Margarita Lares serves as HACLA’s Chief Programs Officer since October 2018. She is responsible for the oversight of HACLA’s major U.S. Housing & Urban Development (HUD) programs including Section 8-Housing Choice Vouchers, Public Housing, and the Los Angeles LOMOD Corporation (a HUD Performance-Based Contract Administrator). These programs make HACLA the second largest public housing authority in the nation. Prior to her employment with HACLA she held the position of director of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for 13 years with the Los Angeles County Development Authority. Ms. Lares’ extensive career includes leadership roles in banking, healthcare, and higher education.
Ms. Lares is an active member of several national organizations and sits on the housing committees for the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Organization (NAHRO) and Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA). She provides policy and operational input on HUD programs, and the future of public housing.
Ms. Lares was born and raised in East Los Angeles. She is proud to be have attended Los Angeles schools and spent her entire career working in the community. Her association with public housing began at the age of 14 as a summer youth worker at a housing development where she assisted residents and new program applicants.
