THA Announces New Interim Executive Director

Rosemary Q. Steele has been appointed Interim Executive Director of the Thomasville Housing Authority starting February 1, 2024, succeeding retired Executive Director Lois A. Hunter.

"We are delighted to welcome Mrs. Rosemary Steele as Interim Executive Director."

Mrs. Steele joined THA five years ago, most recently serving as Housing Manager overseeing the work of the Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher Program, and Asset Management department.

In 1997, Ms. Steele began her career with the Housing Authority of the City of High Point serving in several different capacities, beginning as the front desk receptionist. As her passion and enthusiasm for housing grew, she transitioned to several different roles within the agency before being promoted to the position of Vice President of Asset Management.

Mrs. Steele brings a strong public housing background, and a core understanding of the organization's mission and vision.  Her numerous contributions to THA has made her an invaluable and recognized leader in the organization and community. In considering her role in this critical time for the organization, she offered the following thoughts:

"I am honored and humbled to be in the position of Interim Executive Director. I do not take this leadership role lightly and will continue the legacy of our previous Executive Director while keeping THA moving forward to meet the needs of our clients and community."

Mrs. Steele's extensive experience, deep knowledge of HUD programs and demonstrated record of success make her the ideal leader to advance THA's mission and goals.

Her deep experience driving organizational transformation positions her well to advance our strategy, vision, and culture initiatives. "I look forward to working with her, in partnership with our Board of Commissioners and staff, to continue strengthening our organization," says THA Board Chairman Ron Richardson.

Upon assuming her new role, Rosemary expressed her deep-seated commitment to advancing the THA's mission of providing safe, decent and affordable housing for all residents. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing resident engagement, promoting transparency and implementing innovative strategies to address evolving housing needs in our community. 

Mrs. Steele will begin right away to oversee all the work of the Thomasville Housing Authority and work closely with the Board and staff on fulfilling the executive director's responsibilities. You will hear from her in the coming days as she begins this work. We are grateful to have Rosemary's depth of expertise, considerable talent, and vision. Along with the capable and committed support of the staff, the work of the Housing Authority will not only continue, but flourish.

Lois A. Hunter, who announced her planned retirement in the latter of last year, will serve as a consultant to THA to help support the transition. "After announcing my decision to retire last year, and as I reflected on my 49 years at THA, I determined last month that now is the right time for this extraordinary organization to look to the future," she says. "Mrs. Steele's strategic expertise and forward-looking perspective are exactly what THA needs to continue advancing its mission in an ever-changing world. I am grateful for the privilege of leading THA and confident that the association will continue delivering incredible value to its residents for generations to come."

"We are immensely grateful for Ms. Hunter's leadership and decades-long service to THA," Ron Richardson said. "It has been a privilege to work with her in expanding and strengthening our organization, and we congratulate her on her well-deserved retirement. Her contributions to our Thomasville Housing Authority and our public housing industry have been tremendous."

The Thomasville Housing Authority continues to conduct a comprehensive search process to identify a permanent CEO and Executive Director.