The Texas Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, TX-NAHRO, today announced the selection of Doug Landry, Chairman of the Beaumont Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, as its “Commissioner of the Year”. The awards presentation will take place on Tuesday, April 20th at their 34th Annual Conference in South Padre Island.
TX-NAHRO, established in 1976, is a long-standing advocate of affordable housing in Texas. The state of Texas has 431 Public Housing Agencies, more than any other state in the nation and 68 Community Development Agencies.
Landry was first appointed to the Board in 2003, at a time when BHA was under HUD receivership and was considered a public pariah. Then Mayor Evelyn Lord asked him to step in and work with the Executive Director to turn the agency around. Within a year of his appointment, Landry led the agency back to local control. He then worked with the Board to approve the submittal of the $20 million dollar HOPE VI application that led to the demolition of Magnolia Gardens and the construction of Regent I and Pointe North.
In submitting Landry’s name for consideration of this prestigious award, Executive Director Robert L. Reyna wrote “Robert Kennedy said, ‘Some people see things and ask why. I see things and ask why not?’” Doug Landry is the type of person who sees things and asks why not! He is not afraid to speak out when things need to be fixed or when BHA or residents are unfairly attacked. He could easily sit back and work on safe community activities, but that is simply not within him.”
In accepting this award Landry said, “I am truly surprised, honored and appreciative.” He went on to say, “any success achieved in Beaumont depends very heavily upon a team effort. I am fortunate that I work with people who share my desire to improve the quality of life for all the families served by BHA.”
Landry, a Beaumont native, has dedicated his life to working for the betterment of his city through active participation on numerous Boards in a voluntary capacity. His community involvement includes A.C.O.R.N (Amelia Coalition of Responsible Neighbors), President; Beaumont C.O.P (Citizens on Patrol), Chairperson of the Board of Governors; American Red Cross, Health & Safety Volunteer Instructor; and C.E.R.T (Community Emergency Response Team), volunteer and Beaumont Independent School District Citizens Advisory Bond Committee member.
