May 21, 2026
Ventura County, CA — The Board of Commissioners for the Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura (AHA) is proud to announce the selection of Carrie Sabatini as the agency’s next Executive Director. Carrie brings more than 24 years of experience in the public housing authority field and most recently served as AHA’s Deputy Executive Director. She succeeds Michael Nigh, who is retiring after dedicating his entire professional career to the AHA and its mission of serving communities throughout Ventura County.
Carrie brings extensive expertise in public housing administration and has overseen nearly every facet of housing authority operations throughout her career, including information technology, finance, Public Housing, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, tax credit housing, asset management, and organizational operations. Prior to joining the AHA, she spent 13 years with the Housing Authority of the City of Oxnard, serving in a variety of roles.
Since joining the AHA in 2015 as Director of Housing Programs and later being promoted to Deputy Executive Director, Carrie has played a critical leadership role in advancing the agency’s mission, strengthening operational performance, and expanding housing opportunities for residents across the region. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from California Lutheran University and currently serves as a Board Member for Ventura County’s Continuum of Care Board.
Carrie’s appointment follows a recruitment process that attracted applicants from throughout California. Following a comprehensive evaluation and interview process, the Board of Commissioners unanimously selected Carrie to lead the organization into its next chapter of service and growth.
“Following an extensive and highly competitive recruitment process, the Board is pleased to announce the selection of Carrie Sabatini, currently serving as Deputy Executive Director, to succeed the retiring Michael Nigh,” said Mark Lunn, Chair of the Board of Commissioners. “Carrie’s experience, leadership, and deep understanding of our organization make her exceptionally well-positioned to lead the AHA into the future. We are excited to continue working alongside her as she guides the organization through a transformative and challenging time for housing authorities nationwide.”
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the AHA and the communities we support,” said retiring Executive Director Michael Nigh. “Over the years, I have had the privilege of working alongside an extraordinary Board, dedicated staff, and strong community partners who are deeply committed to expanding housing opportunities for those in need. Carrie Sabatini has been an integral part of the organization’s success for many years, and I have complete confidence in her leadership, vision, and commitment to the mission. I know the AHA is in excellent hands as it moves into this next chapter.”
“I am truly honored and humbled by the Board’s confidence in me,” said Carrie Sabatini. “The AHA has an incredible legacy of service, commitment to its mission, and strong community partnerships, and I am excited to continue building upon that foundation. I look forward to working alongside our Board, staff, residents, and community partners as we continue addressing the affordable housing needs of those Ventura County.”
Carrie will officially assume the role of Executive Director on July 2, 2026.