Louisiana Housing Board Chairman Appoints Committee Chairs
Purple Heart Recipient Among the Appointees
BATON ROUGE, LA – Louisiana Housing Corporation Board of Directors Chairman Buddy Spillers has appointed Willie Rack, a two-time Purple Heart recipient, to serve as chair of the Administrative and Finance Committee. Board members reappointed to chair committees are: Gillis Windham (Multifamily and Assets), Mayor Jennifer Vidrine (Sustainable Housing), and Mike T. Anderson (Single Family). These appointments will ensure continuity in fulfilling the corporation’s mission of providing safe, affordable, energy-efficient housing.
”Each member brings valuable insight to the board and a shared dedication to the mission of this corporation,” said Spillers. ”I am pleased to continue working with them to improve affordable housing in Louisiana.”
As the state’s designated housing agency, LHC provides programs and services to develop, preserve and sustain affordable housing throughout Louisiana.
”The leadership of this board has been extremely beneficial to the success of the agency,” said LHC Executive Director Keith Cunningham, Jr. ”Their business savvy and assiduity to streamlining processes and improving productivity, has resulted in a significant increase in the developments we’ve funded as well as the number of first-time homeowners across the state.”
Committee Appointees
Willie Rack (Franklin), a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serves as chair of the Administrative and Finance Committee and a member of the Multifamily and Assets Committee. He retired from the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Department after a distinguished 25-year career as a law enforcement officer. Prior to starting his career in law enforcement, Rack served in the U.S. Marine Corps. During this time, he received numerous meritorious accolades, including two Purple Hearts for his bravery during the Vietnam War. Governor John Bel Edwards appointed Rack to the LHC Board in 2016 to represent the 3rd congressional district.
Mike T. Anderson (Mandeville), a 35-year veteran of the mortgage industry, serves as chair of the Single Family Committee and a member of the Sustainable Housing Committee. Currently, he is a Sales Manager for loanDepot. Anderson holds a Certified Residential Mortgage Specialist (CRMS) certification through the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB). In 2010, he received the prestigious ”Mortgage Professional of the Year” national award from the NAMB. Speaker of the House Taylor F. Barras appointed Anderson to the LHC Board in 2016.
Jennifer Vidrine (Ville Platte), currently serving a second term as Mayor of the City of Ville Platte, is vice chair of the LHC Board and chair of the Sustainable Housing Committee. She is committed to improving housing and has made it her mission to increase efforts to rid the city of abandoned and overgrown property in Ville Platte. This effort is one of many that aim to improve economic development and growth of the city. Senate President John A. Alario, Jr. appointed Vidrine to the LHC Board in 2016.
Gillis R. Windham (Killian), former mayor of Town of Killian, was reappointed to board by Governor John Bel Edwards. He serves as chair of the Multifamily and Assets Committee and a member of Administrative and Finance Committee. His career spans more than 40 years in the insurance and financial services industry. Prior to starting his own business, Windham served as Vice President for First Guaranty Bank. He has served on the LHC Board since 2016 and represents the 6th congressional district.
In 2017, LHC invested more than $14 million in apartment and home developments, which is projected to benefit 1,624 households, and financed nearly $68 million in mortgage loans – making homeownership a reality and more affordable for 451 homebuyers across the state.
LHC is governed by a board of 11 members consisting of the State Treasurer, six members appointed by the Governor, two by the President of the Senate and two by the Speaker of the House representing various housing sectors and the public.
For more information about the LHC Board, visit http://www.lhc.la.gov/page/board-of-directors. To learn more about the LHC visit lhc.la.gov or call (888) 454-2001.
About Louisiana Housing Corporation
The Louisiana Housing Corporation was created by Act 408 of the 2011 Louisiana Legislative Session. The Corporation administers federal and state funds through programs designed to advance the development of safe, energy-efficient and affordable housing for low-to-moderate income families.
Media Contact:
Na’Tisha Natt, Director of Public Affairs
nnatt@lhc.la.gov
225-763-8720
