September 11, 2009The Honorable Marilynn M. BlandChairpersonPrince George's County CouncilCounty Administration BuildingUpper Marlboro, Maryland 20772Dear Chairperson Bland:It is my pleasure to submit to you and the County Council the appointment of Mr. JamesE. Johnson as the Director of Housing and Community Development. Mr. Johnson brings over 34 years of experience in program management and administration and is an excellent candidateto serve as Director. The Department of Housing and Community Development Director isresponsible for all aspects of our housing programs, including planning, program developmentand management, community services and housing rehabilitation. The Director is alsoresponsible for the administration and coordination of County support and services to theHousing Authority.Mr. Johnson, a resident of Camp Springs, has a record of achievement in programadministration, personnel coordination, contract oversight, negotiations and as an entrepreneur.Since 2008, he has served as the Acting Director of Housing and Community Development andthe Executive Director of the Housing Authority. Mr. Johnson has impressively managed anddirected the Department’s 145 employees and $80 million budget. He developed and executed programs which have brought $22.4 million in grant funding to the County through the Housingand Economic Recovery Act of 2008 and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Mr. Johnson improved and shepherded the process to guarantee attainment of $6.5 millionin grant funding from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program in fiscal year 2009. He created and implemented a reorganization plan and operating policies for theDepartment and the Housing Authority which have improved operations.Mr. Johnson served as my Special Assistant for five years during which I relied on him toassist me in several capacities including management, administration and as a liaison. In his lastassignment, I detailed him to serve as a technical advisor and manager to the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Housing Authority for program improvement.For five years, Mr. Johnson has successfully managed my Summer Youth Initiative Programwhich has assisted over 2,000 young adults with summer jobs in county government and 200
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