FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, February 22, 2016                                                                 
CONTACT:       Elizabeth Harrington
                       (240) 627-9439

HOC Welcomes New Commissioner
Linda Croom is a leader and advocate for clients and their families

On Wednesday, February 3, 2016, the Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) of Montgomery County welcomed Linda Croom as its newest Commissioner. 

Linda Croom was appointed to the Commission in January 2016.  Ms. Croom is HOC’s Resident Commissioner and, as a client, brings insights and a perspective to the Board that will help HOC fulfill its mission to provide affordable housing and supportive services that enhance the lives of low- and moderate-income families and individuals throughout Montgomery County.

Ms. Croom has a long history advocating for low- and moderate-income families in Montgomery County, serving as President of HOC’s Resident Advisory Board (RAB) for eight years.  Through her service, she is highly regarded by HOC clients for her dedication and commitment to enhancing services and crafting solutions to resident concerns. As RAB President, Commissioner Croom fought rising utility costs and worked collaboratively with HOC to improve its responsiveness to addressing maintenance requests.  She served as a representative of clients and advocated on their behalf at committee meetings, Town Hall Meetings and other public events.

In 2014, Ms. Croom received a Special Recognition Award from HOC honoring her volunteer work as a voice for the clients served by the Commission. 

“I thank County Executive Leggett and the Montgomery County Council for selecting Ms. Linda Croom as HOC’s newest Commissioner,” said HOC Chair Sally Roman. “The Commission has worked with Ms. Croom many times over the years and each and every time, she has shown passion and commitment to the thousands of clients served by HOC, and the pursuit of expanding and improving affordable housing in Montgomery County.”

Ms. Croom fills the position left vacant by the passing of Commissioner Jean Banks. HOC Commissioners are appointed by the County Executive with the concurrence of the County Council. Commissioners serve without compensation for five-year terms as the policy-making body of the agency.

The next Commission meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 2, at 4:00 p.m. The meeting will take place at HOC Headquarters, located at 10400 Detrick Avenue in Kensington, MD 20895 and is open to the public.