DCHA Board of Commissione...

DCHA Board of Commissioners Appoints Nicole Wickliffe as Executive Director

DCHA Board of Commissioners Appoints Nicole Wickliffe as Executive Director

WASHINGTON, D.C. [October 1, 2026] - The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) has named Nicole Wickliffe as the Authority's Executive Director on a permanent basis, following a unanimous vote of the DCHA Board of Commissioners on Sept. 16. The appointment is effective today, Oct. 1.

Ms. Wickliffe joined DCHA in November 2023 as the Deputy Executive Director and had served as the Executive Director in an interim capacity since April 18. She was selected following an extensive search that considered input from public housing residents, including the City Wide Advisory Board and other resident leaders, voucher participants, landlords, community advocates and other stakeholders.

"The Board has every confidence in DCHA's future with Executive Director Wickliffe at the helm," said DCHA Board Chair Raymond Skinner. "She has a deep understanding of HUD policy, and extensive experience overseeing affordable housing programs and portfolios, and a proven record of driving operational improvements at DCHA. Her authentic leadership style, unflappable demeanor and institutional knowledge promote stability and continuity at DCHA, and her long-term vision will expand upon the progress made in recent years."

Since Ms. Wickliffe joined DCHA's leadership team in 2023, the agency has made significant strides. DCHA has rehabilitated and modernized more than 1,400 public housing units; advanced redevelopment projects with the openings of The Asberry, Park Morton and Kenilworth 166, and the groundbreakings of the Edmonson and Hillsdale Flats - Phase 1; reduced the processing timeline for voucher families; and onboarded more than 3,000 new families to local and federal voucher programs.

"It is a privilege to serve as DCHA's leader. I am proud of the progress made in recent years - which is a direct result of the dedication and drive of our resident leaders, DCHA staff and many others. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue building on this momentum and look forward to strengthening our partnerships with the Mayor's Office, DC City Council, our sister DC government agencies, and other stakeholders," said Executive Director Nicole Wickliffe. "As DCHA moves ahead, our strategy will be rooted in service and partnership - with the residents and families we serve."

Ms. Wickliffe has more than 20 years of experience across the affordable housing, real estate development and asset management industries. Prior to joining DCHA in 2023, she was the deputy director of the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority. She has also served as the director of asset management for the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority, a Moving to Work agency, where she oversaw the authority's assets, including the repositioning of the public housing portfolio through RAD to Section 8 Project Based Vouchers. Her background also includes serving as a HUD subject matter expert subcontractor for more than a dozen public housing authorities around the country.

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About DC Housing Authority
The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) is committed to providing safe, affordable, and quality housing to the residents of the District of Columbia. The agency emphasizes fostering a collaborative work environment to meet the highest expectations of the affordable housing industry. With a focus on innovation and community development, DCHA strives to improve the lives of individuals and families by creating sustainable and thriving communities. Learn more at our website about DCHA and the work that the agency is doing to impact the residents of Washington, D.C.

Last Updated on October 1, 2026