Odessa Walker Appointed New COO of Rockford Housing Authority

Odessa Walker Appointed New COO of Rockford Housing Authority

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rockford, IL – June 5, 2023- The Rockford Housing Authority is pleased to announce the appointment of Odessa Walker as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the organization. This exciting development was revealed today by CEO Laura Snyder, who expressed her confidence in Odessa’s abilities to drive positive change within the organization. “We are thrilled to announce Odessa Walker as the new Chief Operating Officer of Rockford Housing Authority. Her extensive experience and dedication to empowering our residents make her the perfect fit for this role”, states Laura Snyder, CEO.

Prior to her appointment as COO, Odessa Walker served as the Director of Human Services for the Rockford Housing Authority. With a distinguished career spanning several years in the Public Housing industry, Odessa has a proven track record of success and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by residents. “I am honored and excited to take on the role of Chief Operating Officer at Rockford Housing Authority and I am deeply committed to building upon the organization’s mission of providing affordable housing and creating pathways for our residents to thrive and become self-sufficient”, states Ms. Walker.

During her tenure as the Director of Human Services, Odessa Walker held various pivotal roles within the Public Housing industry for multiple years where she served as Resident Social Services Coordinator, Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator, and Director of Education and Training. In these positions, she played a vital role in developing and overseeing programs aimed at empowering residents, including educational training, employment readiness, financial literacy, and preparation for homeownership. “Odessa Walker’s proven track record in developing and overseeing resident programs demonstrates her commitment to creating pathways for success. We are confident that her leadership will propel our organization forward in our mission to provide affordable housing and support our residents on their journey to self-sufficiency,” observes Laura Snyder.

Odessa Walker’s dedication to the community is reflected in her involvement beyond her professional responsibilities. She also serves as the Youth Pastor for Mt. Calvary Church of God in Christ and holds the position of Youth Department Chairlady for Fifth West Illinois Jurisdiction. Her commitment to fostering pathways for families to thrive and achieve self-sufficiency is unwavering.

“I am deeply passionate about serving our residents and making a positive impact in their lives. Together with the dedicated team at Rockford Housing Authority, we will work tirelessly to foster a safe and supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and achieve their goals,” comments, Odessa Walker. With her extensive experience and passion for serving the community, Odessa Walker is poised to lead the Rockford Housing Authority as the new COO. Her multiple certifications, including Family Self-Sufficiency Specialist and Public Housing Specialist, further reinforce her qualifications for this role. Notably, she was instrumental in the development of the nationally recognized Workforce Development Institute, which was launched in 2013.

The appointment of Odessa Walker as the new COO signifies a significant milestone for the Rockford Housing Authority. Her expertise and leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the organization’s ongoing mission of providing affordable housing and supporting the success of its residents. Laura reflecting states, “As CEO, I have full confidence in Odessa Walker’s ability to drive positive change within our organization. Her passion for community service and her expertise in the Public Housing industry will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the lives of our residents and the overall success of Rockford Housing Authority.”

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About Rockford Housing Authority: The Rockford Housing Authority is a leading organization dedicated to providing safe, affordable housing for low-income individuals and families in the Rockford, Illinois area. The organization is committed to fostering community development and empowering residents to achieve self-sufficiency through a range of programs and initiatives.

For more information, please visit https://rockfordha.org/about-us/