Barbara Fields Stepping Down as RIHousing Executive Director

PROVIDENCE, RI – After four successful years leading RIHousing, Barbara Fields today announced she will be stepping down as Executive Director of the state’s housing finance corporation.

Fields will continue in her role as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director until her contract expires March 1.

“Barbara Fields has had a decades long commitment to Rhode Island and to the complex housing and homelessness challenges we face,” said Governor Raimondo. “I want to thank Barbara for her four years of service at RIHousing and her commitment to the people of our state. I wish her well in her future endeavors.”

Fields gave the following statement:

“Recently, I was selected by my colleagues from across the country to serve on the Executive Board of the National Council of State Housing Agencies, a national organization uniquely positioned to address the country’s housing crisis. Since accepting this appointment, I have been presented with a number of opportunities that would allow me to continue championing housing issues on a larger scale. Therefore, I will not continue in my role as Executive Director of RIHousing when my contract expires on March 1. 

It has been a privilege to serve as the Executive Director of RIHousing for the past four years. During my time here, we have accomplished a great deal. We’ve invested hundreds of millions of dollars into the Rhode Island economy, financed the development of desperately needed affordable apartments, and helped a record number of Rhode Islanders purchase their first home. I could not be more proud of the amazing team here at RIHousing.

I want to thank the Board and the RIHousing team, a wonderful group of committed public servants who work hard every day to help Rhode Islanders realize the dream of a safe, warm home for themselves and their families. I also want to thank Governor Raimondo for the opportunity to turn RIHousing around, place it on a path where it can achieve its full potential and is now poised to do the enormous amount of work in the area of housing that remains to be done here.”

During her tenure, RIHousing achieved its highest mortgage volume in 20 years. Under her leadership the corporation launched new, innovative financing tools to help more Rhode Islanders have a place to call home including the Ocean State Grad Grant, First Down and a Middle Market rental program. Fields also helped improve the agency’s bond rating while expanding loan servicing operations by 40 percent.

In October of 2018, Fields was selected by colleagues from across the country to serve on the Executive Board of the National Council of State Housing Agencies, a national organization uniquely positioned to address the country’s housing crisis. Following her departure, Fields intends to continue championing housing issues on a national stage. Following her departure, Fields intends to weigh opportunities at the national level.

The RIHousing Board of Commissioner Chairman Nicolas Retsinas and the Executive Office of Commerce will convene a search committee for Fields’ replacement.

About RIHousing
RIHousing works to ensure that all people who live in Rhode Island can afford a healthy, attractive home that meets their needs. RIHousing provides loans, grants, education and assistance to help Rhode Islanders find, rent, buy, build and keep a good home. Created by the General Assembly in 1973, RIHousing is a self-sustaining corporation and receives no state funding for operations. For more information regarding RIHousing visit www.RIHousing.com or follow us @RIHousing on Facebook and Twitter.