Wilmington Housing Authority CEO steps down

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - The chief executive officer of the Wilmington Housing Authority is stepping down.

The WHA announced on Wednesday that CEO Katrina Redmon is resigning. In an interview with WECT Redmon said she is breaking her contract with the housing authority — it isn’t up until 2023, but she said it’s time for a new chapter.

“It’s just time,” said Redmon. “And if you look at where things are right now, everything has been built up ready, but not yet started. So, it’s more fair to the Housing Authority if I leave now, rather than be in the middle of something and then make a decision that it’s time for a new chapter in my life. And then someone’s trying to pick up in the middle of the activity — and I’ve done both — and I know how much easier it is when you’re on the front end of something, instead of trying to pick up something in the middle and carry on.”

While this news comes unexpectedly, she said the projects and new developments she has been working on are about to get off the ground, and she wants someone new to take control now so she doesn’t leave in the middle of a project.

“There will be someone that is smarter than I am, braver than I am, that will make that thing better than I am, so that’s the hope that I leave with,” said Redmon.

Redmon told WECT that the WHA “is in such a good place.”

Redmon reflected on her time with the WHA, noting accomplishments like the Dawson Lofts, and the beginning stages of redeveloping the Hillcrest Community.

When asked about the challenges of her job, she said her biggest challenge was telling the WHA that it is time for her to move on.

“Leaving is never gonna be perfect, absolutely not, and it is so bittersweet and it is heart wrenching for me to leave,” said Redmon. She joined the WHA in August 2014.

As for what’s next: “No decision has been made,” said Redmon. “I do want to stay in Wilmington, I’ve been here for seven years. My husband and I do have a home here. On the other hand, I’m excited about what might be ahead for me.”

Redmon said her last day with the WHA will be September 20th.

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