Governor David A. Paterson has appointed Brian Lawlor to serve as Acting Commissioner of the Division of Housing and Community Renewal. With the recent resignation of Commissioner Deborah VanAmerongen, and that of the NYHomes President Priscilla Almodovar, Governor Paterson announced that he would seek to consolidate the two positions in an effort to reduce state spending.
Lawlor will serve as Acting Commissioner of DHCR until the consolidated director is named in order to ensure a smooth transition for the agency and the continuation of the Governor’s commitment to affordable housing. Lawlor has served as Executive Deputy Commissioner since January 2007, and in that position oversaw all of DHCR’s offices and staff, and was responsible for developing and implementing many of the new programs and efficiencies DHCR initiated during that time. Lawlor is a frequent speaker at NH&RA events.
