VHFA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ELECTED TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NATIONAL COUNCIL OF STATE HOUSING AGENCIES

BURLINGTON—Sarah Carpenter, Executive Director of Vermont Housing Finance Agency, has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA). “I’m really excited about the chance to serve on NCSHA’s board,” Carpenter said. “It’s a great opportunity to help shape the agenda for our national association, and through that, to help influence housing policy nation-wide. Our experience here in Vermont gives me a lot of ideas to bring to the table. Vermont’s housing problems are shared by many other states, and it’s important that we make affordable housing development a priority at the federal level and across the country.” Carpenter’s election was announced at NCSHA’s annual conference in Chicago on Saturday. NCSHA’s 16 directors serve two-year terms. A Burlington native, Carpenter, joined VHFA as Executive Director in 1998. From 1983-1998, she served as the Executive Director of Cathedral Square Corporation. Under Carpenter's direction, Cathedral Square grew to be a nationally recognized leader in combining affordable housing and community services. Prior to her tenure at Cathedral Square, Carpenter held several positions with the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging. Carpenter holds a Masters of Public Administration from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Science in social work from the University of Vermont, graduating cum laude. She has been the recipient of several awards, including the Vermont YWCA Susan B. Anthony Award and the National Organization on Disability Outstanding Contribution Award. — more — Carpenter has served on numerous voluntary boards. These include current appointments to the Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS), the Converse Home, Fletcher Allen Healthcare and Franklin Homestead Inc.; and previous membership on the national board of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Community Development Advisory Council, Housing Vermont, and the Vermont Alzheimer’s Association. Carpenter also serves on the Vermont Community Development Board and the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board. NCSHA is a non-profit organization serving as a trade and advocacy group for housing finance agencies nation-wide. More information about NCSHA is available on the Council’s website, www.ncsha.org. VHFA was created by the Vermont Legislature in 1974 to finance and promote the development of affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income Vermonters. Since it’s inception, VHFA has helped almost 25,000 households with affordable mortgages and financed the creation of nearly 7,000 affordable rental units. More information about VHFA and its programs is available on the Agency website, www.vhfa.org.