New Director of Housing Services Announced

For Immediate Release: Thursday, December 28, 2017

Jill C. Smith Appointed Housing Services Director

Washington County Administrator Robert Davis has announced that Jill Smith will lead the County's Department of Housing Services, beginning February 5, 2018. Smith was selected from a strong field of exceptional candidates following the retirement of previous director Val Valfre in November. The mission of the Department of Housing Services is to provide a continuum of affordable housing options that promote community strength.

Smith comes to Washington County from her previous position in Clackamas County as Deputy Director of Health, Housing and Human Services which she held for the last year and a half. Her past experience includes nine years with Multnomah County's Housing Authority, Home Forward, serving as director of rent assistance and then chief operating officer. Smith also worked for seven years with the Housing Authority of Salt Lake City, Utah as their Section 8 manager. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business management.

"Jill has a wealth of experience which will allow her to combine her skills in administration and effective service delivery to vulnerable populations with our ever-pressing need to develop and maintain affordable housing," said County Administrator Robert Davis. "Her commitment to staff development and strong community partnerships will help the County continue to address the housing needs of our community. We are delighted to have Jill join our management team."

Working in partnership with both the non-profit and the private sector, the Department of Housing Services (DHS) combines traditional housing programs with economic opportunity to encourage self-sufficiency, skill enhancement and independence. DHS offers rental assistance to low income households through various federally funded programs and also creates affordable housing opportunities in the community for low and moderate income households through a combination of creative financing and partnerships with public and private entities.

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