Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy has announced that she will leave Mountain Housing Opportunities at the end of the month. Bellamy has been the nonprofit’s marketing manager for 10-and-a-half years, promoting MHO’s mission of creating affordable housing in Asheville.
In an e-mail from the mayor’s office, MHO Executive Director Scott Dedman calls Bellamy “a strong and passionate advocate for affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization.”
Now a year and a half into her first term as mayor, Bellamy often recuses herself from City Council votes involving funding for affordable housing — especially where MHO is concerned — in order to avoid conflicts of interest. The move could leave her free to participate in those votes in the future.
Bellamy says she is leaving MHO in order to join her husband Lamont’s business, Diamond Executive Transportation Service.
The press release from the mayor’s office is below.
— Brian Postelle, staff writer
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2007
City of Asheville
Office of the Mayor
Terry Bellamy has announced effective July 31, 2007 she will be leaving Mountain Housing Opportunities (MHO), where she has served as marketing manager for the past ten and a half years. Bellamy is leaving MHO to join her husband, Lamont Bellamy, in his business, Diamond Executive Transportation Service.
“I have truly enjoyed working with and for the staff and board of Mountain Housing Opportunities. I am also grateful to have assisted the residents of Asheville and Buncombe County with their housing needs through MHO,” said Bellamy. “My transition will allow me the opportunity to assist my husband with his business and its expansion.”
At MHO, Bellamy led the organization’s marketing, fundraising, and public relations efforts. In her role as community organizer and communications manager, Bellamy was instrumental in the revitalization of the West End/Clingman Avenue Neighborhood (WECAN) and the formation of the WECAN Association.
“Terry’s departure is a very big loss for MHO,” said MHO Executive Director Scott Dedman. “She has advanced our marketing and fundraising efforts greatly, and she is a strong and passionate advocate for affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization. She has shown incredible dedication to support and build MHO and to improve the lives of the people we serve. Terry truly believes in serving the community in so many ways, and I know she will continue to serve.”
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