State Housing Agency Executive Director Chuck Richman headed to retirement

Chuck Richman is leaving his position as executive director of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency after almost 50 years in state government to head into retirement, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Tuesday.

“Chuck Richman has been a lifelong champion for policy initiatives that matter most to New Jersey’s underserved communities,” Murphy said. “From the implementation of the Housing First Initiative, a nationally-recognized supportive housing approach to end chronic homelessness, to his passion and expertise on the provision of affordable housing, Chuck has earned the admiration of DCA and NJHMFA staff, housing partners, and colleagues both inside and outside of state government. His service to the State of New Jersey will be greatly missed.”

Richman was Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs before Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver was appointed to the position in January 2018. The Freehold resident was the department’s acting commissioner under former Gov. Dick Codey and again under Gov. Jon Corzine.

His tenure at the agency spanned 31 years before he was moved to the state housing agency in 2018.

“For decades, Charles Richman has been at the core of our efforts in New Jersey to provide stable, affordable housing to residents,” Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver said. “His work ethic and contributions to New Jersey have become the gold standard in government operations, budgetary matters, legislative strategies, economic development, community planning and advocacy. Chuck leads with compassion and has dedicated his career to the good residents of our State. His leadership and impact will certainly be missed, and we are grateful for his service.”

Was also executive director of the State Energy Office and acting commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Energy and sat on several state boards and commissions, including the Council on Affordable Housing and the State Planning Commission, among others.

While at DCA, launched an initiative that awarded rental assistance vouchers that provided housing for the homeless and helped to provide housing for New Jerseyans displaced by Superstorm Sandy.

“Increasing the supply of safe, affordable, and accessible housing that meets the needs of a diverse range of households has been at the core of my work at DCA and NJHMFA, as well as my life’s mission,” Richman said. “I am most proud of the work I have done to support and develop housing for people with special needs.”

Housing and Community Development Network of NJ president and CEO Staci Berger praised Richman’s leadership.

“Chuck Richman has been a tremendous partner to our non-profit members and allies going back to his tenure with the Department of Community Affairs,” Berger said.  “He has been an innovator in the field, drawing connections between housing and health long before COVID-19.”

This story was updated at 8:54 AM with comment from Berger.