Ronald K. Kawamoto was celebrated Thursday, Oct. 23, upon his retirement from the Vancouver Housing Authority (VHA) Board of Commissioners. A reception honoring the commissioner was held in the VHA Community Room prior to the Board’s regular monthly meeting. The commissioners presented Kawamoto with a framed resolution recognizing his accomplishments while serving on the board for the past eleven years.

Kawamoto was appointed to the VHA Board of Commissioners in 2003 by Vancouver Mayor Royce Pollard. He was reappointed in 2007 and 2012. He has served as both chair and vice chair of the board. During the presentation, current chair Art Miles praised Kawamoto for his human touch and his leadership. Miles applauded Kawamoto for his advocacy for progressive policies and diversification of housing types and services, which has resulted in consistent high performance measures by both public and private standards.

The VHA provides opportunities to people who experience barriers to housing because of income, disability or special needs in an environment which preserves personal dignity, and in a manner which maintains the public trust. A replacement for Commissioner Kawamoto will be selected following receipt of applications by the City of Vancouver.