Miles Jensen and Michael Richardson Awards Presented at Annual Meeting
Award recipients John Tenney and Jolinda LaClair
Housing Vermont, a statewide affordable housing developer and tax credit syndicator, recognized Jolinda LaClair, Middlesex, and John Tenney, Middlebury, for their outstanding contributions to the provision of affordable housing in Vermont.
The awards were presented at Housing Vermont’s annual meeting on September 10 in Burlington. “Vermont is blessed with talented individuals who contribute much to create affordable housing in their communities and throughout the state,” said Housing Vermont President Nancy Owens. “Tonight we are honoring a community volunteer and a dedicated professional who, through their accomplishments, best exemplify the leadership and perseverance which our work demands.”
The Miles Jensen Award is presented annually by Housing Vermont to an individual who has made an outstanding volunteer contribution to affordable housing. John Tenney was honored with the award for his leadership in creating sorely needed new affordable housing in Middlebury. John serves on the board of directors of the Addison County Community Trust and on the Middlebury Selectboard.
In presenting the award to John, Eric Schmitt said, “The development of rental housing at Stone Hill Apartments and Middlebury South Village demonstrates how attractive rental housing can meet a community’s needs while embracing smart growth principles.”
Housing Vermont also recognizes outstanding work by housing professionals through the presentation of the Michael M. Richardson Award. The award, dedicated to the memory of Mike Richardson who was the founding president of Housing Vermont, was presented to Jolinda LaClair, who served for eight years as State Director of USDA Rural Development. During that time Jolinda helped to secure over $1 billion in USDA funds for economic development, housing, and community services for Vermont.
“In addition to contributing much to Housing Vermont through her active participation as a member of our Board of Directors, Jolinda has shown how a creative federal partner can help rural communities meet their housing and economic needs,” Nancy said.
In other action, Steve Marsh, Newport Center; John Nopper, Putney; Amy Demetrowitz, Burlington; Chip Hart, Burlington; and Janet Spitler, Shelburne were re-elected to the Housing Vermont Board of Directors.