The Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of former Interim Executive Director Don J. Hutchinson. Mr. Hutchinson, who served with distinction from February 2012 to April 2013. Thereafter, he continued working at LHC as an Executive Management Officer until his retirement in February 2015.
During his time, Mr. Hutchinson made significant contributions during his lifetime, for 28 years he was a dutiful public servant to Louisiana. He worked with several Louisiana State agencies, to name a few, the Louisiana Economic Development Department, Louisiana Division of Administration, Louisiana Treasury Department, the Louisiana Legislative Fiscal Office, and eventually LHC.
As Interim Executive Director of LHC, Mr. Hutchinson assisted and supported the LHC Board of Directors in planning and organizing the Corporation’s activities and implementing the Corporation’s policies, decisions, and programs. Mr. Hutchinson worked to achieve a sound and prudent financial basis to achieve its financial goals, and accurately present annual and interim budgets on financial statements to the Board.
Mr. Hutchinson also led and directed the seamless transition and strategic reorganization of the Louisiana Housing Corporation, bringing in additional housing programs valued at approximately $2 billion in new resources to the Corporation. Through his leadership, he established long-term goals and objectives by advocating strategic planning and accountability for the state agency.
Outside of his efforts at LHC, Mr. Hutchinson remained a diligent worker at other state agencies. As the Secretary of the State Department of Economic Development, Mr. Hutchinson reduced costs and streamlined the agency while leading efforts to create or retain 20,000 jobs in Louisiana. He also led the effort to secure $5 million in funding for Louisiana State University’s Research and Technology Foundation, which has enhanced today’s commercialization of university-developed technology. At the Division of Administration, Mr. Hutchinson created the first comprehensive strategic plan to coordinate the state’s information and technology efforts that included all departments of state government.
“Mr. Hutchinson played a vital role in the Louisiana Housing Corporation, not just as acting Interim-Executive Director, but as a dedicated worker who made his coworkers feel important and valued,” said LHC Executive Director Marjorianna Willman. “To many Mr. Hutchinson was thoughtful, energetic, and innovative no matter what position of state department he worked for. The LHC Staff will remember him fondly, and we are keeping his family in our thoughts and prayers.”
Mr. Hutchinson’s Homecoming celebration was held on Friday, October 18th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Lod Cook Center, the Nolan Laborde, Hall, on LSU’s Campus.
