Enfield Housing Authority Commissioner Honored For 35 Years Of Service

Press release from the Enfield Housing Authority:

Dec. 15, 2022

Enfield Housing Authority Commissioner William “Bill” Ballard was honored on Monday, December 12, 2022, for his 35 years of dedicated service on the Enfield Housing Authority (EHA) Board of Commissioners. Mr. Ballard was presented with a citation and a proclamation by State and local officials.

Enfield Mayor Bob Cressotti presented Mr. Ballard a Proclamation on behalf of the Town Council, Town Administration, and the entire community for his 35 years of service to the Enfield Housing Authority and the Town of Enfield.

State Senator John Kissel the presented a General Assembly Official Citation introduced by Senator John A. Kissel of the 7th District, Representative Tom Arnone of the 58th District, and Carol Hall of the 59th District.

Many others attended the ceremony including Mr. Ballard’s wife Elizabeth, Daughter Beth, and grandson Andrew. EHA Commissioners Howard Coro, Jr, Mary Ellen Kuraska, Mark Zarcaro, and Executive Director Scott Bertrand, along several friends from the community were on hand to congratulate him for his achievement.

Mr. Ballard will not be seeking re-appointment to the EHA Board at the end of his term.

Brief Bio for William J. “Bill” Ballard

William J. “Bill” Ballard was born in Providence, RI in 1936. He served two years in the US Navy Reserves and then went on to complete his BA at Providence College in 1961.

Bill started his business career at the Providence Journal and after two years, joined the Hartford Courant where he worked as a Senior Account Executive until his retirement in 1995. Not to be idle long, Bill worked part time at the Loomis Chaffee School from 1997 to 2008.

He and his wife Elizabeth “Liz” Ballard moved to Enfield in 1967 and have resided here since. They raised two children, Beth, and Patrick, at their home in southern Enfield.

Bill has always been very active in the community. His dedication to the residents of Enfield includes serving on the Town Council from 1977 through 1980 followed by over 35 years on the Enfield Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.

He joined the Housing Authority Board to fulfill an unexpired term in early 1987 and was appointed to his first of seven terms later that year. Over the course of his time on the Board, he had served many years in leadership roles as both Vice Chair and Chair.

During his tenure Bill and the EHA Board implemented strategic initiatives to ensure the sustainability of the EHA’s housing portfolio. Windsor Court housing for the elderly and individuals with disabilities was redeveloped. The concept was used as a model for other housing authorities in the State of Connecticut. Major renovation projects were completed throughout the other EHA neighborhoods to make certain that they will be viable for years to come. A plan for the complete redevelopment of Enfield Manor was created, which when completed, will greatly improve the quality of life for the residents and expand affordable housing opportunities in Enfield.

Bill is well known for his lighthearted sense of humor, warm manner, and collaborative nature. His dedication and demonstrated leadership serve as example for all as to how volunteering within our communities truly makes a difference.

This press release was produced by the Enfield Housing Authority. The views expressed here are the author's own.