Stephen F. Cea - Executive Director
Stephen F. Cea is an attorney based in New Jersey, bringing over thirty years of extensive experience in HUD-related matters and public housing development. He serves as the primary liaison between national development companies and the Jersey City Housing Authority (JCHA), focusing on the planning and repositioning of outdated public housing, including mixed-finance developments and RAD conversions. Before his tenure at JCHA, Mr. Cea was the Senior Development Manager at the Newark Housing Authority for three years and practiced law for thirteen years, specializing in real estate and HUD program contracts. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Political Science from St. John’s University and obtained his Juris Doctor from Seton Hall Law School in 1992. He is a member of the bar in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania and has lectured on public housing development and planning as part of the New Jersey Executive Director Classes at Rutgers University.
Ken Pinnock - Director of Procurement, Contracts & Risk Management
Ken Pinnock brings over 25 years of extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, specializing in procurement, materials management, information technology, and logistics. He began his career with the JCHA in 1993 as the materials Coordinator, overseeing repair and maintenance supplies for twelve developments and managing a team of 300 maintenance staff. Since 1997, Mr. Pinnock has led the Procurement and Contracts division, supervised the acquisition of services and supplies while ensuring compliance with federal, HUD, New Jersey state, and local regulations. Since 2011, he has served as the JCHA Risk Administrator, leading a team to develop and analyze policies to mitigate risk for staff, residents, and facilities. He is a New Jersey State Certified Qualified Purchasing Agent (QPA) and holds dual bachelor’s degrees in business administration and organizational management from Ashford University.
Elizabeth Phillips Lorenzo - Chief of Staff
With over 20 years of community engagement, Elizabeth Phillips Lorenzo is a respected leader in Jersey City and Newark, New Jersey. She began her career at Liberty Science Center as Associate Director of Government and Community Relations, where she built impactful partnerships and organized a successful job fair. After five years in Newark, she served as Co-Chair for Let’s Move Newark and worked at the Newark YMCA to strengthen community ties. Elizabeth later managed Congressman Donald M. Payne Jr.’s Hudson County district office, organizing health and wellness events. Now serving as Chief of Staff for the JCHA, she has worked on initiatives such as food distribution and youth activities and has previously served as a JCHA Commissioner. Active in local issues, she is the Chromium Cleanup Chairperson, founder of Friends of Arlington Park, and has held leadership positions with the Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund and the Environmental Commission.
Arlyn Agustin - Chief Financial Officer
With over 20 years of experience in Accounting and Finance, including a decade in public housing, Arlyn Agustin serves as the CFO at the Jersey City Housing Authority. She leads her team in enhancing operational efficiency, financial reporting, and internal controls. Her leadership is not limited to financial strategies, cash flow management, budgeting, and forecasting to ensure the integrity of financial operations. Her leadership also involves: •Collaborative Decision-Making: Encouraging team input and expertise. •Technology Integration: Streamlining processes and improving accuracy. Leading the integration of new payroll software and financial software to streamline accounting processes, enhance data accuracy, and improve reporting capabilities. •Cost Reduction Initiatives: Implementing cost-saving measures. With advanced degrees in Accounting & Financial Management and Business Administration from New Jersey City University and Keller Graduate School of Management, Arlyn is also a member of Government Finance Officers Association.
Antoin Evans - Director of Asset Management & STS
Antoin Evans has served as the Regional Asset Manager at the JCHA since 2016, bringing over two decades of experience in public housing asset management. He oversees JCHA’s public housing properties and daily operations, providing portfolio analysis and risk mitigation to the Executive Director while supervising a team of over 90 employees. Prior to JCHA, he was an Asset Manager at New Jersey’s largest housing authority. Antoin is experienced in resident relocation plans and participated in the nation’s first Stop-Loss conversion to Asset Management. A veteran of the United States Navy, he holds various certifications, including Registered Housing Manager and Certified Occupancy Specialist.
Doreen M. Tucker is a seasoned HR professional with over 25 years of experience in designing and implementing effective HR departments and talent acquisition initiatives. Her strong background in finance complements her deep understanding of Human Resources, enabling her to deliver strategic, results-oriented solutions that enhance service delivery. Doreen has successfully led HR teams across various industries, including public agencies, and is known for her exceptional communication skills and ability to build relationships with C-suite executives, vendors, and employees. A strategic thinker and trusted advisor, she excels in succession planning and policy compliance oversight, committed to driving organizational success through innovative HR practices.
Doreen M. Tucker - Director of Human Resources
Luz Santana - Director of Compliance
Luz Santana has been a key contributor to the JCHA since 1992, developing, implementing, and monitoring systematic internal auditing systems to ensure compliance with HUD, local, and federal regulations. Her expertise spans multiple departments, overseeing compliance functions related to applicant selection, real estate management, maintenance operations, and low-income public housing programs. Luz holds an associate’s degree in Business Management from Hudson County Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from New Jersey City University. She possesses numerous NAHRO certifications, including in Property Management and LIHTC Compliance, and received the Mayor’s Women of Action citation award from the City of Jersey City in 2005.
Nehru Nadella - Director of Information Technology
Nehru Nadella brings over 18 years of experience in the housing sector, currently serving as the Director of Information Technology at the JCHA. He is responsible for the planning and execution of all IT functions, including telecommunications and video surveillance. Under his leadership, the IT department has implemented key initiatives such as the migration to VOIP and the expansion of the video surveillance system across JCHA properties. Prior to his tenure at JCHA, he served as Senior Network Administrator for New Jersey’s largest housing authority. Mr. Nadella holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and various certifications in Information Technology.
Patricia Ramirez - Director of Housing Choice Voucher Program
Patricia Ramirez brings over 25 years of experience in the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP), budgeting, and grant applications. Appointed as HCVP Director in 2008, she previously served as the Assistant HCVP Director. Leading a team of 20, she implements programs with annual appropriations exceeding $30 million. Under her leadership, the HCVP has secured numerous vouchers for families, veterans, and homeless individuals. Patricia holds a degree in Business Administration and has completed several relevant certifications, contributing to a sustained “High Performer” score for the HCVP over the past nine years. She received a Certificate of Appreciation from Mayor Schundler in 2000 for her outstanding community contributions.
Sandra Santos-Garcia (Sandy) - Director of Development
Sandra Santos-Garcia has been with the JCHA since 1996, dedicating over 25 years to the design and development of public and mixed-finance housing. A New Jersey Registered Architect and member of the AIA, she began her career at JCHA while pursuing her Bachelor of Architecture degree at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and has advanced to her current role as Director of Development, Modernization, and Sustainability. Ms. Santos-Garcia is a certified LEED Green Associate, advocating for sustainable design practices. She serves on the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Challenge Multifamily Steering Committee and has participated in Jersey City’s Climate Action Plan Steering Committee. Additionally, she is a certified Safety Assessment Program (SAP) Evaluator and has mentored numerous NJIT student interns.