LePage nominates Gervais to be next MSHA director

Courtesy / Maine Department of Economic and Community Development George Gervais, commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, has been nominated by Gov. Paul LePage to be director of the Maine State Housing Authority.

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By Staff

Gov. Paul R. LePage has nominated George Gervais to be director of the Maine State Housing Authority and former MaineHousing Director John Gallagher to serve on the MSHA board of directors.

Gervais currently serves as commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development; Gallagher retired as MaineHousing director on Jan. 5.

If Gervais is confirmed, Denise Garland, deputy commissioner, will be appointed acting commissioner, LePage’s press secretary Julie D. Rabinowitz told Mainebiz in an email.

“I am pleased to nominate both George and John to these positions,” LePage said in a news release. “Our administration has made great strides in making Maine State Housing a more effective and efficient organization for the people it serves. George will bring strong management skills to the position from his current position as DECD commissioner, and John, as the immediate past director, will be an important asset to the board during this transition.”

About George Gervais

Prior to becoming DECD commissioner, Gervais, of North Yarmouth, served as assistant commissioner, development program manager and business development specialist at DECD since 2008. DECD administers the Community Development Block Grants, which invest about $2.7 million annually in housing efforts statewide.

He also previously served as senior loan officer at Carteret Mortgage Corp. and Dedicated Mortgage Associates LLC. He also founded Grill Concepts Inc., and EVO Inc.

Gervais holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration from the University of Maine Orono.

“I am grateful to Gov. LePage for this nomination,” Gervais said. “Access to housing is fundamental to a strong economy, attracting and retaining a vibrant workforce, and supporting Maine’s senior citizens. If confirmed, I look forward to building upon the strong foundation and implementing the strategic vision that Maine State Housing has established under John Gallagher’s leadership.”

About John Gallagher

John Gallagher retired as MaineHousing director in November 2017, having served since his appointment by LePage and subsequent confirmation in 2012.

Prior to becoming director, Gallagher served as executive director of Westbrook Housing Authority and president of Westbrook Development Corporation. His past experience includes service as program manager for the development division at MSHA. He has more than 20 years of experience in residential real estate.

Gallagher is certified and trained in public housing management, multi-family housing development finance, and housing credit underwriting. He has held seats on the boards of the Maine Association of Public Housing Directors, Residential Initiatives for Maine, the Southern Maine Affordable Rental Housing Coalition, the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors, the Northern New England Housing Investment Fund and Avesta Housing.