THE HEAD OF HOUSTON'S HOUSING DEPARTMENT RESIGNS IN AN EMAIL!

PARKER SAYS ITS TIME TO FIND A NON-TRADITIONAL LEADER FOR THE JOB!

The man who headed the City of Houston's embattled housing department under Mayor Bill White has resigned.

Richard Celli submitted a two-week notice of resignation to Mayor Annise Parker.

Celli administrated the housing department for the last several years. He leaves a department that has been criticized for not following federal housing rules.

In February, FOX 26 News reported how the department's down payment assistance program was in debt.

Mayor Parker says in a written statement that it is time to find a new and non-traditional leader for the embattled department.

Celli's resignation takes effect toward the end of March.

Here's the email sent to Mayor Parker announcing his departure and Parker's response:

From: Celli, Richard - HCD
Sent: Friday, March 12, 2010 8:53 AM
To:
Subject: Resignation of Richard Celli

Mayor Parker, it has been a privilege to provide Community Development products to the city of Houston for the past 3 years. This email will serve as a two week notice. My last working day will be on the 26th day of March, 2010. I will always be grateful for the valuable experience that I gained while working to deliver products and services to the low to moderate income citizens of Houston.

Parker:

I thank Mr. Celli for his hard work and expertise. He has an excellent reputation as a deal maker who can bring banks to the table on these housing projects. Now it is time to bring in someone who can manage the department. I am actively looking for a replacement and intend to look beyond the traditional housing candidates to non-traditional applicants."