About Us

About

The Housing Authority of Cook County is the second largest public housing authority in Illinois. Established in 1946, the Housing Authority of Cook County is a municipal corporation whose jurisdiction spans 108 communities. We believe that when residents have access to affordable housing, economic opportunity and a suitable living environment free from discrimination, people thrive.

Danita W. Childers

Executive Director

Danita Childers, the Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC), leverages more than 20 years of expertise in housing management, community development, and financial strategy to oversee the second largest housing authority in Illinois. As visionary leader, she drives transformative initiatives that enhance fiscal responsibility, transparency, and equitable housing access. Her leadership strengthens communities through innovative solutions, strategic funding, and operational excellence. Previously, Danita held executive roles at the Chicago Housing Authority and the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development, overseeing multi-million-dollar projects that spurred economic growth and revitalized underserved areas. Danita is a licensed Illinois Real Estate Broker with a deep understanding of property and property management. She holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan.

Leadership

Kathleen Grady-Peralta

Chief Financial Officer/Chief Administrative Officer

Cherie Strong

Chief Legal Officer

Darrick Shafer

Chief Property Officer

Scott Livingston

Deputy Chief Information Officer

Roderick Abernathy

Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer

Raquel Burnette

Director, Employee and Labor Relations

Sheryl Seiling

Director of Rent Assistance

Jackie Hodges

Director of Operations

Byron Williams

Director of Strategy and Planning

Deborah O’Donnell

Director of Procurement

Broderick Banks

Director of Facilities Management

Maria Reyes Collins

Director Occupancy and Compliance

Marquita Johnson

Regional Manager North

Chalone Liddell

Regional Manager South

Spanish