City of Linden Housing Authority
1601 Dill Avenue
Linden, NJ 07036
Phone: (908) 298-3820
Fax: (908) 298-6990
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
We are closed from 12:00-1:00 for lunch.
Our Staff
Dr. Marlena Berghammer stands as a beacon of visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to community empowerment in her role as the Executive Director of the Linden Housing Authority. With a deep-rooted belief that “no one is invisible,” she has dedicated herself to creating a thriving, safe, and supportive environment for all residents under her care. Her leadership is marked by a perfect blend of empathy, initiative, and collaborative spirit, ensuring that every decision serves the greater good of the tenants and the community as a whole.
A proud native of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Berghammer brought international recognition to her homeland by winning the prestigious Ms. Trinidad and Tobago title and advancing as a semifinalist in the Miss World competition. This accomplishment, however, is only one aspect of her multifaceted career.
With over a decade of experience in the real estate sector and as a HUD-Certified Housing Counselor, Dr. Berghammer has been an ardent advocate for vulnerable populations, especially seniors on the brink of losing their homes to foreclosure. Her expertise in housing is complemented by her academic credentials, including a doctoral degree in Education Administration and Teacher Leadership, and over 20 years of service in higher education.
Dr. Berghammer’s dedication to education extends beyond the classroom. As President of the Linden Board of Education for more than three years, she has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the educational community, fostering an environment where both students and staff thrive. Her leadership is rooted in the philosophy of servant leadership, always prioritizing the needs of others.
As a visionary, Dr. Berghammer has introduced groundbreaking initiatives such as New Jersey’s first virtual high school yearbook and the creation of the “It Takes a Village” award, which celebrates the collective contributions of families, teachers, neighbors, and communities to a child’s development. She firmly believes that raising children and supporting seniors requires a holistic, community-driven approach where every individual has a role to play.
Dr. Berghammer’s guiding principle is simple yet powerful: “It is easier to love than to hate, so why not spread the love?” She approaches every challenge with compassion and optimism, leaving an indelible impact on the people she serves and inspiring those around her to do the same.
Phone: (908) 298-3820 ext. 205
Email: MBerghammer@lindenha.org
Phone: (908) 298-3820
Email: gbelcher@lindenha.org
Phone: (908) 298-3820 ext. 209
Email: lnarcisse@lindenha.org
Phone: (908) 298-3820 ext. 203
Email: liza@lindenha.org
Phone: (908) 298-3820 ext. 207
Email: ejaugan@lindenha.org
Phone: (908) 298-3820
Email: rhorre@lindenha.org
Board Members
Michael Lapolla is the principal/owner of Loomis Consulting, a New Jersey based firm that works with real estate developers and assists in the redevelopment process from start to finish.
Previously, Michael Lapolla was Managing Director for the United States and Canada for Globalvia for 12 years. Globalvia is a Madrid-based infrastructure Investment Fund with highway and rail assets in 10 countries valued at over $2 billion. He also served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pocahontas Parkway, a toll road in Richmond, Virginia.
Prior to joining Globalvia, he served as the Executive Director of The New Jersey Turnpike Authority, where he was responsible for the largest toll road system in the world. During his tenure there, Michael led the successful merger of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and New Jersey Highway Authority, which had previously operated the Garden State Parkway. He also began the $2 billion widening of both roadways. Prior to that, Michael served as the Union County (NJ) Manager, First Assistant Prosecutor, State Director for Senator Bill Bradley and as a member of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
Most recently he served as the Interim Township Manager for Montclair, NJ.
Michael is a graduate of Rutgers University – Newark, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He received his law degree from American University in Washington D.C. and is a member of the New Jersey Bar.
Phone: 908-208-2100