The Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority board voted on its new executive director during a special meeting Tuesday.

Tracey Snipes was named to the agency’s top decision by unanimous vote after a brief closed session. She has been interim executive director since the departure of Clarissa McAdoo, who left in August after 20 years at the helm.

Snipes has been working for the agency for 18 years. She has been the administrative financial operations director since 2005, and prior to that was the human resources manager. She also worked for seven years in human resources at the Lowe’s store in Suffolk prior to coming to SRHA.

“It’s been a long process, but at this moment it’s worth it,” Snipes said after Tuesday’s vote. “I’m looking forward to doing great things for the authority.”

“It’s been a real pleasure to work with you,” said Caroline Martin, one of the board members. “It is with great enthusiasm I look forward to working with you as the new executive director.”

Other board members echoed Martin’s comments.

Snipes will earn a salary of $122,000 and an automobile allowance of $400 a month, in addition to the regular SRHA employee benefits.