Andrew Lofton, Executive Director of the Seattle Housing Authority announced today that he will retire on May 6, 2021. The SHA Board of Commissioners has begun discussions on naming Lofton’s successor and plans to conduct a local and national search for qualified candidates.

“Every day of my 16-year tenure at SHA, I have been given the gift of working to help make the lives of others better, and the good fortune to be able to work with people who share the same values, and who share a commitment, passion and dedication to working to improve the lives of people with low incomes,” said Lofton. “As I have often emphasized, our work is more than just providing housing, it is really about improving people’s lives.”

SHA serves more than 37,000 people with low incomes in Seattle with housing and services. In his announcement, Lofton said SHA is serving more people than ever before in the 80-year history of the agency and praised staff, partners and tenants, citing several accomplishments as examples of the agency’s success in recent years.

“We have transformed aging housing developments into vibrant new mixed-income communities; secured U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Moving to Work status through 2028; revamped employment, health and education services for tenants; pioneered public housing authority innovations nationwide; expanded SHA’s housing portfolio; added services to help seniors and individuals with disabilities live with vitality and dignity; brought veterans and foster youth off the streets into safe housing through special-purpose vouchers; inspired children and youth to reach higher in their education and aspirations; and created pathways for working tenants to achieve greater self-sufficiency. These are only a few examples of why it has been such a privilege to have been a part of this incredible organization,” said Lofton. He also noted the pandemic and the tremendous efforts by staff and partners to keep people housed and safe, and by tenants as neighbors helping neighbors.

“Andrew has been an exceptional leader who has shaped the Seattle Housing Authority into a national model of high-performing housing organizations,” said Paul Purcell, Chair of the SHA Board of Commissioners. “His vision and his compassionate leadership forged a uniquely successful team with a long list of accomplishments. We are so grateful for his leadership of SHA and we wish him the best in his retirement.” 

Lofton will remain fully engaged in his role until next May, after a new Executive Director is named.

Media contact:

Kerry Coughlin
Seattle Housing Authority
kerry.coughlin@seattlehousing.org
206.615.3506