Ryan Fecteau to lead Biddeford Housing Authority

 Biddeford Housing Authority announced that Ryan Fecteau has been named its next Executive Director, beginning his service on July 27.

In this role, Fecteau will lead efforts to expand access to safe, stable, and affordable housing while strengthening partnerships with residents, landlords, community organizations, and local stakeholders. His appointment follows a comprehensive regional search process.

“Ryan brings a unique combination of leadership, policy expertise, and personal commitment to this community,” said Amy Clearwater, Chair of the Biddeford Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. “His deep roots in Biddeford, proven track record of public service, and passion for creating opportunity position him exceptionally well to lead this organization into our next chapter.”

For Fecteau, the appointment represents a full-circle moment. Raised in affordable housing and a graduate of Biddeford High School, he experienced firsthand the stability and opportunity that access to housing can provide. He finds deep meaning in devoting his career to a mission that helped shape his own path.

“Affordable housing changed the trajectory of my life and opened doors for my family,” said Fecteau. “I am honored to serve my hometown in this new role and increase access to stable housing. Together, with our residents, partners, and staff, we have an opportunity to strengthen our community and expand pathways to success for future generations.”

Fecteau brings extensive experience in affordable housing development, housing policy, and advocacy. Throughout his career, he has worked to advance housing solutions through nonprofit leadership, state government, and public service. He currently serves as Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives and previously served as a housing policy advisor in the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, where he helped advance the Maine Affordable Housing Tax Credit Program, the largest state investment in housing in Maine history.

Most recently, Fecteau served as Senior Advisor of Development and Planning at Avesta Housing, where he helped advance affordable housing development and strengthen partnerships across northern New England. In that role, he worked closely with housing leaders throughout the region, including MaineHousing and community-based housing providers.

Fecteau will succeed Diane Small, the Executive Director of Sanford Housing Authority, who has served as Interim Executive Director since April. Small will continue supporting the organization in an advisory role during the leadership transition.