Lucas Metropolitan Housing Welcomes New Commissioner and Additions to its Leadership Team

Toledo, Ohio, April 22, 2021 - Joaquin Cintron Vega, LMH President & CEO, announced that the agency is welcoming a new Board Commissioner - Reverend Michael Hanck and several new members to its leadership team. Pastor Hanck holds a Master of Divinity Degree from Trinity Lutheran Seminary and is an alumnus of AmeriCorps - having served in Tacoma, Washington and Jacksonville, Florida.  In 2020, he was one of the recipients of the Multifaith Council of Northwest Ohio's Hero of Compassion Award. Currently, he is the pastor of Salem Lutheran Church and part of a national network of pastors who seek to innovatively minister to people who feel that they are on the margins of society.

Pastor Hanck was appointed to the LMH Board of Commissioners by the Honorable Jack R. Puffenberger of the Lucas County Probate Court. "It is exciting to welcome Pastor Hanck to our Board of Commissioners," said Joaquin Cintron Vega. "His compassionate leadership will help us be even more sensitive to the needs of our community."

LMH also announced that the follow individuals have been named to leadership positions within the agency:

Shimeako Cole, Chief Financial Officer

Shimeako Cole is now the Chief Financial Officer for LMH.  She is responsible for the accounting and financial functions of the agency as well as the management of the finance team. She has been with LMH, since 2018, serving as the Accounting Manager.  Prior to joining LMH, she served as the Director of Finance for the Lucas County Auditor and also held a financial management position with the City of Toledo.  In 2020, while she was serving as the Interim Chief Financial Officer, LMH was awarded the Ohio Auditor of State award. "Our agency financial condition is paramount to maintaining a level of excellence in the services we provide to our communities," said Cintron Vega. "Under Ms. Cole's leadership, our Finance Department has already achieved important milestones, and I am looking forward to her continued success."

Cole is a life-long resident of Toledo, and holds a BA in Accounting and Finance, and an AA in Business from Lourdes University.

Libby Schoen, Vice President of Resident Services

Libby Schoen has been named Vice President of Resident Services. She has more than fifteen years of government, community-based and non-profit agency experience, and was most recently employed at the United Way of Greater Toledo in the Community Impact Department. 

While working at United Way of Greater Toledo, she had the opportunity to work with over 45 community partners across Lucas County focusing on delivering programming in the areas of education, financial stability and health. She partnered closely with Toledo Public Schools on multiple initiatives including the Schools as Community Hubs strategy to support children and families.

Schoen has experience managing state, federal, local and philanthropic dollars. She has her Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma and enjoys using the tools to effectively and efficiently manage projects and processes. 

She attended the Ohio University for her undergraduate degree and received her Master's Degree in Education from the University of Toledo.

Vivian Crawford, Associate Vice President of Resident Services

Vivian Crawford is now the Associate Vice President of Resident Services. Prior to starting this position, she was the Assistant Manager of Resident Services for LMH. She has also been a ROSS Service Coordinator at numerous sites including sites for the elderly and families. She began her tenure with LMH as the Coordinator of the Maurine Simmons Family Investment Center where she managed the day-to-day operation of the center. While in that capacity, she developed, implemented and managed numerous programs and services for children, families and seniors throughout Lucas County.

Crawford holds a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership, a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Public Administration and Human Resources Training and Development, and an Associate's Degree in Social Service Administration. She also holds numerous certifications and awards for her work with those less fortunate. In 2015-2016, she was named Service Coordinator of the Year from the National Alliance of Service Coordinators in Affordable and Assisted Housing.

"Lucas Metropolitan Housing has one of the best Resident Services Department across the nation," stated Cintron Vega. "Our Resident Service Coordinators are essential to achieving our mission to create and maintain sustainable, affordable housing opportunities, provide pathways to a better quality of life, and empower vibrant communities. Ms. Schoen and Ms. Crawford will lead these efforts while we continue to work hand in hand to build stronger and expansive partnerships."

About Lucas Metropolitan Housing

Established in 1933, Lucas Metropolitan Housing (LMH) continues to provide affordable housing to adults, seniors and children in its Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher, Mixed-Income and Market Rate housing units. LMH also provides a myriad of programs and opportunities designed to improve the total quality of life for our residents, with the ultimate goal of achieving self-sufficiency. The programs and services are the results of successful collaborations with numerous community partners.

Our current housing portfolio consists of 2,633 Public Housing units; 4,657 Housing Choice Vouchers; 322 Low-Income Housing Tax Credit units; 198 Market Rate units and 107 Homeownership Properties. There are approximately 17,500 people who reside in LMH properties. Lucas Metropolitan Housing partners with ALL people and organizations willing to exchange ideas and efforts to enhance Toledo, Lucas County and the world.                                                                                                  

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