JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Three months following a public open-meeting contract negotiation, Cheron Corbett Waller is now officially the Jacksonville Housing Authority’s new CEO.
Her tenure marks the first time a woman has held the position permanently. Others have held the position in interim capacities.
Corbett brings extensive experience from both the private sector and major housing authorities in Illinois. She’s served as Deputy Chief of Operations for the Chicago Housing Authority, which is among the largest housing authorities in the United States.
“I’ve also served as the former CEO for two major counties within the state of Illinois, Kendall County and DuPage County,” Corbett said. “And running those public housing authorities as well.”
With over 15 years of experience behind her, Corbett said she is eager to address the city’s housing challenges. Needless to say, she hit the ground running.
“Jacksonville is home for my family,” she said. “We sold our house on March 10 in Illinois, and we got on a flight March 11, and we’ve been here ever since.”
Corbett said her primary focus is on expanding affordable housing and reducing the extensive wait lists for the Housing Choice Voucher Program and the Public Housing Program.
According to the JHA, as of April 3, 2025, approximately 47,328 are on the wait list for public housing. Included in that total, approximately 22,706 are on the waiting list for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program.
Corbett told News4JAX she plans to launch a Request for Proposals (RFP) in the next few months, inviting landlords, owners, and property managers to commit to providing affordable housing.
“In exchange, we provide them with the housing assistance payments contract, a HAP contract,” Corbett said. “We want to be able to have opportunities to secure long-term affordability for the clients that we serve, we’re looking from five years to 10 years to 15 years, all the way up to 30 years.”
The JHA has faced controversy in recent years, including the resignation of former CEO Dwayne Alexander and an investigation by the city’s Office of the Inspector General. Additionally, former Deputy CFO Gregory Williams was arrested for misuse of funds.
RELATED: Top Jacksonville Housing Authority CEO candidate withdraws following dispute over contract
Corbett told News4JAX she is determined to restore stability and focus on the agency’s mission to serve those in need of affordable housing.
“Regardless of what has happened in the past, the historical context around the former leadership, it’s unfortunate it happened,” Corbett said. “But the agency is so much bigger than that. We have a mission, and our mission is to really serve those that are in need of affordable housing. We have to preserve affordable housing here in this city.”
With about 192 employees, many of whom have backgrounds in public housing, Corbett said she is committed to being fair, strategic, and efficient. She emphasizes the importance of affordable housing and advocating for federal funding in Washington, D.C. It is something she has done in the past and is prepared to do in the future.
Corbett also issued a plea to local developers and property managers, urging them to partner with JHA to provide housing for those in need.
“If you have any assets that are out there that are ready for individuals to be housed, we challenge you to reach out and do business with us,” Corbett said. “We need your help; we need your support. But most importantly, we’ve got to get our clients housed today.”
Many hope her passion for affordable housing and strategic vision will bring positive changes to the community. For those interested in supporting JHA’s mission, more information is available at JAXHA.org.
The full interview with Corbett can be found below.
