Helen S. McIlvaine, Director of the Office of Housing for the City of Alexandria, will retire on April 30 after two decades advancing affordable housing and community development, according to a Mar. 24 announcement from city officials.
McIlvaine’s retirement marks the end of a period in which she played a key role in shaping Alexandria’s long-term housing strategy and implementing major plans for affordable living. Her leadership is credited with expanding and preserving housing opportunities across the city while strengthening partnerships with community organizations and regional agencies.
McIlvaine joined Alexandria as Deputy Director of Housing in 2006 before being appointed Director in 2015. During her tenure, she led implementation of the Housing Master Plan and guided community engagement for the Housing 2040 plan. She also oversaw more than a dozen affordable housing development and preservation projects, including the Sansé & Naja mixed-income community that is expected to begin phased completion in 2026.
“Helen’s dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on Alexandria,” said City Manager James F. Parajon. “We are grateful for her 20 years of service and wish her all the best in retirement.” Beginning May 1, Deputy Director Aspasia Xypolia will serve as Acting Director of Housing.
Alexandria operates under a council-manager form of government where City Council selects a manager to oversee operations according to its official website. The city provides services within its defined boundaries as an independent municipality according to official information.
The city incorporates racial and social equity into policies to foster fair outcomes per its official website, maintains museums such as the Alexandria Black History Museum documenting African American heritage as noted online, enhances identity by interpreting local history through its historic sites according to official sources, and supports archaeological research via partnerships coordinated by its Archaeological Commission as reported by officials.
