// March 19, 2015//
The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority has named a new CEO and executive director.
The board of directors selected John C. Kownack, chief community development office for NRHA for the position. He starts April 1.
Kownack began working with NRHA as program services director in April 2001. He held a variety of executive programs until becoming chief officer for all community development operations in 2012. He also has been serving as the managing director/CEO of Hampton Roads Ventures LLC.
Prior to joining NRHA, Kownack held positions with the City of Norfolk’s Finance and Human Services departments, and with First Home Care Corp.
In addition to his work with NRHA and HRV, Kownack chairs the board of directors of the Norfolk Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union.
NRHA began recruiting for a new CEO following the retirement announcement of Shurl R. Montgomery, who leaves NRHA this month after 10 years as the CEO. A private executive recruitment firm, Gans, Gans and Associates, conducted a nationwide, five-month candidate search on behalf of the board.