Richmond City Council has filled the two remaining Board of Commissioner seats for Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority’s (RRHA). The Board welcomes public housing residents, Charlene Pitchford of the Gilpin Court community and Patrice Shelton of the Hillside Court community. Veronica Blount, currently serving as the Board Chairperson, has been reappointed.
Resident input is integral to the success of RRHA and will continue to fuel the Authority’s strategic plan to provide affordable housing for residents.The new appointees bring a wealth of community experience and are a valuable addition to RRHA’s Board.
Stacey Daniels-Fayson, RRHA’s Interim CEO
Charlene Pitchford, a resident of public housing for more than 20 years, brings extensive experience as a community advocate and volunteer. Currently serving as Treasurer of the Gilpin Court Tenant Council, Ms. Pitchford is active in several organizations, including the Historic Jackson Ward Association, the George Washington Carver Elementary School Parent Teacher Association, Healthy Start RVA, STEP (Strategies to Elevate People) Jobs for Life, and the Richmond Tenant Organization. She studied at Colorado Technical University.
Patrice Shelton, CCHWSr is the Founder and Executive Director of Hillside Court Partnership, a Certified Community Health Worker Senior for Virginia Department of Health/Richmond City Health Department, Tenant Council President of Hillside Court, and the Vice President for Richmond Tenant Organization (RTO). Shelton has launched more than 14 groups and teams in Hillside and has encouraged members of the community to know their worth and rights, one at a time. Shelton has served on various boards to include the Maggie L. Walker Poverty Board, RVA Thrives, Central VA Legal Aid Society Client Council (CVLASCC) and the National Low-Income Housing Coalition. She is a graduate of Louisa County High School.
RRHA’s Board of Commissioners acts in the best interest of the Public Housing Authority. Their role and responsibilities include establishing priorities and policies, advocacy, and review and approval of contracts.
Current RRHA Board of Commissioners and their terms:
| Veronica G. Blount, Chairperson | July 27, 2020 – Jan. 9, 2024 |
| Neil Kessler, Vice Chairman | July 27, 2020 – March 26, 2024 |
| Jonathan Coleman | April 27, 2018 – April 26, 2022 |
| Robley S. Jones | Jan. 12, 2017 – Jan. 12, 2021 |
| Basil I. Gooden, PhD | July 27, 2020 – June 28, 2022 |
| Michael B. Hardiman | July 27, 2020 – Jan. 9, 2024 |
| W.R. “Bill” Johnson, Jr. | July 27, 2020 – March 26, 2024 |
| Charlene Pitchford | Sept. 14,2020 – Nov. 24, 2023 |
| Patrice Shelton | Sept. 14, 2020 – Oct. 25, 2022 |