Chicago Housing Authority Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Chicago Housing Authority has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, administration, finance, and legal affairs.

Committed to providing stable housing solutions, Chicago Housing Authority advances urban development through sustainable community initiatives. This organization prioritizes equitable access to quality living environments across the metropolitan landscape.

Leadership Roles at Chicago Housing Authority

  • Chief Executive Officer - Keith Pettigrew
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Melinda Mitchell
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer - David Zimmer
  • Chief Operating Officer - James Bebley
  • Chief of Staff - Kevin Lamm
  • Chief Legal Officer - Cheryl Colston
  • Deputy Chief Legal Officer - LaRue Little
  • Keith Pettigrew - Chief Executive Officer

    Keith Pettigrew, the Chief Executive Officer at Chicago Housing Authority, directs the overarching strategic vision for public housing initiatives. Overseeing the entire agency, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between federal mandates and local community needs. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving long-term policy goals to improve resident outcomes. By optimizing organizational efficiency, Keith Pettigrew directly impacts the availability of affordable housing across the region. The Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the Board to secure funding and implement large-scale infrastructure projects. Through rigorous oversight of departmental performance, the Chief Executive Officer maintains high standards of operational excellence. This executive leadership fosters innovation in housing management, ensuring the agency meets evolving urban demands. Ultimately, Pettigrew secures the future of public housing by balancing fiscal responsibility with the core mission of providing safe, accessible homes for diverse populations throughout the city.
    Keith Pettigrew

    Melinda Mitchell - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Melinda Mitchell, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Chicago Housing Authority, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning of the agency. Overseeing the budgeting and accounting departments, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with federal and state financial regulations. This leadership role involves securing funding streams and optimizing capital allocation to support housing development projects. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, Melinda Mitchell directly impacts the agency's ability to sustain operations and expand services. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the Board to present transparent financial reports and strategic investment plans. Through careful analysis of economic trends, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer mitigates financial risks and ensures the stability of the agency's balance sheet. This executive leadership drives fiscal discipline, ensuring that resources are directed toward high-impact housing initiatives. Ultimately, Mitchell secures the financial future of the organization through prudent management and strategic oversight.

    David Zimmer - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    David Zimmer, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Chicago Housing Authority, provides temporary leadership over the financial operations and reporting functions. Overseeing the daily cash flow and audit processes, the Interim Chief Financial Officer ensures continuity in fiscal management during the transition period. This leadership role involves maintaining accurate financial records and supporting the agency's ongoing budgetary requirements. By monitoring expenditures, David Zimmer directly impacts the immediate financial stability of housing programs. The Interim Chief Financial Officer works closely with the finance team to ensure that all reporting obligations remain met without interruption. Through diligent oversight of financial transactions, the Interim Chief Financial Officer upholds the integrity of the agency's fiscal practices. This executive leadership drives stability in financial operations, ensuring that resources remain available for essential services. Ultimately, Zimmer secures the continuity of financial reporting and fiscal accountability by managing the department with precision and focus during this critical period.

    James Bebley - Chief Operating Officer

    James Bebley, the Chief Operating Officer at Chicago Housing Authority, manages the daily execution of property management and maintenance services. Overseeing the physical assets of the agency, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all residential facilities meet safety and quality standards. This leadership role involves streamlining internal processes to enhance service delivery for residents across the region. By implementing data-driven maintenance schedules, James Bebley directly impacts the longevity and habitability of the housing portfolio. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with regional managers to address infrastructure challenges and improve operational workflows. Through constant monitoring of facility performance, the Chief Operating Officer maintains high levels of resident satisfaction. This executive leadership drives efficiency in property operations, ensuring the agency remains responsive to urgent maintenance needs. Ultimately, Bebley secures the operational integrity of the housing stock by prioritizing proactive asset management and effective resource allocation across all managed properties.
    James Bebley

    Kevin Lamm - Chief of Staff

    Kevin Lamm, the Chief of Staff at Chicago Housing Authority, coordinates executive communications and manages the flow of information between departments. Overseeing the administrative functions of the leadership office, the Chief of Staff ensures that strategic priorities receive proper attention and resources. This leadership role involves facilitating cross-functional collaboration to support the agency's mission of providing stable housing. By managing the executive agenda, Kevin Lamm directly impacts the speed and quality of decision-making processes. The Chief of Staff acts as a liaison between the executive team and external partners to ensure alignment on key policy initiatives. Through rigorous project management, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational focus on critical milestones. This executive leadership drives internal cohesion, ensuring that all departments work toward shared goals. Ultimately, Lamm secures the effectiveness of the leadership team by optimizing administrative workflows and fostering clear communication channels across the entire agency structure.
    Cheryl Colston, the Chief Legal Officer at Chicago Housing Authority, directs the legal strategy and regulatory compliance efforts for the agency. Overseeing the legal department, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that all housing policies and contracts adhere to local and federal laws. This leadership role involves managing litigation, providing counsel on real estate transactions, and mitigating institutional risk. By interpreting complex housing regulations, Cheryl Colston directly impacts the legal standing and operational freedom of the agency. The Chief Legal Officer collaborates with executive leadership to navigate legal challenges and support the implementation of new housing initiatives. Through proactive legal review, the Chief Legal Officer maintains the agency's reputation and protects its interests in all public dealings. This executive leadership drives compliance and ethical standards, ensuring that all actions align with legal requirements. Ultimately, Colston secures the legal foundation of the organization by providing expert guidance and robust defense strategies.
    Cheryl Colston
    LaRue Little, the Deputy Chief Legal Officer at Chicago Housing Authority, supports the legal department by managing specific litigation and contract review processes. Overseeing the day-to-day legal operations, the Deputy Chief Legal Officer ensures that departmental workflows remain efficient and compliant. This leadership role involves drafting legal documents and providing specialized counsel on housing-related disputes. By assisting in the resolution of complex legal matters, LaRue Little directly impacts the agency's ability to manage its property portfolio effectively. The Deputy Chief Legal Officer collaborates with the Chief Legal Officer to address emerging regulatory issues and support the agency's broader legal strategy. Through meticulous attention to detail, the Deputy Chief Legal Officer maintains the accuracy of all legal filings and agreements. This executive leadership drives operational efficiency within the legal team, ensuring that all matters receive timely attention. Ultimately, Little secures the legal interests of the agency by providing consistent support and expert analysis on critical matters.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Chicago Housing Authority Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Chicago Housing Authority?
    Chicago Housing Authority is led by Keith Pettigrew (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Melinda Mitchell (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and David Zimmer (Interim Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Chicago Housing Authority’s executive team?
    The executive team of Chicago Housing Authority includes leaders such as Keith Pettigrew (Chief Executive Officer), Melinda Mitchell (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), David Zimmer (Interim Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Chicago Housing Authority have?
    Chicago Housing Authority has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Chicago Housing Authority’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Chicago Housing Authority includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Interim Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff.