What makes our team members special?
Solving an issue as big as homelessness and affordable housing takes very dedicated and talented individuals - Meet our inspiring team below!
Departments
Executive
The Executive Department is the office of the Executive Director. His direct reports are the departments noted below. The Executive Director is responsible not only for the daily operations and performance in accordance with HUD guidelines, he also is responsible for community relations and interface with local and regional governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Main Contact: Paul Diggs
Phone Number: 610-436-9200
Online Contact: Contact Form
Finance
This Department, headed by the Chief Financial Officer is responsible for all financial activities, including managing all HUD funds in accordance with regulations; landlord, client, and tenant payments and receipts; and managing other funding sources, such as County funds. The department is also responsible for Procurement activities.
Main Contact: Paul Boris
Phone Number: 610-436-9200
Online Contact: Contact Form
Housing Choice Voucher Program
Formerly known as “Section 8 Program”, this department is responsible for the efficient management, including processing applicants; recertifications; and inspections.
Main Contact: Brenda Gomez
Phone Number: 610-436-9200
Online Contact: Contact Form
Public Housing Program
Known as “Asset Management”, this department is responsible for the efficient management of the public housing program, including processing applicants; recertifications; and timely maintenance of all sites, in accordance with HUD rules and regulations.
Main Contact: Bashairra Henry
Phone Number: 610-436-9200
Online Contact: Contact Form
Human Resources
This Department is responsible for employee and management relations, as well as recruitment, hiring, evaluation processing, payroll, etc.
Main Contact: Debra Johnson
Alt. Contact: Regina Schetroma
Phone Number: 610-436-9200
Online Contact: Contact Form
Phone Number: 610-436-9200
Our Staff
Executive Staff
The Housing Authority of the County of Chester currently has 27 employees. They are involved in the management of the Housing Choice Voucher Program; the Public Housing Program, including staff at the sites; and the Executive/Administrative staff, including Finance and Human Relations.
Paul Diggs
Executive Director/CEO
Paul Diggs is the current Executive Director and CEO of the Housing Authority of Chester County (HACC). In his capacity as Executive Director, Diggs serves as both the administrative head of HACC and the principal advisor to the Board. He leads the organization’s strategic oversight, daily operations, and community interface, while ensuring compliance with HUD guidelines. Before joining HACC, Diggs held various leadership positions within housing authorities across Baltimore, Annapolis, and Washington, D.C. He currently serves as the Regional President for MARC NAHRO (2025-2027). Diggs holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Government and Public Policy and a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA), both from the University of Baltimore.
Debra Johnson
Executive Vice President
Debra Johnson is the Executive Vice President. She joined the Authority in May 2010, bringing 22 years of management experience. Prior to her arrival, there was no separate HR function and she has successfully created a department that responds to management and employee needs.
Brenda Gomez
Vice President of HCVP
Brenda Gomez is the Director of HCVP, having joined the Authority as a housing specialist. She oversees the staff of 5 Housing Specialist.
Paul Boris
Finance Manager
Paul Boris is the Finance Manager, who oversees the organization’s general accounting functions and reporting. Paul is also charged with monitoring and enforcing internal control policies and procedures
Regina Schetroma
Human Resources
Bashairra Henry
Senior Asset Manager
Bashairra Henry manages the daily operations of the current Public Housing Department. Handing the properties of our Church Street Towers, King Terrace, Oxford Terrace, as well as our Maple/Spruce and Locust Court Facilities.
Housing Choice Voucher
Cierra Young – Project Based Manager
Janelle Chuplis – Blended Housing Specialist
Majeedah Waheed – Project Based Specialist
Felichia Molina – HCV Program Manager
Edwina Johnson – Housing Specialist
Brigette Vargas – Intake Specialist
Owen Duncan – FSS Coordinator
Kelli Greenamoyer – VASH Coordinator
Bianca Salgado – Service Coordinator
Noemi Villalva – HOP Leasing Coordinator
Public Housing
Lakisha Hawkes – Assistant Asset Manager
Mary Kay Owen – ROSS Coordinator
Finance
Brenda Bolt – Staff Accountant
Imonie Clements – Accounting Coordinator
Our Board of Commissioners
The Housing Authority of the County of Chester is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners. Each Board member is appointed by the County of Chester’s Commissioners. Commissioners receive no compensation, however they are entitled to reimbursement of expenses incurred for being a Board member. Officers of the Board are elected each year at the first meeting of the calendar year.
Pat Bokovitz
Pat Bokovitz is the Director of the Chester County Department of Human Services. He brings extensive knowledge about the issues facing low and middle income residents of the County and of the programs available to assist them, such as housing, employment, transportation, job training, and education.
Daniel Garcia
Resident Board Member
Theodore Claypoole
Theodore F. Claypoole, a partner of Unruh Turner Burke & Frees, primarily represents businesses, tax-exempt entities, lending institutions, and commercial and residential real estate developers and landlords. Mr. Claypoole is active in his community, presently serving as a member of the Historic Commission for West Brandywine Township and previously serving as Chairman of the Planning Commission for Sadsbury Township and as a member on the Township’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance Committee, Act 209 Study Committee, Zoning Ordinance Committee, and the Pennsylvania Bar Association LLC Standard Forms Task Force.
Donnell R. Sheppard
Donnell R. Sheppard, with a comprehensive background in finance and project management, embodies a commitment to effective community development on the Housing Authority of the County of Chester board. His expertise in overseeing substantial budgets and leading high-impact projects in the pharmaceutical industry, coupled with significant contributions to Philadelphia’s urban development, underscore his strategic planning and operational excellence. A devoted advocate for community engagement, Donnell’s involvement in educational and workforce development initiatives, along with his passion for mentoring, highlight his dedication to fostering inclusive and thriving communities.
Mission Statement
For HACC and the community of Chester County to be the accessible housing and societal beacon of success and empathy that profoundly impacts our community and is replicated around the world.