[Archived] Helen S. McIlvaine Named Alexandria’s Director of Housing

For Immediate Release: November 24, 2015

City Manager Mark B. Jinks has announced the appointment of Helen S. McIlvaine as Director of Housing for the City of Alexandria, effective November 23, 2015.  McIlvaine has served as Acting Director since January 1.

"Housing affordability is a top priority for City government, and Helen has been an outstanding leader on this important issue," said Jinks. "I look forward to her continued work to ensure that a range of affordable, quality housing options is available in Alexandria."

McIlvaine joined the Office of Housing in 2006 as Deputy Director, where she worked with the Alexandria Housing Development Corporation, other nonprofit and private developers, and the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA), to structure and finance projects that incorporate affordable housing.  She supervised the Housing Implementation Division, which provides homeownership assistance loans for first time buyers, home rehabilitation loans and housing counseling.

McIlvaine’s work also supports citywide planning processes, including the 2013 Housing Master Plan and ARHA Strategic Plan.  She has been Housing’s liaison for the Braddock Metro Neighborhood, Braddock East, Potomac Yard, Beauregard,Oakville/Route 1 Corridor and Eisenhower West  Plans, and assists with education and outreach to community groups regarding affordable housing.

Prior to her work in Alexandria, McIlvaine was Director of Real Estate Development for the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia, and executive director of Catholics for Housing.  Before transitioning to affordable housing development, McIlvaine practiced law, including general civil and construction litigation in Texas and Virginia.

McIlvaine holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Maryland’s European Division and a Juris Doctor from the Rutgers University’s School of Law.

For media inquiries, contact Craig T. Fifer, Director of Communications and Public Information, at craig.fifer@alexandriava.gov or 703-746-3965.