Roger Hannigan Gilson is reporting in the Register-Star the Hudson Housing Authority is conducting a search for a new executive director for the first time in more than two decades. Jeffery First, who has headed the authority and managed the day-to-day operations of Bliss Towers for more than 20 years, is retiring this month. First said the high-rise residence still requires improvements, and efforts to take on more ambitious projects have been hampered by a lack of federal funding, but pointed out the building has improved dramatically since he joined the authority as the Modernization Coordinator in 1990. The executive director reports to a seven-member Board of Commissioner: Five of the commissioners are appointed by the Mayor of Hudson, the remaining two members are selected by Bliss Towers residents. Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlie Suisman wished First well in his retirement. Suisman declined to comment on the search for a new director. But he said, "for the first time in many years, I believe Bliss is getting the attention it needs. That’s my focus and the focus of the board." Read the full story in the Register-Star.