Lexington Housing Authority director retires after nearly 50 years in role
After working at the agency for over 50 years — and leading it for 49 — Lexington Housing Authority Executive Director Austin Simms is retiring from his post.
“Austin Simms has been a wonderful partner to our local government, as we have worked together over the years to build affordable housing, a goal we share,” Mayor Linda Gorton said in a release announcing the retirement.
Simms’ last day leading the organization will be July 31. Andrea Wilson, the current deputy director, will succeed Simms as head of the Lexington Housing Authority starting Aug. 1.
This is the second time Simms has retired as executive director of the housing agency. He retired in 2001, was a paid consultant for the agency and then returned as executive director six months later. Under Kentucky state law at the time, Simms was allowed to collect a pension and be paid as executive director.
Simms joined the agency in 1973 and became executive director in 1977. He oversaw the creation of the Arbors and Equestrian View subdivisions that together brought 297 affordable homes for low-income buyers to Lexington.
Simms also collaborated with Fayette County Public Schools to construct Williams Wells Brown Elementary in the center of the Bluegrass Hope VI affordable housing complex.
“My hope is that those we have served have some appreciation of the hard work it has taken to have erased some of the stereotypes concerning affordable housing and offering to them housing that is indistinguishable from the private market,” Simms said.
The Lexington Housing Authority manages over 1,100 units of public housing, according to its website. The group also distributes and manages Section 8 housing vouchers for low-income renters.
Herald-Leader reporter Beth Musgrave contributed to this report.
This story was originally published February 26, 2026 at 3:06 PM.
