COLUMBIA, S.C. — The new interim executive director of the Columbia Housing Authority (CHA) met with the board of commissioners in a special-called meeting on Friday, all to outline her plan for the CHA.
Ivory Mathews, who is coming off of her role as executive director of the Greenville Housing Authority, says they should be focused on the residents first.
"Some of the immediate changes that they will begin to see is just our ability to respond to them as they might have concerns and to know that their questions or needs aren't just going on deaf ears," says Mathews.
She outlined her 12-month plan to commissioners, starting with a top to bottom approach of reviewing and updating bylaws, providing training to the board of commissioners, and improving resident services.
She also stressed the importance of respect towards residents during her presentation.
"That is a culture that we will resonate deeply in this organization under my leadership."
Mathews also wants to make sure there's a full assessment of the CHA's Public Housing Program and Housing Choice Voucher Program.
"For me, because I lived it, I want to make sure that every piece of oxygen that I breathe, can do the work to make sure that children and families are given the opportunity to live in stable housing," says Mathews.
Community leaders were also impressed with Mathews plan.
"I think the re-tooling process that we're going through is going to be a win-win not only for the residents, but for our community also."
Board chair Ernest Cromartie III says he's excited for what Mathews will bring.
"We think that she brings the right skill set, competency, compassion needed to perform well and be the leader of the new path forward for the Columbia Housing Authority."
Her role is as interim executive director and she's under contract with the CHA for a year, but Mathews expressed that she is interested in the permanent executive director role.