There’s a change at the top of the Delaware State Housing Authority.
After 12 years as DSHA’s director, Ben Addi departs to become Delaware State University’s Chief Financial Officer.
And Gov. John Carney is nominating former Wilmington Mayoral candidate Eugene Young to replace him.
" I am incredibly proud of the work our dedicated team at DSHA has accomplished during my tenure,” said Ben Addi in a statement. “I’m excited to take on this new challenge as Chief Financial Officer with Delaware State University and look forward to helping advance the mission of the university as a center for teaching, research and public service.”
Ben Addi has run the Delaware State Housing Authority since 2009. While at DSHA, Ben Addi managed over $1 billion in financial and physical assets, $300 million in annual program funds, and 150 employees.
DSU president Tony Allen calls Ben Addi “a critical addition” to the university.
“Knowing Anas for several years, I have seen the consistent quality of his leadership firsthand, and witnessed the measurable results he has achieved,” Allen said in a statement. “He has an impressive track record of digging in and getting things done the right way.”
Young is currently President and CEO of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League. He’s held that post since 2017, a year after he unsuccessfully ran for mayor in Wilmington, losing in a 8-person Democratic primary to current Mayor Mike Purzycki.
Young also founded the grassroots organizing nonprofit Network Delaware, and prior to coming to the First State, he was an aide to former Newark, NJ mayor and current U.S. Senator Cory Booker.
“I know Eugene well and I know he’s committed to strengthening the City of Wilmington and communities across Delaware, which is at the core of DSHA’s mission,” said Gov. Carney in a statement. “He is the ideal candidate to take on this position and I’m confident he will build on progress to make affordable, safe housing accessible for all Delawareans."
'As we continue to work our way out of this pandemic, accessible and affordable housing will be critical in our recovery," said Young in his own statment. "I look forward to working with the legislature, community, and key stakeholders to carry on the great work of Director Ben Addi and the incredible DSHA team.”
Young’s nomination is expected to go before the State Senate on June 23.
