Commissioners Honor Kelly Stephens on Housing Authority Retirement
Published on June 11, 2026
Resolution Recognizes More Than Three Decades of Service
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners presented a framed resolution of honor to Kelly A. Stephens this week, recognizing her retirement as executive director of the Housing Authority of the County of Morris after more than 30 years of service.
Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw led the presentation during the board’s public meeting at the Administration and Records Building in Morristown.
“For more than three decades, Kelly Stephens has dedicated her career to ensuring that some of Morris County’s most vulnerable residents have access to stable and affordable housing,” said Director Shaw. “Under her leadership, the Housing Authority expanded programs and strengthened community partnerships that provide critical support to families, seniors and individuals with disabilities throughout our county. We are grateful for her service and wish her the very best in retirement.”
Stephens was joined by Housing Authority Chairman Sal Poli, Vice Chairman Bruce Meringolo and Commissioners Anthony Somma and Sadia Ullah, along with incoming Executive Director Gregory Brown, Finance Director Gina Bozzi, General Counsel Katharine A. Coffey and members of the Housing Authority staff. Commissioner Tayfun Selen, the board’s liaison to the Housing Authority, also participated in the recognition.
“Kelly and I have worked together for many years. She has always been reliable and someone you can count on. She is one of the hardest-working professionals I have ever worked with, and she will be missed,” said Commissioner Selen. “She also has a great team supporting her, and I am confident Greg Brown will transition successfully into his new role.”
Stephens joined the Housing Authority in April 1996 as a social services coordinator and advanced through a series of leadership positions, including social services administrator, director of operations and deputy director, before being appointed executive director on Jan. 1, 2019.
Throughout her career, she helped connect residents with essential community resources and coordinated health, wellness and recreational programs serving low-income families, seniors and individuals with disabilities. She also provided professional expertise to housing agencies and senior housing organizations throughout the region.
“It’s been a long and fulfilling career with the Housing Authority. We have helped some of Morris County’s most vulnerable residents and also expanded our work with the county’s homeless services system through collaboration with the Human Services department and local providers,” said Stephens. “I thank the county commissioners for their trust and support of the Housing Authority and for appointing such dedicated commissioners to our board. Every executive director should be fortunate enough to have a board so committed to helping achieve its goals.”
As executive director, Stephens oversaw 424 housing units across seven residential complexes, including a congregate living facility that provides supportive services to frail elderly residents. She also administered the Housing Choice Voucher Program, managing 642 vouchers that help county residents secure affordable housing, and worked closely with the Morris County Continuum of Care and local service providers to address housing instability and homelessness.
Under her leadership, the Housing Authority launched the Mainstream Voucher Program, which assists individuals with disabilities who have experienced homelessness. The agency also partnered with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families to administer Foster Youth to Independence vouchers, helping young adults transitioning from foster care secure stable housing and access supportive services designed to promote long-term independence.
Stephens recently received the Founder’s Award at the Housing Partnership Annual Gala in recognition of her contributions to affordable housing over the past three decades.
A resident of Netcong, Stephens holds a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitative services, a certificate in gerontology and certification as a public housing manager through Rutgers University. She previously served on the Netcong Board of Education and currently serves on the borough’s Planning Board.
The Board of County Commissioners extended its appreciation for Stephens’ service and wished her a happy and fulfilling retirement.
Gregory Brown, who most recently served as deputy director of the Housing Authority, was appointed executive director by the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners last month and will succeed Stephens in the role.
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Photo 1: (l-r) Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen, Deputy Director John Krickus, Kelly Stephens, Director Stephen Shaw, Commissioners Deborah Smith, Christine Myers and Tom Mastrangelo.
Photo 2: Kelly Stephens and Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen.
Photo 3: (l-r) Housing Authority Chairman Sal Poli; Kelly Stephens; Housing Authority Commissioners Sadia Ullah and Anthony Somma; and Housing Authority Vice Chairman Bruce Meringolo.