Philly Housing Authority adds NYC housing official

PHILADELPHIA - August 11, 2011 (WPVI) -- A New York City Housing Authority official was named Thursday to a key post at the troubled Philadelphia Housing Authority.

Kelvin Jeremiah will serve as the new director of the PHA's internal independent watchdog office, the agency said. He had a similar role as the New York City Housing Authority's inspector general and worked there with Michael Kelly, who now heads the Philadelphia Housing Authority.

"When I began to identify the leaders that I hoped would help me build a new culture at PHA, Kelvin was top on my list. His laser focus on ensuring ethical and efficient government should give everyone confidence in how PHA conducts its business," said Kelly, currently serving both as PHA executive director and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's administrative receiver.

Kelly replaced Carl Greene, who was fired last year amid claims he used about $900,000 in public money to settle several sexual harassment allegations.

Jeremiah, who increased arrests and criminal prosecutions by more than 30 percent and restitution collections in fraud cases by 200 percent while in New York, will help various investigative agencies examine past business practices and guard against future misconduct. His annual salary will be $153,000, and he begins in his new post immediately, PHA officials said.

"Citizens have a right to expect that their tax dollars are spent on their intended purpose. PHA has long been known for being at the forefront of innovative finance and real estate development," Jeremiah said. "My purpose is to ensure that we remain innovative and compliant with all federal rules and regulations at the same time."

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