The saga of the Houston Housing Authority's leadership took a new turn as news broke that the former CEO David Northern, who resigned amid an investigation into "questionable contracts," has now taken up the mantle of CEO at the Flint Housing Commission in Michigan. As reported by KPRC 2, Northern expressed his commitment to transparency and improving housing conditions in Flint, stating, "I am honored to step into the role of CEO of the Flint Housing Commission and am deeply aware of the responsibility that comes with this position."
Back in Houston, a potential successor for Northern's former role at the HHA is on the horizon. Former Midway executive Jamie Bryant emerged as a frontrunner for the CEO position pending a vote by the HHA Board of Commissioners scheduled for Thursday. While details of Bryant's candidacy were confirmed by an HHA spokesperson, he has yet to personally comment on the matter, according to documentation shared by the Houston Chronicle.
Much focus has been on the tumultuous financial practices within the HHA, exposed by KPRC 2 investigative reporter Amy Davis. Her coverage revealed a pattern of questionable contracts and lack of funds for rent relief, leading to Northern's resignation, along with his assistant and a Senior Policy Advisor in November. Mayor John Whitmire has since undertaken sweeping changes within the HHA board, appointing Jody Proler as the new chairman.
On the environmental front, the HHA remains tangled in scrutiny as the Pointe at Bayou Bend, an affordable housing complex they own, was raided by federal agents over pollution fears. As per the Houston Chronicle, leasing has been suspended since July following concerns from Mayor Whitmire. With the soil on the property tested for contamination, the findings are anxiously awaited by the surrounding community.
The potential leadership change at the HHA with Jamie Bryant at the helm comes at a time when the organization needs to rebuild trust and its public image after the recent controversies. His past experience in real estate and with nonprofit organizations focused on affordable housing suggests a preparedness to tackle the challenges facing HHA's communities.
