VHDA Associate Receives “2010 Award of Excellence” From Virginia Association of Housing Counselors

RICHMOND, VA – The Virginia Association of Housing Counselors recently honored Kelly Gill-Gordon, Manager of Homeownership Education at the Virginia Housing Development Authority, by awarding her the 2010 Award of Excellence for her outstanding service in the field of housing counseling and foreclosure prevention.  

In her position, Gill-Gordon has helped many first-time homebuyers understand the responsibilities of owning a home, conducted "Train the Trainer" courses for housing counselors, and managed VHDA’s Self-Sufficiency Programs throughout the state.

In addition, Gill-Gordon has provided courses for housing counselors needing certification in both foreclosure prevention and loss mitigation counseling. To fund these courses, she applied for and managed various grants from Neighborworks, the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, the Dept. of Housing and Community Development, and VHDA.

As a result of her actions, VHDA received nearly $1 million in grant funds, resulting in more than 3,100 borrowers being counseled, 50 housing counseling agencies receiving assistance to provide clients with pre-purchase and credit counseling, and more than 250 housing counselors receiving certifications in housing counseling.

"Kelly is certainly deserving of this award," said Michele Watson, VHDA Director of Homeownership Programs. "Her efforts have clearly made a significant difference to borrowers in need as well as the counseling agencies she is committed to serving."