
Ms. Vilma Huertas presently serves as the Corporate Secretary to the Board of the New York City Housing Authority (the Authority) since her appointment on June 15, 2005. Her commitment to public service extends over 20 years of experience in government and the not-for-profit sector. As the Corporate Secretary, she oversees the Calendar and Documents Unit, Office of Impartial Hearings, and Guardian Ad Litem Unit which are responsible for preparing briefing packages and calendaring of resolutions to be voted on by Board Members at weekly Board Meetings, as well as issuing official meeting dispositions; processing, hearing and disposition of all Termination of Tenancy, Grievance and Applicant Appeals cases annually; and all Guardian Ad Litem appointments of residents deemed incompetent and facing administrative termination of tenancy proceedings. She also serves as a member of the Personnel Board. Previously, Ms. Huertas was the Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Relations, a position she held since October 2000 after having served as the department's Legislative Liaison and then Deputy Director. As part of the Chairman’s Cabinet, she was responsible to act as the Authority's liaison with the New York State Legislature, municipal legislative bodies, and various governmental agencies. She worked closely with the New York State Legislature and New York City Council on matters of legislation and appropriations relative to the Authority's operations, including fulfilling the Authority's Annual Legislative Agenda and preparation of comments on regulations and legislation proposed by the State or municipal entities, and securing several million dollars over several fiscal years for capital improvements and programs benefiting developments and contributing to improving the lives of the residents of public housing. Before joining the Authority, Ms. Huertas held various positions, including that of Assistant District Attorney in the Office of the Bronx District Attorney where she conducted arraignments, pre-trial hearings and trials. She also served as the Assistant Housing Director and Director of Economic Development for a large not-for-profit. In these positions, she assisted individuals residing in the community in resolving a host of housing issues and was instrumental in the formation of a merchants' association. For several years thereafter, Ms. Huertas also served as Chief of Staff in the New York State Assembly where she was responsible for the administration of all office operations, constituent services, and community programs. Ms. Huertas’ public service extends to her civic affiliations for which she has received recognition. Ms. Huertas holds a Juris Doctor from the City University of New York Law School at Queens College and a Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University. She is also a graduate of the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services and Mayor's Office of Operations Management Academy Executive Development Program. Click here for a printable PDF version of Secretary to the Board Vilma Huertas' Biography
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