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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2017  

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Erin Bradley
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Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County Thanks Outgoing Commission Chair for Dedicated Service

 

KENSINGTON, MD— On Wednesday, February 1, 2017, the Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) of Montgomery County will bid a fond farewell to Commission Chair Sally Roman.

Sally Roman was appointed to the Commission in 2007. Her career and civic activities afford her a wealth of experience in housing and Montgomery County community issues that she brought to each decision as a HOC Commissioner. Commissioner Roman retired from the Montgomery County Department of Park and Planning in 2002 after 15 years of service. At Park and Planning, she served as both a Master Planner for Housing and Demographics, and the Department’s lead planner for housing issues. From 2003 to 2007, Commissioner Roman worked as a consultant on housing, planning and demographic issues. During this time she was deeply engaged with the Montgomery County Council to update the Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit (MPDU) Law. During this time she was critical to updating the Department of Planning’s study on the need for senior housing in Montgomery County.

 

“Commissioner Roman’s commitment to this County and excellence in affordable housing is evident in the way she led HOC,” said Executive Director Stacy Spann. “She has a history as an ardent advocate for access to quality housing for all residents—regardless of income.”

While Commission Chair, HOC undertook significant development, redevelopment and modernization projects to ensure every Montgomery County resident has access to high quality, amenity rich, affordable housing. HOC took advantage of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, which allowed the Agency to redevelop and rehabilitate a portion of its portfolio. During Commissioner Roman’s tenure, HOC introduced HOC Academy to expand tools and resources that help prepare HOC customers, both youth and adults, to excel in the classroom and the workplace. Additionally, HOC launched its HOC Housing Path on-line waitlist allowing its wait list to remain open, current, and maintain real time data on the affordable housing needs in the county.

“Effective leadership was key during the Agency’s transition and critical to the achievement of many major accomplishments. Commissioner Roman will be missed and I cannot thank her enough for her service to HOC,” said Spann.

In addition to her leadership with HOC, Commissioner Roman is an active member of the community.  The past President of the League of Women Voters, she currently sits on the organization’s Housing Committee. Commissioner Roman was also Co-Chair of the New Americans study on immigration issues in Montgomery County and served as Acting Chair of the Montgomery County Ethics Committee.

Commissioner Roman will continue her relationship with HOC as she joins the Board of the Agency’s non-profit affiliate, Housing Opportunities Community Partners.