CHILDERSBURG — Jim Clark of Sylacauga is the new executive director of the Childersburg and Vincent Housing Authorities.

Clark started as director Monday.

He said he had already toured housing authority properties, and is “learning as we go.”

With a background in banking, Clark said his strength is working with people.

“We are dealing with people and not products,” he said. “We respond to people’s needs.”

Clark said his banking experience also provides him with a background in commercial properties. Housing maintenance personnel will meet with Clark weekly to address issues.

Assuming responsibility for 230 housing units, Clark said a major goal is to conform to HUD’s aim to ensure that public housing is as good as, if not better than, the private housing market.

“We will be constantly modernizing and making improvements,” he said.

Some of the improvements include new kitchen appliances, counters and heating and cooling units, Clark said.

“The footprint of the housing authority is substantial,” he said. “The housing authority is a major player” in selling Childersburg to prospective businesses and residents.

Clark said he is concerned about recent shootings in the Sadie Lee subdivision.

“It’s tragic,” he said, and pointed out that neither the victims nor the suspected shooter are from Sadie Lee or Childersburg.

Both Sadie Lee and Ferry Road Court are part of the Pleasant Valley subdivision that includes private dwellings. He said he would like to see a partnership between the public and private residents.

The 190 units in Childersburg are in Desoto Court, Ferry Road Court, Fairmont Lane, Bowen Drive, Sunset Apartments and Sadie Lee. The Vincent Housing Authority includes three subdivisions that provide 32 units.

Housing Authority Board Chairman Billie Crawford said that after meeting with Clark Tuesday she believes he will do a good job. She said she was impressed with Clark’s eagerness to meet the tenants and employees and becoming familiar with the job.

“I believe he’s going to do well,” Crawford said.

Contact Mark Ledbetter at mledbetter@dailyhome.com.