Cohen of GVA Williams taking the helm of HSI.

Michael T. Cohen, president and CEO of GVA Williams, has been elected chairman of Housing and Services, Inc. (HSI), a non-profit housing development organization that has worked with over 20 community groups to develop 1,500 housing units for New York residents at the very lowest income level.

In assuming the post of chairman for HSI, Cohen replaces Peter S. Britell, who has been chair for the previous 11 years.

"Michael T. Cohen represents the best and the brightest in the real estate industry," said Britell, who will now serve as chairman emeritus. "In his new role, Mr. Cohen brings enthusiasm and entrepreneurial skills as he leads HSI into the next decade."

In just 12 years, HSI has become an effective advocate for low-income housing needs. By purchasing real estate and developing it into needed residential housing, they transform challenging parcels of property into community assets. Recently, HSI completed rehabilitation of the Kenmore Hotel on East 23rd Street, turning the former drug-infested SRO, which had been seized by the U.S. Marshals Service, into a successful 250-unit residential complex. HSI also has a satellite office in Miami, Florida that has helped to shape a system of care housing and service packages for homeless singles and families.