WCHA CEO honored by Westmoreland County Diversity Coalition

The Westmoreland County Diversity Coalition as part of its Hidden Treasures series recognized Westmoreland County Housing Authority Chief Executive Officer Michael L. Washowich at Ferrante’s Lakeview in Greensburg Tuesday morning.

Since 2001, Mr. Washowich has been responsible for overseeing all operations at the fourth largest housing authority in Pennsylvania.

WCHA currently has 45 communities throughout Westmoreland County providing housing for more than 4,000 residents.

Under his leadership for the past 22 years, WCHA has been recognized statewide and nationally as a leader in providing services and quality affordable housing to families, seniors and disabled throughout Westmoreland County.

Mr. Washowich currently serves as chairman of the Pennsylvania Association of Housing & Redevelopment Agencies (PAHRA) nominating committee. He previously was a member of PAHRA’s board of directors and a member of the Workforce Investment Board. He also was past president of the Western Pennsylvania Housing Directors Association (WPHDA).

Prior to coming to WCHA, Mr. Washowich was with the McKeesport Housing Authority serving in various capacities including tenant selection supervisor, modernization coordinator and Deputy Executive Director.

He received his master’s degree in professional leadership from Carlow College and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Kent State University.

Mr. Washowich resides in North Huntingdon. He and his wife, Missy, are the proud parents of two daughters, Taylor and Haley.

The Diversity Coalition is a young community-based nonprofit membership organization that is poised to bring people together to promote diversity from all walks of life, generate greater understanding and acceptance, and to help create through advocacy and education an atmosphere in Westmoreland County where all people feel welcome.

Carlotta Paige, co-founder and co-chair of the Coalition, praised Mr. Washowich for his role in WCHA’s success in providing quality, affordable housing to residents in Westmoreland County.

The Hidden Treasures program is a speaker series featuring amazing individuals who “behind the scenes” move about Westmoreland County every day, influencing and impacting the lives of county residents through the program(s) they direct or the service they provide.

Hidden Treasures is all about recognizing these special people and thanking them for what they do!