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NEW HUD RECEIVER TO GUIDE NEW ORLEANS HOUSING AUTHORITY
Outgoing Receiver Lauded for Restoring Faith in HANO

WASHINGTON - The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced the appointment of Carrie Dobbins as the new administrative receiver of the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO). Dobbins will replace outgoing administrative receiver Catherine Lamberg, who served HANO for nearly two years.

"We are confident Ms. Dobbins will pick up where Ms. Lamberg left off, continuing to restore faith in this housing authority throughout the city and most importantly - among residents," said HUD Assistant Secretary Michael Liu, who made the announcement.

"Catherine's expertise and rapport with residents will be greatly missed but we are pleased to welcome Carrie who has the extensive background and experience to further build upon the improvements already begun," said HANO Board Chair Carmen Valenti.

Dobbins, who will begin her responsibilities to manage the day-to-day operations at the housing authority May 3rd, will be based in New Orleans. She will work with Valenti, who will remain as HANO board chair, a position he has held since HUD took over the housing authority January 2002.

Dobbins is currently the director of the Public Housing Technical Division for the HUD Texas State Office located in Fort Worth, Texas. She joined HUD in 1976 and has held numerous positions throughout her 28 years with the department. She has also worked on several task forces, including the Compliance and Monitoring Training Facilitator and most recently she was selected to participate on the Department's Quality Management Review (QMR) Team.

She was instrumental in developing HUD's Business and Operating Plan (BOP) Protocols. Dobbins helped develop the department's Special Applications Center (SAC) located in Chicago and has worked with housing authorities across the country to approve demolition and disposition applications.

Dobbins has received numerous departmental awards and recognition for her leadership abilities throughout her tenure. In 1999, she received the Black Women of Distinction award from the Friends of Yates, in recognition of her commitment and high quality of excellence in her profession and community activities.

Lamberg, who will continue her HUD career as a senior public housing advisor in Memphis, Tenn., has been one of the key members of HUD's receiver team who has transformed HANO into an agency that is providing safe, decent and sanitary housing for New Orleans residents.

"Ms. Lamberg has served this agency well," said Liu. "She will continue to serve public housing needs across the country in her newest capacity with HUD."

During Lamberg's tenure, New Orleans has seen progression on long-stalled HOPE VI developments - paving the way for new public and affordable housing. Since last fall there have been ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings at both St. Thomas and Desire public housing developments. She also oversaw the redevelopment of both Florida and Fischer developments.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development as well as enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.