Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — Probate Judge Robert N. Rusu Jr. has announced that he has appointed Ian Beniston to the Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. Beniston’s appointment fills the open seat left by Brigid Kennedy, who resigned at the end of April. Beniston will complete the remainder of Kennedy’s five-year term, which expires Nov. 28, 2027.

Beniston is the executive director of the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation. He also is a member of the faith-based group ACTION, Community Corrections Association and Ohio Community Development Corporation Association Policy Committee.

He earned a master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from The Ohio State University and a certification from the National Development Council as a Housing Development Finance Professional.

“Ian’s reputation in the Youngstown / Mahoning Valley in housing and getting projects completed is second to none,” Rusu said. “He has done such a fine job with YNDC and the redevelopment of the Glenwood Avenue corridor that I am looking forward to what he can do on a larger scale with the YMHA.”

The YMHA is a housing organization dedicated to creating and managing healthy and enriching housing environments for residents of Mahoning County.

Ohio Revised Code authorizes the creation of a Metropolitan Housing Authority and directs the local county Probate Judge to appoint one member of the board.

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