Charleston, South Carolina – The Charleston Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners stated that they have begun the search for a new CEO.
Jessica Munday, one of the team’s spokespersons, says they are embarking on a new age of rehabilitation and rejuvenation that will require extensive knowledge of Housing and Urban Development Programs as well as mixed-use development.
Arthur S. Milligan Jr. has held the top seat since 2022. Prior to this, he was the authority’s Chief Operating Officer for one year.
According to their website, Milligan has more than 30 years of experience heading public housing authority.
“CHA stands at a transformational point in its 90-year history,” says Board Chairman Greg Voigt. “We are sincerely thankful to Mr. Milligan for his vision, leadership, and commitment to CHA and the Charleston residents. His skills and passion have helped us reach significant milestones. As we begin this new chapter, the Board is committed to maintaining that success with the same urgency and purpose required to face the challenges of aging infrastructure and expanding community requirements.”
According to an announcement, Milligan has “strengthened the authority’s organizational foundation, advanced key redevelopment projects and deepened partnerships throughout the Charleston community.”
“It has been an honor to serve this organization and the residents of Charleston,” Milligan told me. “I am proud of the progress we’ve accomplished together and the team we’ve created. I look forward to assisting with a smooth transition as CHA grows into a national example for innovation in public and affordable housing.”
The Board of Commissioners has said that the authority’s operations, redevelopment, and resident services will continue uninterrupted during the transition period.
Milligan will also continue to act as CEO during the search process.
When asked directly if Milligan was sacked by the board or resigned himself, Munday responded as follows:
Mr. Milligan has not resigned or been terminated. The Charleston Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners, in partnership with Mr. Milligan, has launched a leadership transition process to ensure that the organization is well-positioned to meet its long-term growth objectives. A search committee has been formed to choose the next CEO, and Mr. Milligan will continue to lead the Authority throughout the process to ensure continuity and stability for residents and staff. Once a candidate has been selected, the Board will decide on the next phase of leadership, which may include Mr. Milligan remaining as an advisor to ensure a smooth transition. While those details are still being worked out, what is obvious is that Mr. Milligan has not been fired, resigned, or dismissed.
CHA feels it is critical to communicate openly and honestly with the community about the planned transition and the efforts being taken to prepare the organization for the future. That is why they provided this update to the media and the wider public.
In August, City of Charleston Mayor William Cogswell addressed the new age of redevelopment, stating that his objective is to build 3,500 affordable housing units by 2031, with the Charleston Housing Authority owning over 800 of these homes.
Some of the rehabilitation has already begun at a few of the complexes, but the deadlines for the remaining projects are yet unknown.
Maintenance and condition issues have been a priority since at least 2023, and have remained so during Milligan’s tenure. After multiple tenants reported uninhabitable conditions in their flats, he promised that the team will undertake quarterly HUD-administered inspections.
A Freedom of Information Act request revealed, however, that not all units were being examined on a regular basis as of March of this year.
The conditions included detailed caved-in ceilings, what renters thought were bug feces, and parts that seemed to be moldy. In August, some renters reported they had waited weeks for maintenance fixes involving rodents, water leaks, and collapsing ceilings.
The Charleston Housing Authority has stated that they respond to repairs within 24 to 48 hours.
