SEATTLE — April 23, 2010 — On Monday, April 19, Housing Authority Commissioner John Littel was elected by the Board of Commissioners to be the Board chair. He served as vice chair for the past year while Yusuf Cabdi held the position of chair.
Littel is the political director for a Northwest trade union. He was previously assistant to the executive secretary of the Seattle Building Trades Council where he was responsible for negotiations and labor relations at the Seattle King County Housing Authorities.
Commenting on his election to chair, Littel said, "I'm honored to represent my fellow commissioners as the Board chair. The Housing Authority has an abiding mission and commitment to develop and maintain affordable housing that has enduring value for our residents and the community. I embrace that mission and commitment.
“We have challenges in front of us that will require broad community support, including the Yesler Terrace redevelopment and other projects. I believe that my role as Board Chair is to help develop that community support for our efforts to create new housing and provide both housing and economic opportunities for our residents."
Nora Gibson will serve as Board vice-chair. She is executive director of a nonprofit organization which provides adult day health services in the Pacific Northwest. Her 30-year career has focused on providing community-based long-term care for aging adults.
Executive Director Tom Tierney thanked Yusuf Cabdi for his service over the past year. “I know it is a significant responsibility to chair this board,” he said. “Mr. Cabdi took that responsibility very seriously and carried it out well. I look forward to working with John Littel and Nora Gibson in their new roles.”