Kevin Cheshire has been named the new executive director of The Housing Authority of Winston-Salem (HAWS).
Cheshire has worked with HAWS since 2013, serving as General Counsel and Vice President of Real Estate Development.
His appointment comes after the December 31 retirement of Larry Woods. Woods, who grew up in public housing, believed residents should work towards being self-reliant and moving out of the system. He led the organization for 13 years, coming in during a time of crisis for the authority.
The HAWS Board of Commissioners conducted a nationwide search to fill the position. Cheshire rose up out of a pack of 35 applicants.
He says that he has big shoes to fill, but is looking forward to his new role.
“I'm really excited,” says Cheshire. “Certainly, Mr. Woods was a mentor of mine, and I'll do my very best to work hard every day to make people's lives better, and I think that's ultimately our mission and our goal.”
Chesire's leadership comes at a time when questions linger over the fate of Crystal Towers, a public housing complex for the elderly and people with disabilities that is slated to be sold.