ECHR Director Brings New Perspective
There’s a new leader on the scene in our Energy Conservation and Housing Rehab (ECHR) component.
Bringing a unique advantage
John O’Donnell took the reins of the component over the summer and has since hit the ground running. John has years of experience in the housing and construction field. Before coming to TAP, he worked for the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)—one of TAP’s funders—overseeing their energy auditing software and conducting technical monitoring.
While John’s experience at DHCD and deep understanding of housing programs at the state level bring a unique advantage to our agency, he says what drew him to TAP was the opportunity to get back to more hands-on involvement. “Being more a part of the day-to-day impact at the local level was the draw,” he said. “Being at the state level has a sense of fulfillment…but it’s not the same as when you go out and actually get to see a client.”
The future is green
John has big plans for ECHR’s future, including expanding programs and partner networks, increasing staff training, and exploring “green” initiatives. One of his main goals is creating a more holistic approach for our ECHR programs, combining services to create healthier home environments. By blending services and funding streams, we not only double our impact but also maximize our resources—a win for clients and the agency.
We’re thrilled to have John on board at TAP, and look forward to seeing how our ECHR programs evolve under his leadership. To learn more about our housing programs, click here.