States and in Canada.
Eugene Jones Jr., who most recently served as executive director of the Atlanta Housing Authority before resigning in December after five years at the helm, has spent his entire career dedicated to improving housing conditions and fostering vibrant communities, according to a press release announcing his appointment.
Renowned as “Mr. Fix-It” within the industry, he has been instrumental in revitalizing troubled housing agencies in cities like Atlanta, Chicago, Toronto, New Orleans and Detroit, it said.
His appointment comes at a critical time for the territory as it deals with mutiple recovery projects from the 2017 hurricanes, and an affordable housing crisis.
VIHFA Board Chair Jenifer O’Neal said she was “thrilled” to announce Jones’ appointment “after a rigorous and thorough search process.” He “brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise, having previously served in numerous roles, including most recently as the Executive Director of the Atlanta Housing Authority,” she said.
“His leadership and vision will undoubtedly steer our organization towards greater heights, furthering our mission of providing affordable housing solutions to the residents of the Virgin Islands. As chair of the board, I join the other members in extending a warm welcome to Mr. Jones as he embarks on this new journey with us,” she added.
“I am honored to join the Virgin Islands community as the executive director of VIHFA,” said Jones, whose tenure begins on Monday. “Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of safe and accessible housing. It’s not just about providing shelter; it’s about building communities where people can truly call home, where they can thrive, and create lasting connections.”
Jones, the author of Housing Humans, is known for challenging conventional thinking in the housing sector and emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive communities, according to the release. As executive director, he will lead VIHFA in its mission to provide quality housing and promote economic development throughout the Virgin Islands, it said.
