AMHERST — The search for a new executive director for the Amherst Housing Authority has narrowed to two finalists, both of whom bring extensive experience in the field of public housing.
Debra “Debbie” Turgeon, the director of housing programs for the Amherst Housing Authority, and Sandra Desrosiers, who has overseen three housing authorities in Connecticut, were announced this week as candidates to replace Denise LeDuc, who retired at the end of June after leading the agency since January 2012.
Laura Quinn, chairwoman of the housing authority commission, said in an email that the five members will deliberate and vote on an executive director Jan. 18, following in-depth interviews with both finalists.
A subcommittee screened applicants with help from Robert Half Executive Search of Boston.
Interviews will be done Jan. 9 and Jan. 11, and will also include meetings with tenants and the community, Quinn said.
Turgeon, one of four finalists interviewed in 2011 when Donna Crabtree retired after heading the housing authority for 27 years, is serving as interim executive director. Turgeon began working for the housing authority in 1993.
Desrosiers currently works as accreditation manager for the Affordable Housing Accreditation Board, Inc, in Hartford, a nonprofit aiming to develop and implement an accreditation process for public and affordable housing providers. She previously headed the East Windsor Housing Authority, Ansonia Housing Authority, Housing Authority of the Town of Windsor, all in Connecticut.
The Amherst Housing Authority owns nearly 200 units of low-income public housing and is also responsible for providing rental assistance vouchers and verifying individuals and families seeking federal Section 8 certificates and rental subsidies.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
