Submitted. The City of Abbotsford is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Dena Kae Beno to the position of Homelessness Coordinator for the City of Abbotsford effective April 27, 2015, said City Manager, George Murray today.
Ms. Beno has been the Affordable Housing Coordinator for over 5 years for the City of Richmond. She has managed their homelessness and affordable housing portfolio, including: capital projects, policy development and the Richmond Homelessness Coalition facilitation.
Ms. Beno brings collaborative leadership, community planning expertise, and strategic vision gained during her successful 23 year career in housing, construction, urban and community development with all levels of government, diverse sectors, communities, and vulnerable populations. She attained both her Master’s Degree in Sociology/Anthropology and her Bachelor’s Degree in Geography with a focus on Socio-Cultural planning from Simon Fraser University.
Ms. Beno comes from a long-standing family agriculture and construction background, which has generated a solid work ethic, persistence to create opportunity from challenge, and a commitment to achieving sustainable community solutions.
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“I expect that Ms. Beno’s extensive background in working with all levels of government and the community will help us to bring best practice to this new position,” said Murray. “She has a solid reputation and a keen understanding of the issues facing local governments today and will be an asset to us as this position evolves.”
“Abbotsford City Council is very pleased to welcome Ms. Beno to our community,” said Mayor Henry Braun. “This new position was endorsed as a part of the Homelessness Task Force recommendations and supports our overall objectives of improving services to our community.”