Housing authority commissioners ask county to appoint Mary Jean Ryan to vacant seat

The Jefferson County Public Housing Authority voted to ask the Jefferson County commissioners to appoint Mary Jean Ryan to a vacant seat on the housing authority board. The motion was made and seconded and passed by voice vote.

The request matters because it will restore a full commission for the local housing authority and begin the county’s formal appointment process. The board discussed having a full complement of commissioners before the next meeting and directed staff to notify county staff.

Mary Jean Ryan told the board she had applied to be considered for the housing authority and attended the meeting as an observer. She described a background in public service, nonprofit work focused on low-income families and education, and prior state-level experience. The board’s motion to ask Jefferson County to appoint Ryan was seconded by Commissioner Sherry Tinker and approved by the commissioners present.

A staff member said Jefferson County staff (Wendy) would contact Ryan to set up the appointment; the county typically holds a work session followed by a formal county commission meeting to make an appointment. The board expressed a preference to have the appointment completed before the next monthly meeting so Ryan could participate as a full member.

Next steps: the county will perform the formal appointment; the housing authority will notify Ryan and the board when the county schedules its meeting.