Asbury Park Housing Authority Hires Executive Director
Sahlin: The end goal is to ensure the APHA is able to stand on its own
Former Long Branch Housing Authority Interim Director Tom Sahlin has been named Executive Director of the Asbury Park Housing Authority.
Sahlin, who stepped down from his former post over a month ago, oversaw the administration of Long Branch, Asbury Park, and Red Bank’s public housing for 10 months.
He was unanimously voted into the post Monday night by the Asbury Park Housing Authority Board of 
Commissioners.
“The Board authorized the hiring of [Sahlin],” Board Attorney Arianna Moure said. “The [one year] contract is still being finalized and will be in compliance with HUD regulation and procedures and in line with industry standards.”
Board of Commissioners Chair Greg Hopson said Sahlin’s focus remained focus on the Housing Authority residents during his brief tenure as Interim Director.
“It is truly an honor to hire this young man,” Hopson said. “I know he will do the job we have challenged him with and I know he’s more community oriented than the most of the residents. I’ve worked with him for almost a year and I couldn’t think of a better fit.”
On April 30, the Board unanimously approved a six month extension of its its interlocal contract agreement with the Long Branch Housing Authority [LBHA], thereby allowing them time to hire an executive director, as well as a maintenance and finance director, and a site manager.
They also hired Tinton Falls resident Qaasim ‘Q’ Johnson [at right], who serves as administrative assistant to the new director. Johnson, who is married to Asbury Park native Lakisha [Walker], has two children – ages 13 and 16.
“I welcomed the job because I saw it as an opportunity to give back to the community,” Johnson, the former general manager at a law firm, said at the time. “I have watched this community through its ups and downs, and as I watch the community begin to thrive again, I want to be apart of that.”
Sahlin’s employ begins immediately and while they are still in a period of transition with regard to being an independent entity, Sahilin’s hire further underscores that goal.
“When you are trying to move things forward you have to someone in place that is knowledgeable about what is going on,” Vice Chairman Frank Syphax said. “He’s done a fantastic job on our behalf.”
A Piscataway native, Sahlin spent seven years as the Long Branch Housing Authority’s Assistant Comptroller. The 34-year-old married father of two young children is an Ocean Township resident who moved to area over 20 years ago. He is a graduate of Monmouth University, where he obtained degrees in business administration and accounting.
Sahlin said he sees the post as an important cog in ensuring ‘the housing authority is moving in the right direction and being a conduit to keep the board informed to effectively govern each of the properties.’
As executive director he will oversee the local housing authority’s move toward financial independence and administrative oversight from the Long Branch Housing Authority; its current Boston Way and impending Lincoln Village rebuild; as well as operation of its Dr. Robinson Towers, Lumley Homes, Comstock Court, Asbury Park Village, and Washington Village buildings.
“The end goal is to ensure the Asbury Park Housing Authority is able to stand on its own two feet and operate 100 percent independently and sustainably,” Sahlin said. “I want to ensure the staff works in a professional manner and are taking care of our residents. I’m looking at all this from a different vantage point now; before it was about the numbers now it’s about doing things for residents.”
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