Former Darien town leader Evonne M. Klein is the governor’s choice to head the newly reconstituted state Department of Housing.
The new uber-agency combines oversight of state affordable housing policies and programs once parceled out among several other departments, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s office said Thursday.
Under the consolidation, existing state housing programs from the Department of Economic & Community Development, the Department of Social Services, the Office of Policy & Management, and the Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services will be transferred into the Department of Housing.
Klein was first selectman from 2003 to 2009, a period in which she led efforts to expand affordable housing in the town. Among them was development of a plan and zoning regulations to increase the stock of affordable housing.
Klein must be ratified by state lawmakers.
Currently, she serves as an engage life director with Atria Senior Living.
