Lisa Jones Appointed as New President and CEO of San Diego Housing Commission

The Housing Authority of the City of San Diego announced that it has appointed Lisa Jones to serve as the next President and CEO of the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC), following a rigorous nationwide search. Jones, who formerly held the position of Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at the SDHC, steps into the role with a wealth of experience in affordable housing and homelessness services, per the San Diego Housing Commission.

City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera praised Jones' appointment, saying, "The greatest threats to the well-being and success of our community are the housing affordability and homelessness crises that continue to plague us. In other words, San Diego cannot succeed without the success of the San Diego Housing Commission." He said this about Lisa Jones: Having worked with her over the last few years, "I've witnessed her demonstrate those attributes and do so while always prioritizing the people who most need our attention." With her at the helm, the council is taking active steps toward making San Diego a place where everyone can afford a home, according to a statement from the San Diego Housing Commission.

The San Diego City Council, as well as the Housing Authority, oversaw the extensive recruitment process with an Ad Hoc Working Group. This group, directed by City Council President Pro Tem Joe LaCava, included various community and business leaders who were instrumental in the selection. LaCava lauded Jones for her ability to expand access to affordable housing and leverage resources to assist those living on the streets. City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, former City Councilmember Chris Cate, and others played key roles in recruiting Jones, whose leadership is seen as vital in mitigating the city's housing crisis.

Jones spoke about her commitment to San Diego's housing needs, highlighting her plans to foster innovative approaches and partnerships, which are necessary to serve those facing housing instability or homelessness. "I am honored and deeply humbled to be entrusted with the leadership of the San Diego Housing Commission at this pivotal time," she said, engaging with the community, which is one of her core values. Jones looks forward to working closely with many stakeholders, including the City Council, Mayor Todd Gloria, and the Board of Commissioners, to develop person-centered solutions.

In her over two decades of service, Jones has focused on the unique needs of individuals requiring housing assistance. Her background includes numerous roles where she tackled operations and housing services, as well as as Executive Director for a nonprofit, Knowledge and Education for Your Success, which is affiliated with the Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino. SDHC Board of Commissioners Chair Eugene "Mitch" Mitchell voiced his excitement about her appointment, attesting to her strategic and innovative capabilities as well as her commitment to individuals' lived experiences in shaping support programs. He expressed confidence in Jones' potential to make a significant positive impact as she takes on her new role at the SDHC.

Jones holds an MBA from the Institute of Leadership and Management, University of West Anglia, England, and is an alumna of the Impact Center’s Women’s Executive Leadership Program, thus demonstrating her academic credentials and preparedness for the challenging role ahead.