The Albert Lea Housing Redevelopment Authority is operating under an interim executive director after Jon Ford resigned late last week.

Albert Lea Assistant City Manager Jerry Gabrielatos is operating in the position until the city hires a full-time HRA director.

“When Jon submitted his letter of resignation, he came over here, and we talked about how the city would have to take a more active role with the Small Cities Grant, and I closed out some projects, so I have time for this,” Gabrielatos said.

Gabrielatos will not have an increased salary while he serves as interim executive director. He expects to be in the position for four to six weeks and not oversee policy changes.

Gabrielatos said he will be “steering the ship and handing the keys to the next director when he or she takes over.”

“I think it’s the board’s intention to make a decision about a permanent director as quickly as possible, and they are taking steps to do that and make sure that they find the right candidate.”

Ford, who recently married, had been commuting to Albert Lea on a part-time basis prior to his resignation.

The qualifications for the executive director position include a bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, urban studies, housing or a related field, experience working with community development initiatives in housing and three years experience in public housing management. A background in grant writing is required.

The salary range for the position is from $60,000 to $80,000.

“Hopefully he’ll do a good job,” said HRA Board Chairman John Severtson. He noted Gabrielatos was selected for the position after the HRA requested the city’s help in finding an interim executive director.

“We don’t want to put a lot of heat on him, because he hasn’t been in the housing industry,” Severtson said. 

HRA board members Gloria Olson and Jon Sorlie declined to comment.