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ELKINS -- The Randolph County Housing Authority has begun a nationwide search for a new executive director.
Graham Godwin resigned as RCHA's executive director due to health reasons, officials said. Godwin had been in the role since 2022.
Heather Croson has been promoted from operations manager to chief operating officer, and is also serving as interim executive director.
"We want to thank Graham for his dedication and contributions to the organization," said Michael Bell, chairman of RCHA's Board of Commissioners. "We also look ahead to the future and to filling the Executive Director role with a strong leader who can help us build on our commitment to providing impactful programs across our service area."
The executive director position has been posted on the Indeed job site. Officials describe the position as "a critical leadership role within RCHA, which provides an array of services to the region, including those related to housing assistance, job training and development.
Through the YouthBuild North Central program, RCHA serves individuals between the ages of 16 and 24 living in Randolph, Tucker, Upshur and Barbour counties. Participants in this workforce readiness program learn marketable job skills, and leadership skills, while building assets that benefit local communities. Participants can also earn a high school equivalency diploma.
RCHA's Supportive Services division, led by Lexi Taylor, who was recently named Supportive Services manager, addresses the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness by promoting rapid re-housing and helping affected individuals become financially self-sufficient through job training and other assistance.
RCHA also has announced that its First Step Heavy Equipment Training (FSHET) program will resume this spring.
The five-week FSHET training program, funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, is designed as a screening tool for potential employers and involves working with participants to ensure they have the skills and qualifications to be effective heavy equipment operators. Participants gain experience working on a heavy equipment simulator and may have the opportunity to become certified on at least two pieces of equipment.
For more information about the FHSET program, contact Calvin Elmore at 304-636-6495, Ext. 160, or send email to celmore@rchawv.org.