On May 18, 2020, the Denver City Council presented Ismael Guerrero, Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the City and County of Denver (DHA), with a proclamation recognizing his 13 years of service and contributions to the City of Denver.
Mercy Housing, Inc., announced their selection of Guerrero as its new President and CEO in February. Headquartered in Denver, the organization is the nation’s largest affordable housing provider, serving over 150,000 individuals across more than 40 states. Guerrero will formally step down as DHA’s Executive Director on June 11, and officially assume his new position at Mercy Housing on July 1.
Guided by the agency’s Board of Commissioners and supported by staff, Guerrero has transformed DHA from a traditional public housing agency into a nationally recognized housing authority. By employing cutting edge, innovative financing, the agency has replaced obsolete public housing with transit-oriented, mixed-income, high-density vibrant communities, offering social and economic upward mobility opportunities.
“My years leading DHA have been the most rewarding time of my life. The staff is amazing, the residents are inspiring, and the Denver community is incredibly caring,” states Guerrero. “I am most proud of the transformative work we are doing in neighborhoods like Curtis Park, South Lincoln, Sun Valley, and now West Colfax.”
“Ismael has been a phenomenal partner to the city during his tenure with the Denver Housing Authority, but more importantly, he has been a tireless champion for affordable and attainable housing for our residents who need it the most.”
Michael B. Hancock, Denver Mayor
Guerrero adds, “I have always believed that great cities are built on great neighborhoods. By focusing on the quality of life and health outcomes, DHA is now a leader in creating healthy housing, healthy people, and healthy neighborhoods. I am confident that the success we have realized during my decade at DHA will continue because of the commitment and dedication of the Board and Senior Leadership team. For that, I am truly grateful.”
“Ismael has been a phenomenal partner to the city during his tenure with the Denver Housing Authority, but more importantly, he has been a tireless champion for affordable and attainable housing for our residents who need it the most,” Mayor Michael B. Hancock said. “While I’m going to greatly miss working side by side with him on this very critical issue, which has produced some important progress for our residents in need, I know that Ismael’s innovative thinking and expertise will take Mercy Housing to new and wonderful heights.”
“Thanks in large part to the years of exceptional leadership provided by Ismael, DHA’s dynamic opportunities and capacity to continue to have an outsize positive impact on Denver and our residents’ lives are firmly in place,” said Trinidad Rodríguez, Board Search Committee Chair. “Our high-quality, affordable housing and the strong, healthy neighborhoods that we have stimulated should present an exciting opportunity for our next executive leader. Our search committee and Board look forward to working with a diverse array of stakeholders to make this important selection.”
DHA’s Board of Commissioners has selected Bridge Partners to lead its national search. A minority-owned business that brings a focus on diversity, inclusion, and equity since its founding in 2003, Bridge Partners conducts searches for for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations, both nationally and internationally.
The company’s client list includes The Denver Foundation, The Colorado Trust, and Habitat for Humanity. Janet Albert, Partner, and Larry Griffin, Partner, and Co-Founder, will lead DHA’s Executive Director search. Bridge Partners expects to release a job announcement in the coming weeks, with the search expected to continue until the right candidate is selected
During the transition period, the Board has appointed Joshua Crawley, Agency Counsel, as Interim Executive Director. Crawley has served as in-house counsel for DHA since November 2004, and as Agency Counsel since 2008. Crawley is currently responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Legal and Human Resources Departments and advising staff on legal, compliance, operations, and numerous other issues faced by a large, high performing housing authority daily.
Crawley received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Philosophy cum laude from Creighton University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Colorado. Crawley also serves on the Board of Directors of the Housing and Development Law Institute.
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