MaineHousing Director John Gallagher to retire

Maine State Housing Authority Director John Gallagher will retire on January 5, 2018 after five years of leadership at the $1.6 billion financial institution.

Gallagher has notified Governor Paul LePage and MaineHousing Board of Commissioners Chairman Peter Anastos of his decision to retire.

“The decision to leave MaineHousing was not an easy one,” Gallagher said. “My time here has been professionally and personally rewarding. I’m proud to have contributed to the business growth of MaineHousing, along with providing leadership and guidance toward setting a new direction for the organization.”

“John Gallagher has been supremely successful in refocusing Maine State Housing on its mission to assist Maine people in obtaining and maintaining quality and affordable housing,” Anastos said. “Personally, I believe hiring John was the most important single action of the Maine State Housing Board of Commissioners during my term as chairman.”

Under Gallagher’s leadership, MaineHousing evaluated and re-defined its mission and goals through a strategic planning process that included its partners and customers.

By strengthening relationships with partners, including developers, local public housing authorities, community action agencies, landlords, property management companies, and state agencies, more Maine people are being served, an accomplishment that’s been achieved while funding for federal programs that MaineHousing administers has remained stable.

MaineHousing’s fiscal management has led to it maintaining an AA+ bond rating throughout the long-lasting financial crisis that began in 2008 while other housing finance authorities fell a full grade.

During his five-year tenure, MaineHousing made 3,900 first time homebuyer loans; completed 80 housing projects providing more than 2,100 with safe, decent affordable homes with another 1,100 in the pipeline; and worked with the Legislature and the Governor to increase funding for homeless shelters and to restore funding for the state's affordable housing trust fund. 

Director Gallagher’s career in the housing industry spans more than 40 years. Prior to being appointed as MaineHousing’s director in September 2012, he served more than 13 years as director of Westbrook Housing Authority.

MaineHousing is an independent state agency that bridges public and private funding to serve the housing and heating needs of more than 90,000 low- and moderate-income individuals each year throughout Maine.

MaineHousing media contact: Deborah Turcotte, Public Information Officer, (207) 626-4600.

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The mission of MaineHousing is to assist Maine people in obtaining and maintaining quality affordable housing and services suitable to their housing needs. Please visit our Web site at www.mainehousing.org.

MaineHousing does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, or familial status in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs, and activities. MaineHousing will provide appropriate communication auxiliary aids and services upon sufficient notice. MaineHousing will also provide this document in alternative formats upon sufficient notice. MaineHousing has designated the following person responsible for coordinating compliance with applicable federal and state nondiscrimination requirements and addressing grievances: Louise Patenaude, MaineHousing, 353 Water Street, Augusta, Maine 04330-4633, Telephone Number 1‑800‑452‑4668 (voice in state only),(207) 626‑4600 (voice), or Maine Relay 711.