The Birchgrove Property managing director today replaces Sue Clarke following the long-serving chair and director's retirement.

The appointment comes as Haven helps clients dealing with the pandemic's fallout and work with governments to give more homes and support to vulnerable people.

Mr Tangey said the organisation will spend the next five years developing more partnerships with the industry and governments.

"There's an absolute need there, particularly in this environment. There's a significant shortfall in the number of affordable and social housing in Victoria," he said.

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Mr Tangey wanted to continue the board's work, which encompasses everything from emergency accommodation through to appropriate long term homes.

"It's a philosophy of helping people find and keep a place to call home ... and providing them with a level of skills so that they do not need to return to the situation they might have been in."

Mr Tangey pointed to the Sydney Myer Haven residential complex in Flora Hill.

Haven has been running the 23-unit complex for nearly five years and has collaborated with other groups to support residents' personal growth and development, social and emotional skills; training and employment: living home management and tenancy skills; health awareness, advocacy, leadership and civic participation.

Governments have steadily moved away from directly providing homes in recent decades and have instead encouraged affordable housing associations to partner with the housing industry and support groups to provide housing, Mr Tangey said.

Governments are also encouraging developers to set aside homes within new developments for affordable housing.

"That's because, in their view, it should be captured by assisted by affordable housing associations. So we are following that direction of government," Mr Tangey said.

Ms Clarke said the board was very pleased Mr Tangey had accepted the role of board chair.

"It marks the next step of our transition into a much stronger organisation on behalf of the people that matter most, our clients," she said.

"His strategic input and wise counsel on our well-credentialled board is invaluable, and his integrity, vision, passion, and commitment, mirrors that of our purpose and core values."

Mr Tangey first joined the board in February 2019.

He is the immediate past president and current board member of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (Vic). He is also a board member of Remembrance Parks Central Victoria and Be.Bendigo.