DCHA Bolsters Key Departments with Hiring of 3 New Leaders

 

For Immediate Release

CONTACT: Alison Burdo media@dchousing.org

DCHA Bolsters Key Departments with Hiring of 3 New Leaders

Executive Director Keith Pettigrew enhances leadership team with affordable housing, human resources and labor relations & governmental policy experts

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. [Mar. 31, 2025] – The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) has named an experienced affordable housing industry professional to the top position overseeing the Public Housing Program, appointing Carolyn Kornegay Punter as Senior Vice President of Property Management Operations (PMO). DCHA has also named Christal Williams as Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations, supporting the revitalization of HR, and Faith Rogers as Senior Advisor to the Executive Director, expanding the agency’s policy expertise.

“Each new appointee brings a commitment to collaboration, a history of innovation and a deep knowledge of their field to DCHA,” said Executive Director Keith Pettigrew. “By adding these insightful and dedicated leaders to our team, DCHA is better positioned to effectively and efficiently serve DC families and uphold our mission to provide quality affordable housing.”

“The Board of Commissioners is thrilled that these well-qualified and impressive professionals are now contributing to the advancement of DCHA,” said Board Chair Raymond Skinner. “We look forward to utilizing their vast knowledge and experience as we continue to improve DCHA operations and generate positive outcomes for the families we serve.”

This is a homecoming for Ms. Punter, who returns to DCHA from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), where she served as the Regional Director of the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity for the Mid-Atlantic. Over her nearly 30-year career, she held leadership roles in DCHA’s PMO and Housing Choice Voucher Program, as well as multiple HUD positions that were focused on compliance. As Senior Vice President of PMO, Ms. Punter’s duties will include directing on-site managerial staff; monitoring compliance with federal, local and agency regulations and procedures; ensuring efficient property administration; and advising executive leadership on short- and long-term property operations. She will begin leading PMO on April 14.

Ms. Williams brings an extensive background in HR and labor relations to DCHA. Immediately prior to joining DCHA, she was the Deputy Chief Human Capital Officer at the Architect of the Capitol. A graduate of The George Washington University Law School, her professional history also includes serving as the Director of Human Resources for the District’s Department of Transportation, the Senior Employee and Labor Relations Advisor for D.C. Water, and Legal Counsel for the Office of Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining within the Executive Office of the Mayor.

Ms. Rogers also comes to DCHA from HUD, where she led operational strategy as Chief Operating Officer, a presidential appointment. With a juris doctorate from Howard University and a background working in the private sector and federal government, including the USDA, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the General Services Administration, Ms. Rogers adds depth to DCHA policy matters and intergovernmental relations. As Senior Advisor to the Executive Director, she will establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders; support internal coordination in response to stakeholder issues; and lead collaborations among federal officials, local government and DCHA to ensure preparation for impact of any policy or regulatory changes.

Ms. Williams and Ms. Rogers began with DCHA on March 24.  

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About DC Housing Authority

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) is committed to providing safe, affordable, and quality housing to the residents of the District of Columbia. The agency emphasizes fostering a collaborative work environment to meet the highest expectations of the affordable housing industry. With a focus on innovation and community development, DCHA strives to improve the lives of individuals and families by creating sustainable and thriving communities. Learn more at our website about DCHA and the work that the agency is doing to impact the residents of Washington, D.C.