Charleston Housing Authority expands executive leadership team
September 23, 2026
Debra Stephens to oversee housing and real estate operations, while Lester Simpson will lead development initiatives.
The Housing Authority of the City of Charleston (CHA) announced the expansion of its executive leadership team with the appointment of Debra L. Stephens as chief housing and real estate officer and Lester M. Simpson as director of development. The new members bring extensive experience in affordable housing, real estate development, finance and strategic planning to the organization.
Stephens is an accomplished finance and real estate investment professional with extensive experience in affordable housing, urban development and mixed-use projects. Most recently, she served as chief housing and real estate officer at the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority, where she provided executive, strategic, managerial and technical leadership over housing, rental assistance and real estate operations.
Debra Stephens
Throughout her career, Stephens has helped advance citywide economic development initiatives through financing tools including tax increment financing, bond financing and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits. Her work has included strategic collaboration with city officials, state agencies, community leaders and private stakeholders to advance affordable housing and sustainable urban development.
Stephens holds an MBA and a Master of Accounting and Financial Management from the Keller School of Management. She is also a member of the Women’s Network of Affordable Housing and the Georgia Coalition of Affordable Housing Developers.
Simpson is the founder of Audacity Development Group, a real estate development firm focused on transformative mixed-use and affordable housing projects in Alexandria, Virginia, and Atlanta, Georgia. His expertise spans development acquisitions, asset management, financial analysis and strategic execution.
In his most recent role prior to joining CHA, Simpson served as Chief Portfolio Officer for the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA), where he led the agency’s development, acquisitions and asset management functions. During his tenure, he directed the $56.8 million acquisition of The Alate, a 133-unit affordable senior housing community in Old Town Alexandria, while overseeing a diverse real estate portfolio and advancing strategic redevelopment initiatives.
Lester Simpson
Simpson holds a B.S. in electrical engineering from North Carolina A&T University, a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Michigan State University and an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He is also a current Housing Accelerator Fellow.
“With this leadership expansion, the Housing Authority of the City of Charleston is putting itself in a position to meet the evolving housing needs of our community,” said Nathan Simms Jr., president and CEO of CHA. “Both Ms. Stephens and Mr. Simpson bring an extraordinary depth of knowledge and expertise to our organization. Their leadership will put us in a stronger position to advance redevelopment opportunities and expand access to safe, quality and affordable housing.”
Both Stephens and Simpson began their roles on Aug. 3.
In addition to these two new leaders, CHA has brought on five additional team members since April to support housing services, property maintenance, operations and administration. These include Tiara Ellis, housing services specialist; Sabrina Backus, office assistant; Malcom Clark, maintenance technician; and Quinton Heyward and Margaret Wynn, housing specialists.
The Charleston Housing Authority serves more than 15,000 residents across the region and manages over 1,400 public housing units in addition to administering more than 1,500 housing choice vouchers.
About Housing Authority of the City of Charleston
Established on May 5, 1935, the Housing Authority of the City of Charleston (CHA) celebrated 90 years of providing decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents in Charleston in 2025. CHA is governed by seven commissioners appointed by the Mayor and City Council and manages daily operations, supporting nearly 1,400 public housing households across the city and more than 1,500 participants in the Housing Choice Voucher Program who live in privately owned residences. CHA is committed to strengthening the Charleston community through reliable housing solutions and supportive services. For more information, visit https://www.chacity.org/.
