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Peekskill Housing Authority Names New Executive Director

PEEKSKILL, N.Y. – The Peekskill Housing Authority has hired a new executive director to oversee its operations.

The Peekskill Housing Authority has hired a new executive director.

The Peekskill Housing Authority has hired a new executive director.

Photo Credit: The Daily Voice
Patricia Croslan, the new executive director of the Peekskill Housing Authority.

Patricia Croslan, the new executive director of the Peekskill Housing Authority.

Photo Credit: PHA

The commissioners of the Peekskill Housing Authority unanimously agreed to appoint Patricia Croslan as the new executive director of the agency at an executive session on April 26.

Croslan will replace Harold Phipps, whose current contract ends on April 30. She will begin work on May 1. The Peekskill Housing Authority was managed by Phipps since 2009. During that time he drew criticism from housing residents for his management style and what some residents alleged to be unprofessional treatment of tenants.

One of the most outspoken critics of Phipps is Westchester activist Darrell Davis, who said he was happy to see progress being made.

"The hiring of a new Director at the Peekskill Housing Authority is a tremendous victory for the residents of Public Housing and those of us who believe in respect for all of Peekskill's residents regardless of where they live," said Davis Tuesday.  "We stood together through three years of "bannings", lawsuits, rule changes and the use of police at the city council meetings, and personal attacks to see this day. Because of this struggle, there is now a tenant's group and attorney where there was none before. We look forward to working with the new administration to improve the quality of life for public housing residents and the city of Peekskill."

Croslan was one of two finalists for the position but the board believed she would be the best qualified to lead the housing authority in its efforts to address federal budget cuts, to tackle maintenance and repair needs, and to improve tenant relations, according to a statement released by PHA Commissioner Nancy Vann in a statement released on behalf of the board.

“Croslan has nearly 30 years of experience in affordable housing, including 15 years in public housing management,” said Vann.  “She was the assessment manager for an on-site independent assessment of the Peekskill Housing Authority commissioned by the Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2011 and told the commissioners that she intends to utilize some of those findings and recommendations to quickly implement strategies for improving management and operations.”

Croslan stated in a statement included in the release that she looked forward to working in Peekskill.

"I am extremely excited to become executive director of the Peekskill Housing Authority,” Croslan said. “I was attracted by the Board of Commissioner's mandate to reinvigorate the agency and produce positive changes in order to carry out their mission to provide decent, safe, affordable housing for residents. I encourage and welcome your comments and suggestions to assist in our progress."

 

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