Residents at Blue Mound Tower know their executive director, Tammy Johnson, is someone they can count on for help.
Now Johnson’s local positive impact is known statewide.
Johnson received the 2021 Outstanding Achievement Award at the annual conference of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials in Duluth last week.
She was nominated for the award by Evan Verbrugge, who is a board member with the Luverne Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
He assisted in hiring Johnson in January 2015.
“And since Day 1 she has been a breath of fresh air to this housing authority,” Verbrugge wrote.
“Tammy had big shoes to fill, with Marcia Linssen retiring after several years as executive director, but I knew Tammy would excel at this position.”
Johnson’s “residents-first” philosophy led her to secure grants totaling $1.3 million to improve the 50-year-old Blue Mound Tower.
She often spent time on weekends pulling the grant information together. The process took hours.
“She dove straight in head-first and has not come up for a breath yet,” Verbrugge said.
“Tammy is firm but fair with the contractors, which means things will be done properly.”
Dara Lee is the Minnesota NAHRO vice president.
“One of the reasons Tammy was selected for this honor was due to the kindness and care she shows residents,” Lee said. “Her residents love and respect her as she does her best to provide them with a comfortable home.”
The work in the 70-unit apartment building is scheduled to be done this fall.
An open house and 50-year anniversary celebration is planned.
“I’m humbled,” Johnson said. “The award usually goes to the metro facilities.”
She was quick to add that she “was just doing her job.”
“This job is one of servant leadership,” she said. “It seems odd to get an award to show up, do your job and treat people with respect — that’s what people should do every day.”
Tower residents and co-workers at the Towers honored Johnson Monday with gifts of flowers, a celebratory cake and a banner in congratulations.
“Tammy is always looking to improve the lifestyles of the residents, whether it is by just saying ‘hello’ or by decorating the common areas to make people feel welcome and at home,” Verbrugge said.
“We as a board are so lucky to have Tammy in charge, as it makes our lives so much easier — we do not need to worry about every little thing that may come up as Tammy probably has it taken care of already.”
The Outstanding Achievement Award is given annually through the Minnesota Chapter of NAHRO.
The award was first established in 1985 to recognize individual members who, in their house or community development career, have had outstanding achievements during the past year and show promise of continued success.