[CPN] Mayor Hancock Appoints New Housing Director

 

		PRESS RELEASE            For Immediate Release    Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012
	City and County of Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock  Rowena Alegría, Communications Director Rowena.Alegría@DenverGov.org Amber Miller, Press Secretary Amber.Miller@DenverGov.org O: 720.865.9095   Mayor Hancock Appoints New Housing Director   DENVER – Mayor Michael B. Hancock today announced the appointment of Doug B. Smith to become Denver’s new Director of Housing and Neighborhood Services (HNS). In this capacity, Smith will formulate and coordinate programs to attract and promote affordable housing and desirable neighborhood development in Denver.   “Denver is working to provide our residents easy access to the resources they need to lead vibrant lives. Smart, diverse housing in our neighborhoods is vital,” Mayor Hancock said. “Doug is a collaborator with a breadth of housing experience on all levels. I believe he will help bring affordable solutions to our residents, working hand in hand with our outside partners as well as agencies ranging from sustainability to economic development to human services.”   HNS operates within the Office of Economic Development, which advances economic prosperity for Denver’s businesses, neighborhoods and residents. Working with a wide variety of community partners, HNS helps to create a local environment that stimulates balanced growth through job creation, business assistance, transitional and affordable housing options, neighborhood redevelopment and the development of a skilled workforce.   As Director, Smith will manage and administer federal and state funds to housing, community and economic development programs. He will begin on Nov. 1, 2012.   “Mayor Hancock and his administration are dedicated to providing all residents with affordable housing options and thoughtful neighborhood planning to deliver a better Denver for tomorrow,” Smith said. “I am proud to join this diverse, skilled team and am anxious to get to work.”   Smith brings 30 years of experience in financing, management and development of commercial real estate. He has a notable background in all aspects of community development including housing, lending and neighborhood revitalization projects within the private and nonprofit sectors.   Most recently, Smith was the Regional Vice President for the Southwestern U.S. at Mokhus LLC, an investment and consulting firm with an emphasis on asset-based investments. He focused on investments in commercial real estate.   Prior to Mokhus, Smith was the CEO of Rocky Mountain Communities, where he was responsible for the overall strategic and operational management of the company in order to fulfill its mission of providing affordable rental housing and related services. Smith directed the restructuring and turnaround of this nonprofit.   Smith also arranged debt and equity financing for commercial real estate projects as Vice President of Northmarq Capital. Prior to that, he directed an asset management group responsible for a $500 million portfolio of distressed commercial real estate assets at Recoll Management Co.   Smith serves as a member and Treasurer of the Gulf Coast Housing Partnership as well as at Mercy Housing as a member of the New Market Tax Credit Advisory Committee. He has his bachelor’s degree in economics from Tulane University.    # # #