Lucas Metropolitan Housing Announces New Chief of Staff

Toledo, Ohio, October 20, 2021 - Lucas Metropolitan Housing (LMH) has announced the appointment of Rachel Gagnon as its new Chief of Staff. Prior to joining LMH, Gagnon served as the Executive Director of the Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board (TLCHB) as well as the Chief Operating Officer at Sunshine Communities. She is a native Toledoan, and a graduate of Central Catholic High School, The Ohio State University, and Capital University Law School. She is licensed to practice law in both Ohio and Michigan and has devoted her career to serving the community through a variety of roles in the nonprofit and volunteer sectors.

Gagnon believes housing is a fundamental right for all individuals; she has spent time in her career advocating for inclusive housing developments and rebuilding response systems to effectively serve community members in need. "I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to join an organization whose mission and values so closely align with my own-nurturing collaboration and partnerships, supporting a strong community, and infusing justice into our neighborhoods by providing options for upward mobility and stability," she stated. "My heart is at home in the City of Toledo and in the field of housing; I'm excited to support LMH in its continued work to make it the best community it can be for all of its residents."

LMH Board Chairman Hugh Grefe commented, "Rachel Gagnon brings her leadership acumen and her passion to Lucas Metropolitan Housing at a time of great promise as the Toledo community coalesces to advance access to safe and affordable homes for all.  Ms. Gagnon has earned wide respect in Toledo for her work in shaping a sustained and broadly supported strategy for affordable housing.  The Board of Commissioners of LMH welcomes her in her new role as Chief of Staff."

Most recently, Gagnon served TLCHB as its executive director. The Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board coordinates service delivery across an array of partner agencies, serves as the HUD-mandated Continuum of Care organization and engages in long-term planning for homelessness prevention.

"As Chairman of TLCHB, I can truly say that we are very sorry to lose someone of Rachel's caliber and skillset. However, I also understand that this is a win for the community since she will remain engaged in the important work of housing. It is also comforting to know LMH has promised an orderly transition in which Rachel will continue to assist TLCHB with several important tasks now on our agenda. It is a wonderful career move for her and our Board wishes her nothing but the best," stated William Brennan, TLCHB Chairman. Michael Hart will serve as Interim Executive Director for TLCHB.

Joaquin Cintron Vega, LMH President and CEO, said, "Ms. Gagnon has a tremendous reputation in the community of successful collaboration in helping those who are in need of housing and guiding them on a pathway to self-sufficiency. We are grateful that she will help lead the LMH team."

About Lucas Metropolitan Housing

Established in 1933, Lucas Metropolitan Housing (LMH) continues to provide affordable housing to adults, seniors and children in its Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, Mixed-Income and Market Rate housing units. LMH also provides a myriad of programs and opportunities designed to improve the total quality of life for our residents, with the ultimate goal of achieving self-sufficiency. The programs and services are the results of successful collaborations with numerous community partners.

Our current housing portfolio consists of 2,633 Public Housing units; 4,657 Housing Choice Vouchers; 322 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit units; 198 Market Rate units and 107 Homeownership Properties. There are approximately 17,500 people who reside in LMH properties. Lucas Metropolitan Housing partners with ALL people and organizations willing to exchange ideas and efforts to enhance Toledo, Lucas County and the world.