LCRED Approves Governor’s Nominee, John Gallagher, as Director of the Maine State Housing Authority

September 5, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — The Joint Standing Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research, and Economic Development (LCRED) approved Governor LePage’s nominee, John G. Gallagher, of Bath, to serve as Director of the Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA). In a vote of 9-0, LCRED unanimously recommended Gallagher’s nomination as director of MSHA to the Maine Senate. Gallagher will now appear before the Maine Senate for a confirmation hearing and vote on Thursday, September 6, 2012. If confirmed, he will serve as Director of the Maine State Housing Authority.

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Contact: Adrienne Bennett (207) 287-2531

AUGUSTA – Today, the Joint Standing Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research, and Economic Development (LCRED) approved Governor LePage’s nominee, John G. Gallagher, of Bath, to serve as Director of the Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA). In a vote of 9-0, LCRED unanimously recommended Gallagher’s nomination as director of MSHA to the Maine Senate. Gallagher will now appear before the Maine Senate for a confirmation hearing and vote on Thursday, September 6, 2012. If confirmed, he will serve as Director of the Maine State Housing Authority.

“I am pleased LCRED has approved the nomination of Mr. Gallagher to serve as Director of the Maine State Housing Authority. His impressive knowledge of both private and public housing would serve the people of Maine well. I wish him the best in the final steps of his confirmation process,” said Governor LePage.

In his testimony, Gallagher discussed his background in the housing sector, as well as a litany of projects he has completed throughout his career, including the renovation of historic buildings into housing units such as the bridge street school in Westbrook, Maine. He emphasized the need for housing programs and projects to meet the needs of their specific communities.

Gallagher has served as Executive Director of the Westbrook Housing Authority since 1999. He has also previously served as Manager of the Development Division of MSHA. Prior to that, he co-owned a small real estate and management firm in mid-coast Maine. Gallagher’s experience in multiple levels of management, as well as his knowledge of both public and private sector housing, give him a unique understanding of both the need for and the burden that regulations put on businesses.

The Maine State Housing Authority is an independent state agency that bridges public and private housing finance, combining them to benefit Maine’s low and moderate-income people. Their mission is to assist Maine people to obtain and maintain decent, safe, affordable housing and services suitable to their unique housing needs. Peter Merrill is serving as the Acting Director of MSHA until a new director can be formally confirmed.