Leonard J. Spicer

Executive Director


Please join me in welcoming Leonard J. Spicer as the new Executive Director of the Newark Housing Authority. Leonard brings a wealth of public and private sector experience.  He recently served as the Director of the Office of Public Housing at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  In that role, he had oversight of all 110 Public Housing Authorities and Agencies in the State of New Jersey.  He also served as a Division Director in HUD’s New York City Office of Public Housing. In addition, Leonard served as HUDs Public Housing Recovery Administrator for the Irvington Housing Authority in Irvington, New Jersey. In this role, he was the Executive Director and Co-Chairman of the Board of Commissioners after the Housing Authority was placed into receivership in April of 2022.  Leonard also served as an Assistant Division Director of Public Housing within the Public Housing and Community Development Department of Miami-Dade County, (Florida) where he managed a portfolio of more than 11,000 Public Housing units and led more than 200 personnel. In total he has over 15 years of experience in the public and assisted housing industry at various levels. Leonard is a Veteran of the United States Army having served 8 years including a deployment with the 101st Airborne Division in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy from DePaul University, a master’s degree in Construction Management from Fordham University and numerous industry certifications. Outside of work Leonard is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. He enjoys traveling, being a foodie, and spending time with family and friends.