Chicago Housing Authority Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Chicago Housing Authority has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, administrative operations, facility management, financial oversight, legal compliance, and regulatory affairs.

Committed to providing stable living environments, Chicago Housing Authority advances urban development through the provision of affordable housing solutions. This organization prioritizes community growth and resident well-being across the metropolitan landscape.

Leadership Roles at Chicago Housing Authority

  • Chief Executive Officer - Keith Pettigrew
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer - David Zimmer
  • Chief Operating Officer - James Bebley
  • Chief of Staff - Kemena Brooks
  • 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 agency mission, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between federal mandates and local housing needs. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships while driving long-term sustainability for residential communities. By optimizing resource allocation, Keith Pettigrew directly impacts the availability of affordable housing across the region. Pettigrew maintains rigorous standards for operational excellence, ensuring that the agency meets critical performance benchmarks. Through consistent engagement with the Board, the Chief Executive Officer shapes policies that foster inclusive urban development. Ultimately, Pettigrew secures the future of public housing by balancing fiscal responsibility with the urgent demand for safe, accessible living spaces for thousands of residents throughout the metropolitan area.
    Keith Pettigrew

    David Zimmer - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    David Zimmer, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Chicago Housing Authority, directs the financial planning, budgeting, and fiscal reporting processes for the agency. Overseeing the allocation of federal and local funding, the Interim Chief Financial Officer ensures strict compliance with governmental accounting standards. This role involves managing complex financial audits and forecasting future capital requirements to support housing development. By maintaining fiscal transparency, David Zimmer directly impacts the financial health and stability of the organization. Zimmer monitors cash flow and expenditure patterns to identify opportunities for cost reduction and operational efficiency. Through collaboration with the executive team, the Interim Chief Financial Officer provides critical data-driven insights that inform strategic decision-making. Ultimately, Zimmer secures the financial foundation of the agency, ensuring that resources remain available to support the ongoing provision of affordable housing services throughout the metropolitan area.

    James Bebley - Chief Operating Officer

    James Bebley, the Chief Operating Officer at Chicago Housing Authority, manages the physical infrastructure and daily maintenance of public housing assets. Overseeing property management systems, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that residential facilities meet safety and quality standards for all tenants. This leadership role involves coordinating large-scale renovation projects and routine maintenance schedules to preserve the integrity of the housing portfolio. By optimizing facility operations, James Bebley directly impacts the living conditions of residents across the region. Bebley monitors vendor performance and supply chain logistics to ensure cost-effective service delivery. Through rigorous oversight of property maintenance teams, the Chief Operating Officer maintains high occupancy rates and resident satisfaction. Ultimately, Bebley secures the long-term viability of the agency housing stock by implementing sustainable maintenance practices and efficient operational protocols that support the core mission of providing stable, high-quality housing.
    James Bebley

    Kemena Brooks - Chief of Staff

    Kemena Brooks, the Chief of Staff at Chicago Housing Authority, coordinates internal operations and executive communications to streamline organizational efficiency. Managing the daily workflow of the leadership team, the Chief of Staff ensures that departmental objectives remain synchronized with the broader agency mission. This role involves facilitating cross-functional collaboration to address urgent housing challenges and administrative requirements. By refining internal processes, Kemena Brooks directly supports the execution of high-priority projects that enhance service delivery. Brooks monitors project timelines and resource utilization, providing the necessary oversight to maintain momentum on key initiatives. Through proactive problem-solving, the Chief of Staff mitigates operational bottlenecks that could impede progress. Ultimately, Brooks drives organizational cohesion, ensuring that every department functions effectively to support the housing needs of the community while maintaining high standards of professional conduct.
    Cheryl Colston, the Chief Legal Officer at Chicago Housing Authority, manages all legal affairs, regulatory compliance, and risk management strategies for the agency. Overseeing the legal department, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that all housing policies adhere to federal, state, and local laws. This leadership role involves navigating complex litigation, contract negotiations, and property law matters to protect the interests of the organization. By providing expert legal counsel, Cheryl Colston directly impacts the agency ability to execute housing programs without regulatory interference. Colston monitors legislative changes and updates internal policies to maintain full compliance with evolving housing standards. Through proactive risk assessment, the Chief Legal Officer prevents potential liabilities that could disrupt operations. Ultimately, Colston secures the legal integrity of the agency, ensuring that all initiatives remain grounded in sound legal principles while advancing the mission of providing affordable housing.
    Cheryl Colston
    LaRue Little, the Deputy Chief Legal Officer at Chicago Housing Authority, supports the legal department by managing specific litigation portfolios and regulatory compliance tasks. Overseeing the implementation of legal protocols, the Deputy Chief Legal Officer ensures that departmental operations remain consistent with established policies. This role involves drafting legal documents, reviewing contracts, and providing guidance on housing regulations to internal stakeholders. By assisting with complex legal matters, LaRue Little directly impacts the efficiency of the agency legal response team. Little monitors case developments and provides detailed reports to senior leadership to facilitate informed decision-making. Through meticulous attention to detail, the Deputy Chief Legal Officer mitigates operational risks and ensures that all agency activities meet strict legal requirements. Ultimately, Little secures the operational continuity of the legal department, providing essential support that enables the agency to fulfill its mission of delivering affordable housing solutions.

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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 David Zimmer (Interim Chief Financial Officer) and James Bebley (Chief Operating 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), David Zimmer (Interim Chief Financial Officer), James Bebley (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Chicago Housing Authority have?
    Chicago Housing Authority has 6 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, Interim Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Legal Officer.