LePage tries again with new nomination for MaineHousing director
Gov. Paul R. LePage has nominated Dan Brennan, now serving as Maine State Housing Authority’s senior director of programs, to be the next MaineHousing director.
The nomination, announced on Monday, came just days after Democrats in the Maine Senate rejected the governor’s nomination of George Gervais, the state’s economic development commissioner, to replace John Gallagher as MaineHousing director.
The Bangor Daily News reported Monday that Gallagher, who retired as MaineHousing director on Jan. 5, was confirmed unanimously earlier this month by the Senate to join the housing authority’s board.
Last week the BDN reported that although Gervais was widely backed at a legislative public hearing earlier in March, Senate Democrats cited his lack of experience in housing as they effectively scuttled his nomination by depriving Gervais of the required two-thirds majority in a failed 20-13 vote, with two senators being absent.
In his second nomination, LePage made sure “lack of experience in housing” would not be a stumbling block.
“After more than 25 years of service with the agency, Dan has a strong understanding of MaineHousing’s programs,” he said in a news release. “He will ensure that the agency follows its strategic plan to serve people in need in the most effective manner.”
He also took a swipe at Democrats for rejecting Gervais.
“MaineHousing has an important duty to serve our state’s most vulnerable populations,” he said. “This agency must have a director, and I will not play political games — as the Democrats have by rejecting qualified nominees — or divert our attention from Maine’s real challenges.”
Brennan's experience at MaineHousing
Brennan oversees the agency’s production and program departments, including multi-family development and asset management, first-time homebuyer loans, energy assistance and home repair, homeless assistance and housing-choice vouchers.
He began his career with MaineHousing as the agency’s first internal auditor, then assumed greater responsibilities with the oversight of the asset management department, the development department and the energy and housing services department. He was promoted to his current position in 2016.
Brennan holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine and a master’s degree n business administration from Thomas College in Waterville. He is participating in the Maine Development Foundation’s Leadership Maine program.
Brennan and his wife live in Winslow with their three children.
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