District of Columbia Housing Authority Appointed Wickliffe
The board voted unanimously to name Nicole Wickliffe as the new executive director of the housing authority.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in People
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The District of Columbia Housing Authority board has officially appointed Nicole Wickliffe as its new executive director. The decision follows her service as the interim leader of the organization since April 2026.
Why it matters
The appointment establishes permanent leadership for the agency following the departure of former director Keith Pettigrew earlier this year. Wickliffe now oversees the organization after previously serving as its deputy executive director.
The board confirmed the appointment with a unanimous vote. Wickliffe's official term as executive director began on October 1, 2026.
The players
Nicole Wickliffe
She is the newly appointed executive director of the District of Columbia Housing Authority who previously served as a deputy director in Alexandria.
Keith Pettigrew
He is the former executive director of the District of Columbia Housing Authority who left the agency in March 2026 to lead the Chicago Housing Authority.
District of Columbia Housing Authority
This is the municipal agency responsible for providing affordable housing and property management services to residents of Washington, D.C.
The details
Nicole Wickliffe stepped into the executive director role after serving as the interim director since April 2026. She originally joined the District of Columbia Housing Authority as deputy executive director in late 2023, having previously worked at the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
Timeline
Late 2023: Nicole Wickliffe joined DCHA as deputy executive director.
March 2026: Keith Pettigrew departed the agency.
April 2026: Nicole Wickliffe assumed the role of interim executive director.
September 16, 2026: The DCHA board voted unanimously to appoint Wickliffe.
October 1, 2026: Wickliffe began her tenure as executive director.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition follows the pattern of executive turnover seen in major municipal agencies across the country. It mirrors the transition observed during the 2026 leadership move of the Chicago Housing Authority, marking a shift in regional public housing governance.
The appointment signals continuity for residents and stakeholders relying on the agency for housing support. This leadership move establishes a permanent point of contact for the authority's ongoing administrative and policy decisions.
The takeaway
The agency has solidified its leadership structure following a months-long interim period. Residents can expect the new director to prioritize the implementation of existing housing initiatives in the coming months.
Further reading
Learn more about local leadership updates in Washington People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bisnow.
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