Washington County Appoints Housing Interim Director

On June 05, 2023, Washington County appointed Michael Buonocore to fill the position of Interim Director of the Department of Housing Services while it continues its search for a new executive director. “I’m really honored to join the talented housing and homeless services teams as Interim Director while Washington County finds a permanent replacement for the incredible outgoing director, Komi Kalevor,” said Buonocore. Kalevor will be retiring on June 16, 2023, after nearly three decades of dedicated service in affordable housing.

Buonocore will focus on the department’s internal functions and serve as a technical expert for the County’s administrators while coordinating with the Board of County Commissioners. He will also crucially serve as a bridge to the future executive director while the County continues its search, ensuring an orderly leadership transition. This in turn will provide much-needed support for the robust housing services offered to the residents of Washington County.

With over thirty years of experience in the public and nonprofit sectors, including twenty years at Home Forward, the housing authority for Multnomah County, Buonocore is well qualified. At Home Forward he held a variety of positions, including Policy Director for the Moving To Work program, Deputy Executive Director, and seven years as Executive Director. During his tenure as Home Forward’s Executive Director the agency secured an additional 3,492 vouchers, added 280 new affordable apartments, preserved 2,213 apartments through major rehabilitation, built a development pipeline of over 1,000 new apartments through 2024, increased agency operating revenues by over $112 million, and completed seven years of clean financial audits.

Buonocore is passionate about building authentic relationships, advancing racial equity, and fostering strong teamwork and collaboration. Buonocore has shared that, “it’s already been a great pleasure to be here and do my part to further this important work.”

ABOUT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING SERVICES: The Supportive Housing Services program is funded by the voter-approved 2020 Supportive Housing Services measure to address the needs of people experiencing and at risk of homelessness in our region. Supportive Housing is a demonstrated approach to ending homelessness with wrap around supports tailored to meet the needs of people with complex disabilities who have experienced prolonged homelessness.

ABOUT HOUSING AUTHORITY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY: The Housing Authority has been providing and developing affordable housing opportunities for over 50 years. Today, the effort continues with the County’s Department of Housing Services, formed in 1992 to administer its housing activities and programs, and that of the County. The Housing Authority is a separate legal entity and contracts with the County to implement programs and services. Its mission is to provide a continuum of affordable housing options that promote community strength.