At its Tuesday, October 19, 2021, meeting, Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s (RRHA) Board of Commissioners elected Dr. Basil I. Gooden as the new Chair of the Board for a term of two years. Commissioner Barrett Hardiman was elected as the Board’s Vice Chair. He will serve a one-year term.
Dr. Basil I. Gooden brings a wealth of executive-level governmental experience in the areas of affordable housing, community development, socially just and equitable food systems, and economic development. In addition to serving as the third Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry for the Commonwealth of Virginia, he was the State Director for Rural Development in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He worked as the Chief Deputy Director of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development for more than twelve years.
“My entire career has been dedicated to public service and I’ve worked hard to provide opportunities and improve the housing, education, health, and economic well-being in economically distressed and under-served communities. I look forward to working with our Board of Commissioners, the team at RRHA, the city of Richmond, and our partners across this region to expand affordable housing and provide the services our RRHA families expect and deserve,” said Chairman Gooden.
Barrett Hardiman’s career includes advocacy for housing, development, and construction issues. He is currently a lobbyist and serves as Principal for his firm, Hardiman Advisors.
Of his election, Commissioner Hardiman said, “I’m humbled that my fellow commissioners asked me to serve in this role. I’m grateful for Commissioner Kessler’s leadership over the last several months, and I’m excited to help Chairman Gooden deliver on his vision for RRHA.”
“We look forward to these new board elections providing valuable insight as we continue to move the Agency forward in a spirit of cooperation and teamwork. I would like to thank Commissioner Neil Kessler for his leadership, vision and commitment as outgoing Acting Board Chair,” said Stacey Daniels-Fayson, Interim CEO.
RRHA’s Board consists of nine Commissioners who are appointed to serve four-year terms by Richmond’s City Council. rrha.com/about/board.
For information about RRHA programs and objectives, visit rrha.com. For general RRHA inquiries, please contact our Call Center toll free at 833-750-RRHA (-7742) or 804-780-4200.
To contact Chair, Dr. Basil I. Gooden: mgoodenb@vcu.edu
To contact Vice Chair, Barrett Hardiman: mbarrett.hardiman@gmail.com
| ### |