Providence R.I. — In an effort to ensure that the quasi-government agency Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation continues to meet Rhode Island's housing needs in the best manner possible, Governor Lincoln D. Chafee announced today new appointments to its Board of Commissioners.
Governor Chafee has named as the new Chairman of the Board current commissioner Andrew Cortés, Director of Building Futures. In addition, the Governor has submitted for confirmation the nomination of Warwick's Stephen McAllister II, Manager of the Eastern Region of the United States Chamber of Commerce. He will take over the position of the outgoing Vice Chairman, currently held by T. Paul Dimeo, President of Dimeo Properties.
"Rhode Island Housing has some upcoming challenges, and I believe this important agency will benefit from Andrew Cortés' strong professional resume and experience. Andrew is a proven leader and innovator in the field of workforce development specifically in the Rhode Island construction sector. Steve McAllister brings a fresh new perspective to the Board," Governor Chafee said. "I want to thank Paul for his public service to improving our state's housing needs, and commend Jim DeRentis for his work as Chairman for the last three years. Since Jim is currently serving as Chairman of the Providence Redevelopment Agency, this move will further assure Rhode Islanders that these two groups are acting independently."
Andrew Cortés is the director of Building Futures and has years of experience in establishing strong connections between low-income urban communities and meaningful employment, especially within the building trades unions. He has served on multiple nonprofit boards including the Olneyville Collaborative, the Consortium America Advisory Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. For almost a decade, Andrew served on the planning board for the City of Providence and continues to serve on the State Apprenticeship Council for the Rhode Island Department of Labor. The U.S. Secretary of Labor appointed him to serve on the Federal Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship in 2010, and he is currently entering his third term.
Rhode Island Housing uses all of its resources to provide low-interest loans, grants, education and assistance to help Rhode Islanders find, rent, buy, build and keep a good home. Created by the General Assembly in 1973, Rhode Island Housing is a privately funded public purpose corporation. The Rhode Island Housing Board of Commissioners consists of seven members and generally meets on the third Thursday of every month at 8:30 a.m. in the Board Room on the second floor of the Rhode Island Housing office, 44 Washington St., Providence.