Victor L. Selman, 64, dies; led D.C. housing, community development operations

Victor L. Selman, 64, who was chief operating officer of the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development, died May 22 of cardiovascular disease at Washington Hospital Center.

Mr. Selman had worked for the D.C. government since 1983. He was an economic development specialist with the Office of Business and Economic Development before the agency became part of the Department of Housing and Community Development.

At DHCD, he helped provide business and technical assistance to more than 100 small businesses in the city. Under his leadership, the agency distributed community development block grants throughout the city to promote affordable-housing projects and neighborhood revitalization, particularly in Columbia Heights and Southeast Washington.

After Adrian M. Fenty (D) became D.C. mayor in 2007, Mr. Selman served four months as interim director of DHCD.

Victor Lawford McArthur Selman was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. He was a magna cum laude graduate of Howard University in 1974. He received a master's of business administration degree, with a concentration in finance, from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in 1976.

Early in his career, Mr. Selman worked for Trinidad's government and for Shell Oil in Trinidad as well as for the Arent Fox law firm in Washington.

Survivors include his wife of 12 years, Kathleen Bullen Selman, and their daughter, Crystal Selman, both of Washington; a son from a previous relationship, David Selman of Washington; his mother, Ruth Clarke Selman of St. James, Trinidad and Tobago; eight brothers; three sisters; a stepsister; and a grandson.

-- Matt Schudel