Board of Commissioners

The five-member Board of Commissioners oversees the Authority's overall direction. The board approves significant contract awards, budget decisions, formal submissions to state and federal funding agencies, planning and reporting documents, and major policy decisions. The Board consists of five Commissioners, four of whom are elected by Town voters. The fifth is appointed by the Governor of the Commonwealth. For questions or concerns regarding applications, work orders, construction projects, etc., BHA residents, applicants, and members of the public are encouraged to contact the relevant BHA Department Director.

Board of Commissioners Meeting Schedule

The Board of Commissioners generally meet the second Tuesday of every month at 4:30 PM. Meeting dates are confirmed approximately three weeks in advance. Board meetings are open to the public.

Board Members

• Michael Jacobs
  Chair
  Term: May 2021-June 2026

  Michael Jacobs has worked in the affordable housing field for 40 years. In addition to his current consulting practice as principal of MHJ Associates, he has held a range of positions in both the public and private sector including senior positions at the Boston Housing Authority, the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency, the ADS Group, and National Development. Mike is a member of the Town of Brookline’s Housing Advisory Board.

• Sue Cohen
  Vice Chair
  Term: May 2023 - May 2028

  Attorney Sue Cohen has worked in the affordable housing field for more than 40 years. She is currently the in-house General Counsel at the Cambridge Housing Authority. Previously, she headed her own law firm representing many housing authorities in Massachusetts as well as clients nationwide. She is a member of the Board and Past President of the Housing Development Law Institute in Washington DC.

• Judith Katz
  Treasurer
  Term: June 2021 - June 2026

  Judy Katz is the president of OKM Associates, a firm that specializes in property management and consulting for affordable housing. She serves on the Board of Steps to Success, Inc., which provides academic and career support to low-income young people living in Brookline Public Housing. Judy also is on the Board of New Communities Housing Services in Cambridge, which provides housing and services to the elderly and disabled.

• Kimberley Richardson
  Term: May 2024 - May 2029

  Kimberley Richardson has dedicated over 27 years of service to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In addition to her longstanding professional commitment, Kimberley is a resident of the Brookline Housing Authority and a Clinical Social Worker. She is a passionate Change Maker, tirelessly advocating for and supporting the BIPOC community in Brookline.

• Karen G. Rojas
  Tenant Representative
  

  Karen G. Rojas is an Early Learning Specialist with ParentChild+ under Brookline Public Schools and a Board Member of Women Thriving. She brings extensive experience in community engagement, education, and nonprofit leadership, and is committed to promoting equitable housing and supporting families in Brookline.