The Randolph County Housing Authority has announced changes to its leadership team and the resumption of the First Step Heavy Equipment Training program.
Graham Godwin has resigned as executive director due to health reasons. He 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.”
RCHA provides Section 8 rental assistance, with federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as a program that helps participants transition out of the Section 8 program and into home ownership. RCHA’s Family Self-Sufficiency program provides support to families so they can obtain employment on their path to economic independence. Working with multiple nonprofit housing partners, RCHA manages nearly 170 properties including mixed-income residential rental, commercial, and mixed-use properties.
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. In addition, supportive services addresses the housing and vocational needs of those who are in recovery or transitioning out of the criminal justice system.
RCHA also has announced that its First Step Heavy Equipment Training program will resume this spring.
The five-week FSHET training program, funded through a grant from the United States 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 celmore@rchawv.org.
RCHA serves the six-county region of Randolph, Barbour, Tucker, Lewis, Upshur and Pendleton counties. Its mission is to build strong communities by investing in housing solutions, youth and workforce development and supportive services to improve the quality of life of individuals and families living in the West Virginia Highlands. To learn more visit www.rchawv.org.
