FRANKLIN—Philip Page Jr. has been on the job just over a week, but he already has set some goals as the Franklin Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s new executive director.

“Self-sufficiency of our residents is a big goal,” Page said. “Making sure we have programs to help them get jobs and get the education they need is very important.”

Page said he would also like to get the Suburban Gardens revitalization project going again.

A proposal to use the property for 34 government-subsidized townhouses was recently denied by the Franklin Planning Commission, but Page is not deterred.

“I think there’s common ground,” Page said. “I’m looking forward to coming up with a plan everybody can be proud of.”

Page brings nearly nine years of experience to Franklin from the Hampton Redevelopment and Housing Authority, where he served in many roles through the years, including development coordinator, community development manager and director of community development.

He has also done work as a grant-writing consultant and was a software programmer before that.

Discussing his Hampton experience, he said he was most proud of helping residents start their own businesses through an entrepreneurship program. He was also proud that they were able to build and rehabilitate homes.

“Franklin has really good people,” he said. “I think the housing — even the public housing — is in really good shape. It could always be better, but it’s in really good shape.”

Page graduated from William & Mary with a degree in business administration. He also graduated from Oklahoma State University with a master’s degree in business administration.

Page replaces interim Director Nicole Inabinet.

Page said the authority would continue to use a consultant for a short time during a transition period.