The Watertown Housing Authority has a new executive director, after the Board of Commissioners voted to hire Jaqueline Sullivan, who had served as the Deputy Director of the WHA. She succeeds Michael Lara, who left to become the Executive Director of the Newton Housing Authority. See the WHA announcement below.
On February 12, 2025, the Watertown Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the hiring of Jacqueline Sullivan as WHA’s new Executive Director. Jacqueline joined WHA as the Executive Deputy Director in April 2024, following her six-year tenure at the Wellesley Housing Authority where she served as the Executive Director for two of those years.
She brings a vast network of affordable housing providers and a proven track record of fostering collaboration to enhance the growth and stability of the housing authority and the city. Jacqueline is eager to dive in and looks forward to continuing her efforts with WHA’s administrative and maintenance staff to elevate the authority.
“I am excited to step into this role and build upon WHA’s strong foundation. I am committed to working closely with our staff, residents, and community partners to strengthen WHA’s impact. By working together, we will continue enhancing our services, improving operations, and creating meaningful opportunities that benefit our residents and the broader Watertown community,” Sullivan said.
Jacqueline is passionate about the stabilization and expansion of affordable housing in Massachusetts. She is committed to advancing WHA’s redevelopment projects at Willow Park and the Nichols Ave group home, modernizing WHA’s State Aided Public housing portfolio, expanding the Watertown Housing Development Corporation, and most importantly, improving the lives of WHA residents. Having served on the Board of Commissioners for nearly twenty-five years, Chairperson Allen Gallagher is eager to begin collaborating with Jacqueline to support the stability of WHA residents. Their efforts will focus on continuing to maintain an environment that enables residents to live responsibly and with dignity while also working to modernize and preserve the buildings.
“On behalf of our Board of Commissioners, I am pleased to be able to hire Jacqueline Sullivan as our new Executive Director. Jackie brings valuable experience from her two-years as the Executive Director of the Wellesley Housing Authority and, most recently as our Deputy Executive Director here in Watertown. Our Board and staff look forward to working with Jackie to continue the good work that we do for all of our residents on a daily basis.” said Gallagher
Her leadership will be instrumental in driving WHA’s mission forward and improving the quality of life for its residents. To learn more about the Watertown Housing Authority visit us at www.Watertownha.org.