VHFA News

By: Leslie Black-Plumeau

Chris Gomez

Governor Phil Scott has appointed Chris Gomez of Rutland to Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA)’s Board of Commissioners. Chris Gomez is the President/CEO of Heritage Family Credit Union (HFCU), headquartered in Rutland Vermont.  

“We are very excited to have Chris join the VHFA Board as the agency celebrates its 50th anniversary and embarks on a new chapter of strategic planning,” said VHFA Board of Commissioners Chair Katie Buckley. “The breadth of the banking and lending experience Chris brings to the Board will be invaluable.” 

Heritage Family Credit Union is a VHFA participating lender offering low-cost mortgages to VHFA home buyers. It has $730 million in assets serving 50,000 members.  Prior to joining HFCU, Chris was Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer at Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union. Chris brings over 20 years of experience in banking and management. 

There are nine members of VHFA’s Board of Commissioners. They include four ex officio members and five members appointed by the Governor of Vermont, representing private and public lending, real estate, housing and community interests. Gomez replaces Thomas Leavitt, CEO of Northfield Savings Bank, on the Board. 

“We are losing a very dedicated leader,” observed Buckley. “Tom served on VHFA’s board for the past 7 years, serving as Vice Chair for the last 3 of those years, and brought a lot of professional and institutional knowledge to his role.” 

 The VHFA Board of Commissioners passed a resolution at its February 2024 board meeting, thanking Leavitt for his service to VHFA and dedication to the mission of financing and promoting affordable, safe and decent housing.