BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The Housing Authority of the Borough of Madison is governed by a seven member Board of Commissioners pursuant to the Redevelopment and Housing Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-1 to 40A:12A-49.  In accordance with the state enabling legislation, the governing body appoints six members of the Board of Commissioners for five-year staggered terms, with one being a mayoral appointment. The seventh member is a State appointment chosen by the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs of New Jersey for a five-year term.

The Board of Commissioners is responsible for developing the By-Laws that govern the Corporation.  The Board is also responsible for formulating policies for the Authority, and assuring that they are carried out by the administration.  The Board, having accepted ultimate responsibility by virtue of their appointment, must delegate the authority to the executive director to act on their behalf and must, individually and collectively, observe the "chain of command" and avoid situations that would give the appearance that they are managers instead of policymakers.

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs has designed a comprehensive training program for commissioners and executive directors of local public housing authorities.  It is the first and only kind in the nation.   The Redevelopment and Housing Law, N.J.S.A. 40A:12A-1 to 40A:12A-49 states that Commissioners are required to successfully complete a course of study prescribed by the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.  Commissioners are required to successfully complete eight courses within 18 months of their appointment.  For every course there is a required examination which must be passed before the commissioner is given credit for the course.  This training program was designed to help public housing commissioners deal with their demanding and comprehensive responsibilities.   The topics selected for the program were a result of a systematic assessment of commissioners' needs and concerns.  Participation in and completion of this program will assist commissioners in the development of strategies to manage their responsibilities, resources and talents.

All of the members of the Board of Commissioners have successfully completed their requirements.

The current members of the Board of Commissioners are as follows:

Barbara W. Valk - Chairperson

Robert T. Burroughs - Vice Chairperson

Charles Coleman

Rosemarie E. Dodds

Ralph G. Engelsman

Matthew J. Hicks

Irving M. Valkys