Clarissa E. McAdoo, executive director for the Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, has accepted an appointment as vice president for professional development with the Virginia chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO).

McAdoo informed board members during Tuesday’s meeting that she had accepted the volunteer role, which she believes will give the agency more leverage in the state.

Former SRHA Executive Director Jim Armstrong was last to represent the local agency at the board level. McAdoo has served at the helm of the SRHA for almost 10 years.

&uot;It will be good to have a small housing authority on the board,&uot; said McAdoo on Wednesday, &uot;because some issues at small housing authorities may get overlooked. Just because we’re not a big housing authority, it doesn’t mean that our issues are unimportant.

&uot;Hopefully, I would like to think that this will open the door for information… and to be in line for funding opportunities.&uot;

McAdoo will head up training efforts across the state during the two-year term.

She acknowledged to board members that her already demanding schedule would likely be stretched, but added the additional responsibilities &uot;will be good and important for the agency.&uot;

According to the NAHRO’s Web site, the agency is the the leading housing and community development advocate for the provision of adequate and affordable housing and strong, viable communities for all Americans-particularly those with low-and moderate-incomes.

Members throughout the country administer HUD programs including public housing, Section 8, and Community Development Block Grants.

luefras.robinson@suffolknewsherald.com