PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Housing Authority welcomed a familiar face as its new leader and bid farewell to a longtime board member. 

 

Constance Scott was hired as the executive director last week after many years with the authority, including as assistant director. 

 

The meeting also marked the resignation of Chairman Lucille Reilly, who has served with the housing authority's board for more than 50 years. Her colleagues on the board shared emotional goodbyes and thanked her for her years of dedication to the Pittsfield Housing Authority.  

 

"I have enjoyed all the board members and I have been acquainted with and the staff that I have traveled with on our journeys to learn more about the Housing Authority transformation over the years," Reilly wrote in her letter to the board. Her last day was Sept. 22. 

 

In addition to Reilly, others attending were board members Arthur Butler, Edward Carmel and Michael McCarthy, and outgoing Executive Director Sharon LeBarnes. 

 

Scott accepted the expectations of her new position of executive director and her contract was approved. Some of these expectations include: performing duties as both Assistant and Executive Director of Pittsfield Housing Authority, handling budget issues and being proficient in budget manors, and seeking help from the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners whenever needed. In response, the board assured her that they are here to help her succeed and thrive. 

 

Scott smiled behind her face mask as the board applauded her acceptance of the offer. 

 

LeBarnes has been serving as executive director since 2016, replacing director Charles L. Smith Jr. She will now assist Scott as the consultant to the executive director.

 

The housing authority oversees 24 buildings with nearly 1,000 units in state and federally funded programs. 

 

The slate of offices was also voted on at the meeting, naming McCarthy as the new chairman, Butler remaining as the Treasurer, Carmel as the tenant representative, and Scott as the secretary. Carmel was also appointed the representative to the Community Preservation Committee, which recommends locally supported funds partially matched by the state that can be used for projects including historic preservation, open space, outdoor recreation, and affordable housing.  

 

The vice chairman position remains vacant after the passing of former Mayor Gerald S. Doyle Jr. in August. Doyle also had been the representative to the Community Preservation Committee.  

 

The board also approved the repaving of Dower Square walkways and the Providence Court elevator upgrade change order 2. Part of the repairs on Dower Square include the installation of steel pillars at the edge of the parking lot to prevent parking and driving on the lawn.