Jennifer Keogh will join the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority on April 20, 2020 as Deputy Executive Director. Keogh brings more than 20 years of housing industry experience across the non-profit, private, and public sector. She is currently the Manager of the Metropolitan Council Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA), where she has overseen the largest Housing Choice Voucher program in the state, serving 7,200 families.
Keogh has been a state and national leader in affordable housing advocacy. She is currently the National Legislative Chair of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) and sits on the NAHRO Board of Governors. She is a past-president of the NAHRO North Central Regional Council and serves on the Affordable Housing Connections (AHC) Board of Directors.
“I am humbled and thrilled for the opportunity to join the team at MPHA,” Keogh said. “Housing is where my passion lies. Safe and affordable housing should be a basic right for everyone in this country, as having access to stable housing helps people thrive. I look forward to working with Abdi and the team to strengthen and create new partnerships, and to identify new opportunities that will make an impact in the lives of the residents of Minneapolis.”
At the Met Council, Keogh’s work included administration of the housing assistance programs, asset management of council-owned units, and providing direction and vision for the HRA’s Mobility Counseling and Outreach team. Prior to her work at the Met Council, she was the Director of Housing Assistance at the Dakota County Community Development Agency.
“I am excited to bring to MPHA Jennifer’s passion for housing, deep background, and her leadership as a state and national advocate for our programs,” said MPHA Executive Director Abdi Warsame. “At this pivotal moment for MPHA, I know she will bring the right knowledge and energy to our already-strong team.”
MPHA is the largest housing authority in Minnesota, serving more than 11,000 families across its public housing and voucher programs. In January, MPHA and Metro HRA jointly announced their approval by HUD to proceed with forming the nation’s first Regional Moving to Work housing agency, combining certain resources to extend opportunities for families with vouchers to move across the metro area.