Portland Housing Authority has appointed Leah Bruns as its executive director, after an eight-month search.
She succeeds Brian Frost, who resigned in August 2025 after two years in the role.
Bruns has served as interim executive director since July 2025 and previously held leadership roles at PHA as deputy executive director and director of voucher programs.
As executive director, Bruns will lead PHA’s work to preserve and expand affordable housing, strengthen resident services and advance new housing development opportunities across Portland.
“It’s an honor to be selected to lead PHA and to continue this work alongside our staff, residents and community partners,” said Bruns. “Housing stability changes lives and I’m focused on strengthening the services and partnerships that help people thrive—while moving urgently to preserve existing affordable homes and create new opportunities in Portland.”
Established in 1943, the Portland Housing Authority provides long-term, affordable, fair rental housing and assistance to more than 3,000 low-income families, seniors and disabled individuals.
Bruns brings more than a decade of experience in affordable housing policy, program administration and organizational leadership.
At PHA, she has helped strengthen housing programs, support resident needs and advance the authority’s mission to expand access to safe, stable and affordable housing throughout Portland.
“Over the past eight months as interim executive director, Leah has demonstrated steady leadership, deep knowledge of our programs, and an unwavering commitment to the people and neighborhoods we serve,” said Shirley Peterson, chair of the authority’s board of commissioners.
“She combines a clear, forward-looking vision with the ability to deliver results — exactly what PHA needs as we preserve and expand affordable housing and strengthen resident services. The board is confident in Leah’s ability to lead PHA into a bold next chapter, and we can’t wait to see what we accomplish together.”
