Gov. Pat Quinn’s reshaping of various state-related agencies with bonding powers continued last week with the Illinois Housing Development Authority board’s formal appointment of Quinn’s former deputy chief of staff Gloria L. Materre to the post of executive director.
Materre replaces DeShana L. Forney, who was picked for the post by former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Materre, who served under Quinn for the last few months, is a lawyer with a real estate and business development background, according to a press release. While working for the state, she advised Quinn on legislative matters, housing issues, and business and community development.
“With her professionalism and extensive experience, Gloria is uniquely qualified to deal with the housing challenges facing our state,” Quinn said in a press release. “Her leadership will improve the lives of residents throughout Illinois.”
In the statement, Materre said: “I look forward to joining the talented team at IHDA in helping to create housing options for residents statewide under the principle that homes provide the foundation for family, secure neighborhoods and job growth.”
The authority was created in 1967 to create and preserve affordable housing across the state. The authority issues debt to support single- and multifamily housing and other programs.
