Jacksonville Housing Authority Appoints New CEO

News Summary

The Jacksonville Housing Authority (JHA) has reached a tentative agreement with Cheron Corbett Waller to become its new CEO. Corbett Waller, who attended the meeting remotely from Chicago, will lead the agency as it seeks to stabilize leadership and focus on affordable housing initiatives. Her background includes executive roles in several housing authorities and a commitment to increasing affordable housing options for Jacksonville residents. The contract includes a base salary of $300,000 with a potential performance bonus. Community engagement is anticipated as she prepares to transition to Jacksonville.

Jacksonville Housing Authority Moves Forward with New CEO

In a thrilling turn of events for the residents of Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Housing Authority (JHA) just wrapped up a two-hour public negotiating session that looks set to change the leadership landscape of the agency. The big news? JHA has reached a tentative agreement with Cheron Corbett Waller to take the reins as the next CEO. How about that?

What’s even more interesting is that Corbett Waller attended the meeting via big screen, making it all the way from Chicago! Considering the winter storm that wreaked havoc on traffic, it’s impressive she was able to connect seamlessly with the board at all. Talk about dedication!

The Salary Dance

During the negotiations, Corbett Waller initially set her sights on a base salary of $310,000. However, after discussions with the board, they came to a mutual agreement of $300,000. After consulting with her husband, she decided to accept the offer. Now, that’s some quick negotiating! It’s clear that she is elated to take this exciting new step in her career.

Leadership Instability at JHA

For those not in the loop, it’s been a bit of a rocky road for the JHA recently. The agency has gone through multiple leadership changes, with acting and interim CEOs filling in over the past year. The departure of Dwayne Alexander, the former CEO, raised eyebrows and increased scrutiny of JHA’s operations. Adding to the turbulence, the former comptroller was arrested for fraudulent use of a credit card that was supposed to assist residents. Yikes!

Initially, the board had their eye on George Guy for the CEO position, but he withdrew his candidacy just four days before the big meeting. Talk about a last-minute wobble! This opened the door for Corbett Waller, who had been a strong second choice after the board’s interviews last December.

A New Era for Affordable Housing

Cheron Corbett Waller is not just any candidate; she brings a wealth of experience to the table. She has been the president of both the DuPage County and Kendall County Housing Authorities since May 2022. Before that, Corbett Waller played a crucial role as the deputy chief of operations at the Chicago Housing Authority from 2013 to 2019. She also has a stint at Bank of America as a vice president, handling transactions and investments. That’s some serious background in managing complex organizations!

But what really makes her stand out is her commitment to expanding affordable housing options. She has a clear focus on increasing the availability of affordable housing in Jacksonville, an essential issue for residents facing economic challenges.

What’s Next for Corbett Waller

Her contract includes a base salary of $300,000 along with the potential for a performance bonus of up to 10%. The board feels confident that Corbett Waller’s leadership style will breathe new life into the JHA. Board Chairwoman Heather Horovitz noted her extensive experience in agency management as a major asset. And it seems like the community will have the chance to get to know her better, as a town hall meeting is in the works for when she relocates to Jacksonville.

Education and Background

Corbett Waller holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Tennessee State University and a master’s in city and regional planning from the University of Memphis. She even served as a construction project manager for AutoZone Inc. before making her way into the housing authority realm. It’s safe to say she brings a diverse skill set, which will surely benefit the JHA.

As she gears up to potentially begin her new role in March, the residents of Jacksonville are waiting eagerly to see the changes she’ll bring. With a focus on affordable housing and a rich background in management, there’s a sense of excitement in the air for what’s ahead.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds with the Jacksonville Housing Authority and their incoming CEO, Cheron Corbett Waller!