Morris County honors Housing Authority executive director Kelly Stephens on retirement
MORRISTOWN, N.J. (Morris County) — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners honored Kelly A. Stephens this week as she retires from the Housing Authority of the County of Morris after more than 30 years of service.
Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw presented Stephens with a framed resolution during the board’s public meeting at the Administration and Records Building in Morristown.
“For more than three decades, Kelly Stephens has dedicated her career to ensuring that some of Morris County’s most vulnerable residents have access to stable and affordable housing,” said Director Shaw. “Under her leadership, the Housing Authority expanded programs and strengthened community partnerships that provide critical support to families, seniors and individuals with disabilities throughout our county. We are grateful for her service and wish her the very best in retirement.”
Stephens was joined at the recognition ceremony by Housing Authority Chairman Sal Poli, Vice Chairman Bruce Meringolo, Commissioners Anthony Somma and Sadia Ullah, incoming Executive Director Gregory Brown, Finance Director Gina Bozzi, General Counsel Katharine A. Coffey and members of the Housing Authority staff. Commissioner Tayfun Selen, the county board’s liaison to the Housing Authority, also participated.
“Kelly and I have worked together for many years. She has always been reliable and someone you can count on. She is one of the hardest-working professionals I have ever worked with, and she will be missed,” said Commissioner Selen. “She also has a great team supporting her, and I am confident Greg Brown will transition successfully into his new role.”
Stephens joined the Housing Authority in April 1996 as a social services coordinator and advanced through several leadership positions before being appointed executive director on Jan. 1, 2019.
During her tenure, she oversaw 424 housing units across seven residential complexes and administered the Housing Choice Voucher Program, which manages 642 vouchers to help county residents secure affordable housing. She also worked closely with the Morris County Continuum of Care and local service providers to address housing instability and homelessness.
Under Stephens’ leadership, the Housing Authority launched the Mainstream Voucher Program for individuals with disabilities who have experienced homelessness and partnered with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families to administer Foster Youth to Independence vouchers for young adults transitioning out of foster care.
“It’s been a long and fulfilling career with the Housing Authority. We have helped some of Morris County’s most vulnerable residents and also expanded our work with the county’s homeless services system through collaboration with the Human Services department and local providers,” said Stephens. “I thank the county commissioners for their trust and support of the Housing Authority and for appointing such dedicated commissioners to our board. Every executive director should be fortunate enough to have a board so committed to helping achieve its goals.”
Stephens recently received the Founder’s Award at the Housing Partnership Annual Gala in recognition of her contributions to affordable housing.
A resident of Netcong, Stephens holds a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitative services, a certificate in gerontology and certification as a public housing manager through Rutgers University. She previously served on the Netcong Board of Education and currently serves on the borough’s Planning Board.
Gregory Brown, who most recently served as deputy director of the Housing Authority, was appointed executive director last month and will succeed Stephens in the role.
