Our recent annual conference marks three years of recognizing great people doing great work in Indian Country. We are highlighting our 2017 Superhero Award winners on the blog.
(Pictured from left to right are: Jean Defoe, finance manager, Red Cliff Chippewa Housing Authority; and Mike Price, director, Travois Asset Management & Compliance)
This week’s feature is Haven Professional of the Year: Jean Defoe, finance manager of Red Cliff Chippewa Housing Authority.
Since November 2013, Jean has been a housing authority employee who listens to the needs of the families she serves and puts plans into action. She’s the heart of the housing authority, providing guidance and leadership, and at times, she wears multiple hats — she most recently filled in as acting executive director during a short vacancy.
Jean helps keep the project running long after the groundbreakings and grand openings have been achieved. She works tirelessly to ensure the wheels stay in motion, the construction jobs get finished and the units get rented up.
When announced as the 2017 Haven Professional of the Year, Jean was brought to tears.
After the conference, she shared this with us:
“Receiving the Superhero Award was such an honor and very much unexpected,” Jean said. “The surprise, support and recognition had me in tears. I am so grateful.”
Even with her heavy workload, Jean remains very involved in her community and makes sure the tenants she serves have everything they need.
Jean helps ensure Indian Country housing remains strong for the future, and we’re so happy to be her partner.
Congratulations, Jean!
Read about our 2017 Superhero Awards winners:
- Economic Development Professional of the Year: Lance Morgan, president and CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc.
- Housing Professional of the Year: Floyd Tortalita, Pueblo of Acoma Housing Authority executive director
- Pillar Professional of the Year: Danny Chatter, maintenance supervisor at Yavapai-Apache Nation Tribal Housing
- Project Team of the Year: Red Lake Reservation Housing Authority