Richman has Provided Nearly 50 Years of Service to the State of New Jersey Across Multiple Agencies
TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy announced today that Charles A. Richman, Executive Director of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) will be retiring from public service as of December 31, 2020 after nearly 50 years of service.
Over the course of his career in New Jersey state government, Charles “Chuck” Richman has spearheaded policy development in areas encompassing affordable housing, fire safety, community planning, budget development, and economic revitalization. Before his 2018 appointment to the NJHMFA, Richman served as Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), where he had worked for 31 years. Prior to his leadership at DCA, he served as Executive Director of the NJ State Energy Office as well as Assistant Commissioner and then Acting Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Energy. Over the years, Richman also served on prominent boards and commissions, including the Council on Affordable Housing; Casino Reinvestment Development Authority; the State Planning Commission, the NJ Historic Trust; and the Asbury Park Housing Authority among others.
“Chuck Richman has been a lifelong champion for policy initiatives that matter most to New Jersey’s underserved communities,” said Governor Murphy. “From the implementation of the Housing First Initiative, a nationally-recognized supportive housing approach to end chronic homelessness, to his passion and expertise on the provision of affordable housing, Chuck has earned the admiration of DCA and NJHMFA staff, housing partners, and colleagues both inside and outside of state government. His service to the State of New Jersey will be greatly missed.”
“For decades, Charles Richman has been at the core of our efforts in New Jersey to provide stable, affordable housing to residents,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs and HMFA board chair. “His work ethic and contributions to New Jersey have become the gold standard in government operations, budgetary matters, legislative strategies, economic development, community planning and advocacy. Chuck leads with compassion and has dedicated his career to the good residents of our State. His leadership and impact will certainly be missed, and we are grateful for his service.”
"I've worked closely with Chuck Richman and he is a devoted public servant with a genuine commitment to creating policy that improves the quality of life for New Jersey’s underserved communities,” said Leslie A. Anderson, President & CEO, New Jersey Redevelopment Authority. “He leaves an enduring legacy in community development and affordable housing. His indelible mark on the State of New Jersey through the Department of Community Affairs and the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency will be difficult to match. I want to honor Chuck for his mentorship of countless staff and leaders including me. While his leadership will be sorely missed, his impact will continue on."
“Increasing the supply of safe, affordable, and accessible housing that meets the needs of a diverse range of households has been at the core of my work at DCA and NJHMFA, as well as my life’s mission. I am most proud of the work I have done to support and develop housing for people with special needs,” said Executive Director Richman. “I am honored to have served the residents of the State of New Jersey. I would like to thank Governor Murphy and Lt. Governor Oliver for their support, and I am proud to have worked with exceptional teams, dedicated to creating, supporting, and strengthening our communities.”
During his leadership at NJHMFA, Richman has:
During his tenure at DCA, Richman was responsible for regulatory reform in a variety of building and housing codes; evaluations of municipal operations; formulation of legislative strategies; preparation of department budgets and priorities; contract management; and supervision of operating divisions. During this time, Richman:
A successor for the NJHMFA Executive Director position will be announced shortly. For additional information regarding Charles Richman, please visit NJHMFA.