Secretary-Executive Director

Come lead one of America’s most storied public housing authorities in a city the world is rediscovering. Milwaukee — celebrated by National Geographic as a 2023 “Best of the World” destination for its community spirit, culture, and natural beauty — offers the ease of a connected city and the creative drive of people who make, build, and innovate every day. With a diverse population, Milwaukee thrives on cultural richness and community pride. From cheering on championship-caliber teams like the Bucks and Brewers, to the revitalized Riverwalk, to the gleam of the Harley-Davidson Museum, the city hums with possibility. The city also boasts Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival, along with year-round cultural celebrations, farm-to-table restaurants, and an ever-evolving craft beer scene — a place where creative momentum and neighborly character meet. If you are a mission-driven executive ready to advance equitable housing, community development, and generational opportunity, the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM) invites you to write the next chapter with us.

HACM currently assists 10,779 households and more than 20,000 residents across its portfolio. That includes 2,322 public housing units, 5,482 housing choice vouchers, 1,996 other affordable housing units (RA, LIHTC, and 202), and 979 market-rate units. With an average development age of 51 years, HACM is both steward and innovator—preserving housing for future generations while reimagining what affordable communities can be. The Authority employs 235 dedicated staff and is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners. It delivers essential housing and nationally recognized resident services like Family Self-Sufficiency, economic mobility, and senior and adult disabled programs that link housing stability with opportunity. HACM is currently operating under a HUD Public Housing Recovery Agreement and Sustainability Plan, positioning its next leader to drive transformation, accountability, and long-term resilience.

This is also a moment of immense opportunity. In 2015, HACM received a $30 million Choice Neighborhood Initiative grant that, together with more than $275 million from over 25 partners, continues to reinvigorate neighborhoods and expand affordable housing. As Secretary–Executive Director, you will serve as chief executive of this enterprise: overseeing programs, properties, budgets, compliance, and staff, while also serving as corporate secretary to the Board of Commissioners. You will align vision with execution, lead capital development, strengthen partnerships, and ensure resident voice and equity remain at the center.

The successful candidate will bring proven executive leadership in housing, urban development, or public administration, with at least eight years of progressively responsible experience in complex organizations. A bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, law, finance, urban planning, or a related field is required; an advanced degree is preferred. The ideal leader combines knowledge of HUD programs, affordable housing finance, and compliance frameworks with a track record of driving organizational performance, engaging boards, developing high-performing workplace cultures, and building strong community partnerships.This is a calling for a leader who loves cities and believes housing is the cornerstone of health, education, and economic mobility. It is also an invitation to fall in love with Milwaukee: a vibrant lakeshore cultural hub whose year-round attractions, inventive food scene, and creative communities make it an exceptional place to live, work, and lead. Join us—and help ensure every Milwaukeean has a safe home and the opportunity to thrive.

 For additional information about the position or the agency, please contact the executive recruiter, Stan Quy, President of The Organizational Leadership Edge, at recruitment@hacm.org or 402.359.2405.