Ben Barnes Will Lead Charter Oak Communities
Charter Oak Communities has named Ben Barnes as its next chief executive officer starting October 1.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in People
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The board of Charter Oak Communities has appointed Ben Barnes to serve as the organization's new CEO. Barnes will officially assume the leadership role on October 1, 2026, replacing longtime executive Vin Tufo.
Why it matters
The transition marks a change in leadership for the Stamford-based housing authority, which has been led by Tufo since 2011. Barnes brings extensive public administration experience to the role as the organization manages its housing operations.
Ben Barnes served as secretary of the state Office of Policy and Management for 8 years. He also worked as the Stamford director of administration and chief financial officer from September 2023 to January 2026.
The players
Ben Barnes
He is the incoming CEO of Charter Oak Communities who previously served as Connecticut's secretary of the Office of Policy and Management.
Vin Tufo
He is the outgoing CEO of Charter Oak Communities who continues to serve as the president of Rippowam Corp and executive director of Dovetail.
Charter Oak Communities
This is the housing authority based in Stamford that oversees local affordable housing development and management.
The details
The board of the housing authority selected Barnes, who most recently served as the organization's chief of staff since January 2026. Outgoing CEO Vin Tufo, who has led the group since 2011, will remain involved with the entity's mission through his ongoing leadership roles at Rippowam Corp and Dovetail.
Timeline
Vin Tufo began his tenure as CEO in 2011.
Ben Barnes served as Stamford director of administration starting in September 2023.
Ben Barnes joined Charter Oak Communities in January 2026.
Ben Barnes becomes CEO of Charter Oak Communities on October 1, 2026.
Market Landscape
This transition ends a 15-year tenure of leadership, marking a new chapter for the Stamford housing authority. It positions the organization to integrate Barnes's extensive background in municipal finance into its core mission of public housing management.
Residents and stakeholders will see a change in the highest level of administrative leadership at the city's housing authority. This shift in management is unlikely to disrupt day-to-day services but signals a new direction for the organization's long-term planning.
The takeaway
The appointment of a former municipal finance official suggests a focus on administrative efficiency for the authority. Stakeholders should monitor upcoming board meetings for shifts in housing policy or development priorities under the new leadership.
Further reading
For more updates on local executive moves, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hartford Business Journal.
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