SHA Staff

Thomas LaBonte and Angela Robles have been named as members of the Springfield Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.

Willie Thomas
Vice Chairman
Member since 2009

The five-member Board of Commissioners also has a new chairman, Raymond Warren, and a new vice chairman, Willie Thomas.

Both LaBonte and Robles were appointed to five-year terms by Mayor Domenic Sarno, and began serving in September. They are lifelong city residents who look forward to guiding the agency that provides housing and services for more than 5,000 families and households.

“I’m very excited, and very interested in the workings of the housing authority,” said LaBonte, who lives on Boyd Street in the East Forest Park section of Springfield. He works at the city’s Solid Waste Division, and has been a city employee since 1972.

Thomas Labonte
Assistant Secretary
Member since 2012

LaBonte, as vice president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1459, is the labor representative on the commission, a state requirement for all local housing authorities. He was also elected as assistant secretary of the Board of Commissioners.

“It’s a completely different challenge for me. I’ve never done this type of work before. I’m excited to be a part of it,” said Robles, who works as a victim witness advocate in the Hampden County District Attorney’s office. Robles lived in Riverview Apartments, an SHA property, until she was four and her parents bought a house.

As the new chairman, Warren said he looks forward to leading the commission, as well as working with the newest members.

“It is my pleasure to welcome Tom LaBonte and Angela Robles to the Board of Commissioners,” Warren said. “Mayor Sarno did the SHA well by appointing two thoughtful and experienced board members. Tom and Angela bring new points of view and much knowledge of our community. Such change is a very good thing for any organization.”

Raymond Warren
Chairman
Member since 2004

Warren, a commissioner since 2004, also said he is happy to serve as chairman.

“This agency has made a long hard journey from when I first arrived until now,” he said.

“When you analyze all the physical rehabilitation that has taken place, the improvements to operations and the dramatic shift in the stature of the SHA you see that an amazing transformation has occurred. How? The untold story is that there many skilled, motivated and proud employees who make good things happen every single day,” he said.

SHA Executive Director William H. Abrashkin welcomed the new commissioners, and congratulated Warren on his new role.

Angela Robles
Commissioner
Member since 2012

“From the outset both Mr. LaBonte and Ms. Robles have shown support for the mission of the SHA and willingness to roll up their sleeves and learn about this complex organization. We welcome our new Commissioners and look forward to working with them in the future,” he said.

Abrashkin added, “Ray Warren has been on the board for eight years and has contributed greatly to all of the improvements that the SHA has realized during his tenure. He brings deep knowledge of the SHA, commitment to our mission, and expertise in the field of economic development. We are fortunate to have a Commissioner of his knowledge and dedication serving as board chair.”

Newly elected commission treasurer is Eugenia Choiniere.