After 8 Years of Distinguished Leadership the Network’s Executive Director Ted Houghton Named Executive Deputy Commissioner at HCR
After eight years at the helm of the Supportive Housing Network of New York, Ted Houghton has been appointed Executive Deputy Commissioner at New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR). Under the leadership of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and HCR Commissioner & CEO Darryl C. Towns, Ted will direct affordable housing program activities of all HCR subsidiaries, and coordinate housing policy across all State agencies.
While we are sorry to see Ted leave the Network, we are excited by his appointment, and wish him the best in his new position. Ted will start at HCR on September 15th. His last day at the Network will be August 22nd.
The Network’s Deputy Executive Director Nicole Branca will become Interim Executive Director while the Network Board conducts a broad, but time-limited, search for a new Executive Director.
In the eight years that Ted has led the Network, it has grown significantly in size and stature. Under Ted’s leadership, the Network has played a major role in expanding funding for supportive housing across New York State. In 2012, following a year of advocacy, the State was persuaded to fund the establishment of a brand new Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT) Supportive Housing Program, which to date has committed nearly $270 million toward supportive housing creation. Also in 2012, Network advocacy helped to convince New York City to double its annual production of supportive housing, despite substantial federal cuts. Most recently, in 2014 the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance doubled its funding for the Homeless Housing Assistance Program, one of supportive housing’s premier capital development funding streams.
Also under Ted’s tenure, the number of attendees at the Network’s annual conference has tripled, the number of attendees at the annual awards gala has doubled, and the Network’s budget and assets have more than doubled.
Nicole has been with the Network since 2004, leading the Network’s policy and advocacy activities. This has included extensive analysis and advocacy for NY/NY III, launching a campaign for NY/NY IV, mitigating various development barriers to the creation of supportive housing and advocating for homeless systems reform. She has also co-chaired New York City’s Continuum of Care for the past six years.
“Eight years ago the Network was a good advocate for supportive housing; today the Network is a must go-to thought leader,” said Network Board Chair Bill Traylor. “The difference in those eight years is Ted’s leadership, which is always thoughtful, passionate, collaborative, persistent, and nuanced. I am confident that he’ll bring that same leadership to his new HCR position and will help the State to exponentially expand its commitment to affordable and supportive housing.”
“Nicole, too, is one of the city’s must go-to people. During her ten years with the Network she’s worn many hats and learned all sides of supportive housing. She is truly one of the city’s advocacy stars. I deeply appreciate her willingness to step up as Interim Executive Director during the transition, once again proving how invaluable she is to the Network,” continued Traylor.
Network board member Brenda Rosen added, “Ted’s departure from the Network is a bittersweet moment for Common Ground and my fellow board members. Under Ted’s leadership, the Network has transformed how the public and private sector view supportive housing. In many ways because of Ted’s work, people from all spectrums of society understand just how pivotal this housing is to addressing chronic homelessness and to improving the lives of those who suffer from this terrible circumstance. The saving grace of Ted’s departure is that he will continue to be a champion for our cause and for expanding affordable and supportive housing resources in New York, through his new role as Executive Deputy Commissioner of HCR. We are also extremely thankful to have Nicole Branca assume the Interim Executive Director position at the Network. Nicole is extraordinarily capable and committed to the cause of creating a better life for homeless New Yorkers.”
The Executive Committee of the Network will be leading the search for a new Executive Director and posting the position in the next week. In the meantime, inquiries should be sent to Domenica Meehan.