Housing Agency Director Named

Bob Wilson, who served as assistant chief executive officer through most of Orange County’s 18-month bankruptcy crisis, was recently appointed director of the Housing and Redevelopment Department.

Wilson replaces longtime director Dhongchai “Bob” Pusavat, who recently took a medical leave but is expected to return.

The Housing and Redevelopment Department handles federal housing grants and administers a variety of revitalization projects in struggling unincorporated neighborhoods such as El Modena and West Anaheim.

Pusavat, a former Buddhist monk, is most closely associated with the department’s community improvement projects, including job training programs for gang members and a project designed to upgrade sewers and sidewalks.

County officials said Pusavat’s new duties and title will be determined when he returns to work, but he is expected to continue his community service work.

Jan Mittermeier, the county’s chief executive officer, appointed Wilson to the post. As her deputy, Wilson helped prepare the county budget and put together the bankruptcy recovery plan.