By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Less than three months after starting the search for a new executive director, the St. John the Baptist Parish Housing Authority announced Friday that the agency has hired a New Iberia woman to take the helm.

Trina Henderson, who has more than 15 years experience working in public housing agencies across the state, was chosen among 23 other applicants who submitted resumes for the position. She was the top choice of a seven-person community group appointed to help select the Housing Authority’s new leader. Henderson is the fourth executive director for St. John housing in two years.

“There was this settling feeling I think we all had in talking to her before we offered her the job,” said Housing Authority Commissioner Melissa Faucheaux of Henderson. “She has a humble confidence and we all feel that she will do what is best for this agency.

Henderson said prior to the interviews, she had taken drives around the parish’s four housing developments to get a feel for the culture of the community and the residents occupying units. She said she understands the challenge that lies ahead.

“We have some work to do,” Henderson said. “We have a responsibility to take care of the residents and the problems that come up, but we also need help from them. We want them to feel safe living here.”