Deborah Goddard nominated for Rhode Island housing secretary position
Former Wheaton trustee has 40 years of experience in the field
Deborah Goddard ’78 was nominated by Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee on November 21 to serve as secretary of the state’s Department of Housing.
“Deborah Goddard is a deeply committed and accomplished housing professional whose work has benefited people from all backgrounds,” the Governor said. “Housing affordability and availability in Rhode Island have never been more important than they are right now. I am confident Deborah’s knowledge and experience will guide the Department to achieving our housing goals.”
Her appointment won immediate approval from several of the state’s leaders, including House Speaker Joe Shekarch, who described her to the WPRI TV Channel 12 as “impressive.” Daniel Connors, who has been holding the post on an interim basis, told The Boston Globe, “It’s fair to say housing has been her life’s work.”
The leader of DJ Goddard consulting—advising and providing organizational and process analysis for public, quasi-public and nonprofit agencies—Goddard has 40 years of experience in the housing field.
A former Wheaton College trustee (2016–2021), she most recently served as executive vice president for capital projects at the New York City Housing Authority for three years, managing $3 billion of construction projects and helping advance the agency’s energy and sustainability programs.
Goddard previously held positions as managing director for policy and program development at MassHousing and general counsel to the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development.
“Secure, safe and affordable housing creates the foundation for positive outcomes in education, health and economic prosperity,” Goddard said. “With this principle in mind, my career has been dedicated to creating and preserving housing opportunities across the income spectrum, for the unhoused, for renters and homeowners, alike, with attention to equity.
“I am honored and excited to have this opportunity to advance a housing agenda for Rhode Island that is inclusive, comprehensive and transparent.”
She holds a bachelor’s degree in government from Wheaton and a doctor of law degree from Boston College Law School.
Goddard awaits confirmation from the Rhode Island Senate of the appointment.