Andrew LoftonSEATTLE—Sept. 4, 2012—Andrew Lofton, former Deputy Executive Director of the Seattle Housing Authority, became the agency's new Executive Director on September 1, 2012. With the new title, Lofton is responsible for leading the Seattle Housing's day-to-day operations as well as the agency's strategic planning.
"I believe passionately in the Seattle Housing Authority's mission and in our leadership role in the larger community. Our work is critically important to so many people who are struggling and I am proud of the level of service we are able to provide, even during tough financial times like these," Lofton said.
Seattle Housing's Board of Commissioners selected him to replace Tom Tierney, who retired from the post in August after eight-and-a-half years of service.
"I have known Andrew Lofton as a trusted colleague for nearly 30 years, and respect him deeply. I have full confidence that he is the best choice to lead the Seattle Housing Authority into the future," said Tierney.
Prior to his promotion, Lofton held the position of Deputy Executive Director of Finance and Administration for more than eight years. As Deputy Executive Director, Lofton oversaw Seattle Housing's Human Resources, Information Technology, Finance and Budget, and Housing Choice Voucher functions, including the development and management of the agency's annual budget. He has also worked closely with representatives of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regarding the oversight of Seattle Housing's Moving to Work agreement, regulatory reform, and funding issues.
Lofton said that serving as the agency's Executive Director will provide an opportunity to live out his personal mission of "contributing significantly to the health of the Seattle community and the welfare of its low-income residents."
During Lofton's nearly 40 years of public service, his many leadership positions have included Chief of Departmental Operations for Mayor Greg Nickels; Deputy Superintendent for Customer Service with Seattle City Light; Deputy Chief of Staff for Mayor Norm Rice; and Budget Director for the City of Seattle. He also served as Deputy Director for the Washington State Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development. He received his Baccalaureate from the University of Puget Sound and completed his graduate work in Urban Planning at the University of Washington.
"I am keenly aware of the important role that Seattle Housing Authority plays in the continuum of affordable housing in the Seattle community," Lofton said. "Our success in meeting the challenge of providing housing to low-income people is dependent on the continued cooperation and collective efforts of Seattle Housing and all our partners in the community."