Dover, DE - On Wednesday, the Delaware Senate confirmed Matthew Heckles as Delaware’s Housing Cabinet Secretary and the Director of Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA). 

Heckles brings extensive experience to his new role, having previously served as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In this position, he oversaw the delivery of federal housing programs across six states, including Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. Prior to that role, Heckles led the Community Development Administration in Maryland, overseeing a wide range of affordable housing and economic development programs.

DSHA is excited to welcome back Heckles to DSHA. Heckles joined DSHA as a legislative and policy advisor, later advancing to Director of Policy and Planning. During his past tenure, Heckles helped pass legislation to protect domestic violence victims and reconstitute the Council on Housing. Heckles also advocated for the landmark legislation that authorized the creation of the Downtown Development Districts (DDD) Rebate program.

As Director of Housing Finance, Heckles was responsible for all mortgage lending activities, multi-family bond financing, and foreclosure prevention programs. His leadership led to new partnerships with realtors, lenders, and other stakeholders, as well as new innovative programs to support low- and moderate-income families.

Heckles holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and International Relations and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Delaware.

“The rent is too damn high, and Matthew will help more Delaware families lower housing costs,” said Governor Meyer. “Housing is a human right, and I look forward to working with Matthew to build more affordable housing and help all Delawareans thrive.”

Heckles will be tasked with addressing Delaware’s growing housing affordability crisis and working with stakeholders statewide to reduce costs, increase housing units, and combat homelessness.

“We want housing to do a lot of things, which makes this work so challenging and rewarding,” said Matthew Heckles, Director of DSHA. “It took years to create the problem we currently see, but I look forward to working with the Governor’s team toward a single vision implemented, over all agencies, the General Assembly, and our partners.”