Aileen Montgomery, Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the City of Devine retired on December 31, 2020 after 27.5 years at the helm.
She looked after 70 public housing units in three different housing areas of Devine (Zig Zag, Rosewood, and Black Jack) as well as up to 50 of Section 8 Vouchers for privately owned and rented homes. Overall helping citizens living in up to 120 units, with one or more people living in each home.
“I was hired as Executive Director on June 21, 1993. On September 16, 1994 I completed the requirements for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUDs) Public Housing Manager Certification Program thru the Institute of Real Estate Management. I have been a member of Coastal Housing Authorities of Texas (CHAT) and Texas Housing Association (THA) for most of my 27 years in housing. I held the office of Secretary, Vice-President and President for CHAT. I have been the CHAT Regional Representative for the Texas Housing Association Board. I have also served on the THA Board as Second Vice President”, said Aileen Montgomery.
While under her direction, the Devine Housing Authority has been designated as a high performer by HUD and has been recognized for their high scores.
“It is very rewarding to help a family with something as important as a nice place to live”, she said. “I loved my job and the people I was surrounded by. I will miss all of them. I have been honored to work for the best Board of Commissioners there is and had hard working employees. The decision to retire was one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make.”
Board members are: Juan Billalobos Jr – Chairman, Jim Lawler – Vice Chairman, Mary Uhl, Maria Stanley
and Pat Murphy. (Billalobos has been on the board for 27 years!)
Employees : Claudine Perez, Monica Torres, Steve Seifert, Mario Cassiano, and New Executive Director Linda Morales.
“I was very fortunate to have a great Board of Commissioners and employees!”
Linda Morales of Devine was hired to take over the position and is “looking forward to helping people” as the new Executive Director of the City of Devine Housing Authority.
Aileen and her husband Phil are looking forward to spending more time with their family. They have two children Michelle and Matthew and six grandchildren.
Her husband Justice of the Peace Phillip Montgomery retired on December 31, 2020 also. He served over 41 years as a public servant, between law enforcement and as a Judge.
By Kathleen Calame
Publisher