Albemarle City Manager Michael Ferris has appointed Dr. Kim L. Scott as the city’s new director of public housing. Scott will assume his new role on Jan. 18.

Raised in Albemarle, Scott began his professional career with the Albemarle Finance Department as a tax clerk. Later, Scott served as a resident services coordinator for the Department of Housing. He wrote several grants that led to funding for enhancements to all housing units as well as the establishment of the Amhurst Gardens Family Life Center.

Scott also developed, implemented, and managed several youth and adult education programs, managed the resident council and created a community newsletter.

Scott was employed by the Charlotte Housing Authority as a HOPE VI resident services coordinator. He was responsible for developing family self-sufficiency programs and facilities management in the First Ward, Dalton Village and Fair View Homes Housing communities in Charlotte.

“To accept the role as the City of Albemarle director of public housing at this time is an opportunity to touch, challenge and change the lives of diverse individuals and their families through programs and events that lead to self-sufficiency,” Scott said.

In his new role, Scott plans to assist and advocate for housing residents to gain access to intensive wrap-around services for families, including healthcare, mental health services, youth development, childcare and literacy programs. In addition, Scott will work to promote formal job training and employability skills that lead to employment placement in the workplace, including entrepreneurship.

“As residents experience self-sufficiency, they will pour resources back into our community to support the vision of success and growth for the 21st Century and beyond,” Scott said.

Over the last 20 years, Scott has worked in the education management industry as a teacher, vice president of operations and academic dean on the college level, and K-12 school administrator in for-profit, public and charter schools.

He holds an associate’s degree in business computer programming from Stanly Community College, a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Lee University (East Coast Bible College); a master’s degree in Adult Education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University; and a Doctorate in Education/Educational Leadership from the University of
Phoenix.

“We are excited to have Dr. Scott join our city team,” City Manager Michael Ferris said. “I had the privilege of working with him during his previous tenure with the city. I know him to be extremely professional, hardworking, and conscientious. Dr. Scott will be a valuable part of our City Leadership Team and will be a tremendous asset to those we serve.”

Scott is passionate about transforming lives through community collaboration, the development of strong community culture and clear standards and expectations of processes for maximizing efficient operations. He is enthusiastic about combining his experience from the education management industry to strengthen the core foundations of management that the city and its leadership team have built.

Scott’s long-term ambition is to transform public housing into mixed-income, healthy communities that are equitable, affordable, and sustainable.

“The City of Albemarle and its residents are experiencing growth and change that will enhance the lives of all of its residents, and I want to be a part of that change. Thank you for this opportunity to serve the City of Albemarle,” Scott said.

City of Albemarle operates a housing program consisting of 333 Section 8 vouchers as well as 200 apartment units. The apartments are at two sites in Albemarle, Amhurst Gardens and Elizabeth Heights. Amhurst Gardens has 150-units ranging in size from one-bedroom units up to five bedrooms. Elizabeth Heights has 50 one-bedroom units serving elderly and disabled individuals.