After serving as the Executive Director of the Benson Housing Authority for the past 5 years, Melody Gates is leaving to accept another job.
Gates has been hired as the new Executive Director of the City of Williamsburg, Virginia Redevelopment and Housing Authority. She will begin work effective Thursday, June 1st.
“I have enjoyed the support of the Board, Staff and Mayor as we together have made improvements in Benson’s public housing through improved relationships with residents as well as the community as a whole,” Ms. Gates told WTSB News on Tuesday. “It has been a privilege to serve as the Executive Director and for that opportunity, I am grateful.”
Previously, Gates was the Director of the Johnston County Housing Assistance Program in Smithfield and served with the NC Department of Administration as Director of Housing directing the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Programs for seven NC counties.
Gates was selected for the position in Williamsburg after a nationwide search.
“Williamsburg has a strong history of creating and managing affordable housing opportunities for residents,” said Mayor and Williamsburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority (WRHA) Commission Chairman Paul Freiling. “The WRHA Board of Commissioners is very much looking forward to working with Ms. Gates, an experienced and talented professional with a steadfast commitment to serving our residents, as we continue together to meet the challenges of providing housing in an evolving community.”
Allen “Buddy” Brown Jr. has been appointed as Interim Director of the Benson Housing Authority. The Housing Authority Board will name a permanent replacement for Gates within 6 months.
