City Housing Chief to Take State Post

By Donovan Slack, Globe Staff

Boston's housing chief said today that she is resigning to take a position with the administration of Governor Deval Patrick.

Charlotte Golar Richie, director of the city's Department of Neighborhood Development, will become Patrick's senior advisor for federal, state and community affairs.

"This is a tremendous honor and terrific opportunity to continue to serve the people of this great city and now the Commonwealth of Massachusetts," she said in a telephone interview.

Golar Richie, who was a state representative before taking a job with Mayor Thomas M. Menino's administration in 1999, oversaw the development of more than 4,000 units of affordable housing in the city.

"This whole process that's unfolding is a bit bittersweet," Golar Richie said. "I have throroughly enjoyed my time working with Mayor Menino. We've done a lot. We are a great team."

Menino yesterday called Golar Richie a "trusted leader" in his administration.

"We will miss her but know she will be a great addition to the Patrick Administration in helping the Governor accomplish his goals and vision for the future of the Commonwealth,” the mayor said in a statement.

Golar Richie said she expects to begin work at the State House on Aug. 20.