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Sarasota Housing Authority Executive Director William Russell headed to Washington, D.C., a few days before Inauguration Day — but not for the parties or the protests.
Russell instead was there to work. President Donald Trump's office picked Russell to oversee the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development until Dr. Ben Carson is officially confirmed as HUD secretary. Russell's D.C. appointment could last six months, says Sarasota Housing Authority Board Chairman John Colon.
Russell worked in Washington once before, when he was HUD's deputy assistant secretary from 2002 to 2005. He was hired for the Sarasota agency in 2005, partially as a turnaround job after some leadership struggles. “Bill has done a really good job turning things around in conjunction with the board,” says Colon, who adds that Russell's HUD appointment was based on experience, not political connections.
Russell, says Colon, is a great choice for the HUD spot. “He brings great leadership but he also brings great knowledge of all the rules and regulations in housing,” Colon tells Coffee Talk. “And you wouldn't know these things unless you are on the inside.”
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