A New England bank official has been named executive director of the Wyoming Community Development Authority.

David Haney, 57, served as senior vice president for community development in northern New England, Bank of America.

He was also chairman of the board for the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority and the New Hampshire Workforce Housing Coalition.

Haney said he was attracted to the WCDA position because of the professional challenge it offers and because it afforded him an opportunity to be closer to Colorado, where he grew up.

"I saw it as a terrific opportunity for me to create a new and unique professional challenge for me, as well as put me back where my roots are," he said.

Haney said the WCDA has done an excellent job of providing first-time homeowner opportunities and affordable rentals.

In the future, in addition to its historical role, "There's an opportunity for the authority to bridge the gap between affordable housing as a social justice issue and to bridge into economic development," he said.

Haney said housing should be viewed as a critical part of infrastructure, much like transportation or telecommunications. He said he hopes to create additional avenues for dialogue to address the needs of employers and their employees.

"There is no silver bullet," he said. "There is no good, simple, easy answer to the issue," partly because housing challenges vary across the state.

Haney expects to take over at the WCDA about Sept. 20. His starting salary is $165,000 a year.

"The WCDA is stepping up its efforts to meet the state's changing needs, most recently by developing the idea behind the new work force housing program to help cities develop infrastructure for housing," Gov. Dave Freudenthal said in a press release.

"David Haney's arrival at the WCDA marks an enhanced role for the organization in meeting the challenging housing needs in Wyoming," Freudenthal added.

Haney obtained a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Colorado. He graduated from the Prochnow School of Banking and the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Business. He also attended the Stanford University Simulation Pilot Study Program and has done additional post-graduate work at the University of Colorado at Denver.

Haney replaces George Axlund, who retired in May after more than 30 years with the WCDA.

Haney and his wife live near Concord, N.H. The couple's two sons are in college.

Among other things, WCDA offers low-interest loans and assistance to first-time homebuyers.

Business Editor Tom Mast can be reached at tom.mast@casperstartribune.net, or call 307-266-0574.