Ivory Mathews resigns as CEO of Columbia Housing Authority
Ivory Mathews, who has served as CEO of the Columbia Housing Authority for the past 2.5 years, resigned from the position on Wednesday, Jan. 26 according to a news release from the Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners.
“I know that my departure is a transition but it’s certainly exciting times for the organization and it has a bright future,” Mathews said.
In March, Mathews will take over as Executive Director of Home Forward, the state’s largest affordable housing provider. She will be the first African American woman to lead that agency, according to an announcement posted to the Housing Authority’s Facebook page on Friday.
Mathews arrived at a tumultuous time for the housing authority. She was hired to replace former CEO Gilbert Walker, who retired months after two residents at the Allen Benedict Court housing complex died of carbon monoxide poisoning in January 2019.
Mathews was tasked with overhauling the agency and reestablishing trust among its residents. Under her leadership, the housing authority laid out a ten-year plan to redevelop nearly all its properties. That includes Gonzales Gardens – which was demolished in 2017 – and Allen Benedict Court, which is currently being demolished.
Former Chief Operating Officer Yvonda Bean will take over for Mathews on an interim basis, according to the Board of Commissioners.
“She has a tremendous amount of knowledge and is extremely capable,” Mathews said, adding that Bean was one of the first people she brought on to help her run the agency.
“We believe that under her leadership, the senior team will continue our level of service to our residents and stakeholders during this period,” the board said.
This story was originally published January 27, 2022 at 9:24 AM.
