Lori Harris

Lori Harris was appointed to the Authority’s Board in October of 2007.  Ms. Harris has recently returned to Norstar Development USA, an affordable housing developer.  Now in the position of Senior Project Manager, she previously held the position of Project Manager since September, 2005 before departing for the state position detailed below.  In this capacity, she is responsible for all pre-development project activities including land use approvals, coordination with architects/engineers, and financing for projects in various parts of the U.S.

Ms. Harris was previously the Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Community Development for NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal.  The Division is responsible for the supervision, maintenance and development of affordable low- and moderate-income housing in New York State.  

Ms. Harris held several progressively responsible positions for Albany’s Department of Development and Planning.  She was ultimately named Commissioner in 2002. As Commissioner, Ms. Harris managed diverse City departments that included neighborhood planning, land use, community and economic development functions.  Other notable responsibilities in this position were development and implementation of various revitalization strategies and community/neighborhood planning processes, and serving as Executive Director of the City’s Industrial Development Agency.

Ms. Harris began her career with the Village of Machesney Park, Illinois, holding positions in the Department of Community Development.  She earned a Master’s degree from Illinois State University’s School of Arts and Sciences – Department of Government and Politics, and a Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University.

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