Northampton Housing Authority board hires Kimball as director on 4-1 vote

Other Committee · Meeting of June 11, 2026

Northampton Housing Authority board hires interim director Kimball on a 4-1 vote after a five-month search. Commissioners Ben Wood, Jim Nash, Hank Brashkin and Healy backed Sharon Kimball for executive director; Commissioner Jada Tarbutton voted for the other finalist, Andrew Skoog, who was the tenant organization's top pick. The board separately voted 4-1 to authorize contract negotiations under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 121B, which caps an initial contract at one year.

Nineteen candidates from eight states applied. Commissioner Healy said Kimball "ran the entire organization without an executive staff," while Tarbutton argued during debate that "I just don't want to start putting credit where credit is due." The selection now heads to the state's Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for final approval.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report, 2,269 words

Source: the Other Committee meeting of June 11, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.