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HUD Returns Detroit Housing Commission to Local Control

On March 31, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a press release titled HUD Returns Detroit Housing Commission to Local Control.

HUD RETURNS DETROIT HOUSING COMMISSION TO LOCAL CONTROL

WASHINGTON – After almost 10 years, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today that it returned the Detroit Housing Commission (DHC) to local control from federal receivership effective March 16, 2015.  HUD took possession of the DHC in July 2005 because of un-auditable financial records, the distressed physical condition of housing units, significant regulatory compliance deficiencies, and HOPE VI grants that were in default for lack of progress with redevelopment projects.

Part of the improvement actions taken by HUD and the DHC included hiring an Executive Director to manage and oversee day-to-day operations, completing reductions in staffing levels to fit the current asset management of the DHC, increasing the occupancy rate of public housing units to 97 percent (up from 70% in 2005). 

“Today represents an important milestone in Detroit’s road to recovery,” said HUD Secretary Julián Castro.  “After a decade of federal oversight, I am pleased to say that the once-troubled Detroit Housing Commission has made a complete turnaround and that HUD is handing back the keys to Mayor Mike Duggan and the agency’s Board of Commissioners.  It’s because of our partnership with local leaders and public housing residents that the people of this great city once again have a housing commission that they can count on.”

“The Detroit Housing Commission plays a critical role in making sure low-income Detroiters have access to quality, affordable housing,” said Detroit Mayor, Mike Duggan. “I’d like to thank our partners at HUD and the Housing Commission for their hard work in making this day possible. We look forward to building on the progress they already have made.”

The DHC has demonstrated consistent accountability and progress, which prompted HUD to return the Housing Commission to local control. Since 2007 the DHC has received a full audit with an unqualified financial opinion, and since 2010 it has met significant financial and management requirements to comply with HUD regulations.  In 2014, the DHC received a passing HUD inspection score for every public housing development for the first time in more than two decades, and achieved the designation of “Standard Performer” while improving their public housing assessment score of 84 percent, up from 24 percent in 2005.

The DHC has also substantially completed the construction of the delayed HOPE VI projects, including the Cornerstone Estates, Emerald Springs Apartments, the Woodbridge Estates and the Gardenview Estates, creating or rehabilitating over 500 public housing units.

A new five member Board of Commissioners was appointed by Mayor Mike Duggan on March 16, 2015 and will be providing oversight of the DHC. For more information on the DHC please visit www.dhcmi.org.

Please click here to view the press release online.

About Safeguard 
Safeguard Properties is the mortgage field services industry leader, preserving vacant and foreclosed properties across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and Guam. Founded in 1990 by Robert Klein and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Safeguard provides the highest quality service to our clients by leveraging innovative technologies and proactively developing industry best practices and quality control procedures. Consistent with Safeguard’s values and mission, we are an active supporter of hundreds of charitable efforts across the country. Annually, Safeguard gives back to communities in partnership with our employees, vendors and clients. We also are dedicated to working with community leaders and officials to eliminate blight and stabilize neighborhoods. Safeguard is dedicated to preserving today and protecting tomorrow.  Website: www.safeguardproperties.com.

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CEO

Alan Jaffa

Alan Jaffa is the Chief Executive Officer for Safeguard Properties, steering the company as the mortgage field services industry leader. He also serves on the board of advisors for SCG Partners, a middle-market private equity fund focused on diversifying and expanding Safeguard Properties’ business model into complimentary markets.

Alan joined Safeguard in 1995, learning the business from the ground up. He was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2002, and was named CEO in May 2010. His hands-on experience has given him unique insights as a leader to innovate, improve and strengthen Safeguard’s processes to assure that the company adheres to the highest standards of quality and customer service.

Under Alan’s leadership, Safeguard has grown significantly with strategies that have included new and expanded services, technology investments that deliver higher quality and greater efficiency to clients, and strategic acquisitions. He takes a team approach to process improvement, involving staff at all levels of the organization to address issues, brainstorm solutions, and identify new and better ways to serve clients.

In 2008, Alan was recognized by Crain’s Cleveland Business in its annual “40-Under-40” profile of young leaders. He also was named a NEO Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® Award finalist in 2013.

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Esq., General Counsel and EVP

Linda Erkkila

Linda Erkkila is the General Counsel and Executive Vice President for Safeguard Properties, with oversight of legal, human resources, training, and compliance. Linda’s broad scope of oversight covers regulatory issues that impact Safeguard’s operations, risk mitigation, strategic planning, human resources and training initiatives, compliance, insurance, litigation and claims management, and counsel related to mergers, acquisition and joint ventures.

Linda assures that Safeguard’s strategic initiatives align with its resources, leverage opportunities across the company, and contemplate compliance mandates. She has practiced law for 25 years and her experience, both as outside and in-house counsel, covers a wide range of corporate matters, including regulatory disclosure, corporate governance compliance, risk assessment, compensation and benefits, litigation management, and mergers and acquisitions.

Linda earned her JD at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. She holds a degree in economics from Miami University and an MBA. Linda was previously named as both a “Woman of Influence” by HousingWire and as a “Leading Lady” by MReport.

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COO

Michael Greenbaum

Michael Greenbaum is the Chief Operating Officer of Safeguard Properties, where he has played a pivotal role since joining the company in July 2010. Initially brought on as Vice President of REO, Mike’s exceptional leadership and strategic vision quickly propelled him to Vice President of Operations in 2013, and ultimately to COO in 2015. Over his 14-year tenure at Safeguard, Mike has been instrumental in driving change and fostering innovation within the Property Preservation sector, consistently delivering excellence and becoming a trusted partner to clients and investors.

A distinguished graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Mike earned a degree in Quantitative Economics. Following his graduation, he served in the U.S. Army’s Ordnance Branch, where he specialized in supply chain management. Before his tenure at Safeguard, Mike honed his expertise by managing global supply chains for 13 years, leveraging his military and civilian experience to lead with precision and efficacy.

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CFO

Joe Iafigliola

Joe Iafigliola is the Chief Financial Officer for Safeguard Properties. Joe is responsible for the Control, Quality Assurance, Business Development, Marketing, Accounting, and Information Security departments. At the core of his responsibilities is the drive to ensure that Safeguard’s focus remains rooted in Customer Service = Resolution. Through his executive leadership role, he actively supports SGPNOW.com, an on-demand service geared towards real estate and property management professionals as well as individual home owners in need of inspection and property preservation services. Joe is also an integral force behind Compliance Connections, a branch of Safeguard Properties that allows code enforcement professionals to report violations at properties that can then be addressed by the Safeguard vendor network. Compliance Connections also researches and shares vacant property ordinance information with Safeguard clients.

Joe has an MBA from The Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and holds a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University’s Honors Accounting program.

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Business Development

Carrie Tackett

Business Development Safeguard Properties