Diane Randall is leaving the Partnership for Strong Communities for a new job in Washington, and her interim successor will be Howard Rifkin, who is retiring as deputy state treasurer at the end of the year.
The Partnership is a Hartford-based non-profit and a leading advocate of policies and programs to promote affordable housing and combat homelessness.
Randall is leaving to become the executive secretary for the Friends Committee on National Legislation, a D.C.-based ecumenical group that lobbies for peace, equality, and social justice.
“Diane’s knowledge of affordable and supportive housing, her stewardship of the Reaching Home campaign to end homelessness in Connecticut, and her intelligence, passion and leadership have all made the Partnership a key player in the shaping of effective housing policy here, and across the nation,” said Robert Hohler, the chairman of the group’s board.
Rifkin is familiar with housing financing issues through his work at the treasurer’s office.
“We’re delighted that Howard has agreed to fill this important post and share his experience and wisdom to move us through a transition and executive search process while helping us shape the Partnership’s strategic plan for the future,” Hohler said.
(The partnership is funded by the Melville Charitable Trust, which also provides support for The Connecticut Mirror. Hohler is on the Board of Directors of The Connecticut News Project, publisher of The Mirror.)