“The Chattanooga Housing Authority is well on its way to achieving its new year’s resolution of becoming an exceptionally managed organization” said Bob Dull, CHA’s executive director.

Mr. Dull said, “The word is out that there are some very positive things happing at CHA, and, when we started recruiting for the open positions, we received resumes from a lot of very qualified people. As a result, we have been able to recruit some of the most knowledgeable people available in the areas of federal policies and regulations, affordable, subsidized and public housing, and real estate development.

"With this wealth of knowledge and experience, CHA is now positioned to become the premier provider of affordable housing for the Greater Chattanooga area.”

“I believe the quality of professionals we have been able to attract is a direct testament to the kind of progress that CHA has made over the last year”, said Dr. Bernie Miller, chairman of CHA’s Board of Commissioners.

He said of the board, “We have great confidence in this management team and expect to see CHA reach new heights in the years to come. Now that we have this very capable team in place, I have no need to be directly involved in the day to day operations of the agency. I will of course continue to serve as board chairman, and, with the rest of the Board of Commissioners, will maintain oversight of the governance of the Housing Authority.”

“Losses at the executive level of management can be difficult for any organization” said Andrew Lawrence, CHA’s director of human resources, “but it can also be an opportunity to bring new ideas and expertise into your management structure.”

Some of CHA’s new management personnel include:

Rasheed Ladapo, chief development officer: Formerly vice president of finance and strategic planning for Bearden Companies, an expansive holding company with subsidiaries in the real estate, hotel-casino, medical equipment and automotive industries. Master of Business Administration, Finance and Accounting.

Vicky Martin, chief operating officer: Formerly the director, Office of Public Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Knoxville. Master of Public Affairs – Non-profit and Community Service Management.

Naveed Minhas, development executive: Over 30 years experience in civil engineering. Formerly city engineer, city of Chattanooga. Master of Business Administration, Civil Engineering.

Randy Wood, procurement officer: Formerly contracts manager, fuels, lubricants and chemicals, TVA. Bachelors, Operational Management.

Kari Blakney, director of finance: Over 20 years of financial/accounting experience. Formerly the financial analyst for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Public Housing Field Office, Knoxville. Bachelors, Business Administration-Accounting. Currently preparing for CPA exam.