PHILADELPHIA – Anne Fadullon, Director of Planning and Development for the City of Philadelphia, today announced the appointment of Frederick Purnell, Sr. as the Deputy Director for Housing and Community Development.

As Deputy Director Mr. Purnell will oversee the City’s three core agencies supporting housing and community development – the Office of Housing and Community Development, the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and the Philadelphia Housing Development Corp. Together those agencies support the development and preservation of affordable housing, the redevelopment of vacant property and the funding of community economic development programs.

Mr. Purnell served for 16 years as executive director of the Wilmington (DE) Housing Authority (WHA). While there he directed the development of Low Income Housing Tax Credit units and managed public housing units and the Housing Choice Voucher program.

Under Mr. Purnell the WHA completed Delaware’s first tax credit and mixed finance public housing development. In 2007 its Village of Eastlake development was voted “Best Affordable Housing Opportunity in America” by Housing Finance Magazine. During his tenure the WHA secured more than $50 million in competitive grants.

“Fred brings a wealth of experience and knowledge,” said Anne Fadullon. “His leadership and expertise will be invaluable as the City strategically aligns its housing and community development work.”

“I am excited to apply my housing and community development experience to make a difference for people and communities,” said Mr. Purnell.  “I look forward to working with our dedicated professionals to transform neighborhoods across Philadelphia.”

Mr. Purnell is a native of Philadelphia and a graduate of Central High School and Pennsylvania State University.

He starts as Deputy Director on May 9.