WORCESTER – The Worcester Housing Authority (WHA) announced the death of its sixth executive director on Thursday.
Ruth Carlson first joined the Worcester Housing Authority in. 1980, starting as a principal clerk. She became a program specialist in 1984 and Director of Modernization and New
Development. In 1997, she was unanimously voted the WHA’s sixth executive director.
“Ruth truly had the gift of collaboration,” WHA CEO Alex Corrales recalled. “She was very good at bringing people together to work toward a solution.”
During her time leading the WHA, Carlson promoted the use of resident councils and worked closely with community and elected leaders, leading to a restoration of the reputation of the agency during her tenure. She also led the Springfield Housing Authority on an interim basis in 2008.
In 2019 the WHA employee of the year award was renamed in honor of Carlson. Carlson’s’ daughter, Laurie Matosky, is currently the vie president of leased housing.
Image Ruth Carlson and Laurie Matosky, courtesy of Worcester Housing Authority
