Charleston Housing Authority appoints new CEO

The board of commissioners for the Housing Authority of the City of Charleston chose Nathan Frank Simms Jr. as CEO after a national search.  

Simms has more than 20 years of leadership experience in housing and community development including U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development, and the Housing Authority of Prince George’s County. Most recently, he served as executive director of the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, a news release said. 

“I’m honored to join the Charleston Housing Authority at such a pivotal time,” Simms said in the release. “As Charleston continues to grow, it’s important that we expand access to safe, quality and affordable housing while continuing to be strong stewards of the resources entrusted to us. I look forward to building on the authority’s 90-plus-year foundation and advancing modern, sustainable housing solutions for our residents and community.” 

In the role, Simms will serve over 15,000 residents and manage more than 1,400 public housing units and 1,500 housing choice vouchers. CHA said his role will be to modernize and reinvest in the organization’s housing portfolio, expand affordable housing opportunities and strengthen residential services.  

Simms was picked from 72 applicants in a partnership search by Gans, Gans & Associates and CHA’s board of commissioners. The release said his grandparents, aunts, uncles and mother were born, raised and lived in downtown Charleston. 

“Mr. Simms distinguished himself through his depth of experience and his understanding of both housing operations and development,” Garcia Williams, vice chair who led the agency’s search committee, said in the release. “He brings the leadership and perspective needed to guide the housing authority as we address the evolving housing needs of our community while remaining strong stewards of public resources.” 

Originally from Washington, D.C., Simms has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bowie State University and a master’s degree in public administration from American University.  

Simms assumed the role on May 4. According to the website, he follows Arthur Milligan Jr., who has held the CEO position for about four years. 

“I’m focused on delivering results and building trust with our residents and the broader community,” Simms said. “Our work is not just about housing; it’s about creating opportunities and strengthening the future of Charleston. I look forward to getting started.”