The Wilmington Housing Authority (WHA) Board of Commissioners chose current state Division of Social Services Director Ray Fitzgerald to lead the agency.
He replaces interim director Tom Harkless, who took over in the fall.
“I think the board sees in Ray was a lot of people see in Ray,” said WHA Board of Commissioners Chair James Spadola. “A great guy, a phenomenal leader, someone with a track record of success, and someone who I think can really help WHA build bridges, improve relationships and ... be a great steward of taxpayer dollars.”
WHA’s previous executive director, John Hill, was ousted in November over concerns about poor maintenance of properties and the organization’s work environment.
Spadola says the agency is in better shape now. He adds Fitzgerald is equipped to handle the challenges inherent to public housing—and an ongoing development project in northeast Wilmington.
“The Riverside project, staff morale, the quality of life of residents, being a good neighbor," Spadola said.
Fitzgerald was chosen from a field of 120 candidates after a nationwide search.
Fitzgerald oversaw reforms at the Division of Social Services after a million-dollar food stamps embezzlement scheme came to light.
He was temporarily placed on administrative leave in 2019, but according to the state Department of Health and Social Services, a complaint against him was unsubstantiated.
Spadola was elected to Wilmington City Council last November and plans to step down from the board when Fitzgerald starts in late April.
