Chonda Tapley

About Chonda Tapley

Experienced housing executive with a passion for building strong, mission-driven organizations that deliver safe, affordable housing and drive community impact. I currently serve as the Executive Director of both the Harrison and Fayetteville Housing Authorities in Arkansas, managing a diverse portfolio of federally funded housing programs—including Public Housing, Housing Choice Vouchers, PBRA, and specialized programs like VASH and EHV—serving over 1,500 families. With over a decade of leadership experience in public housing, I specialize in operational turnaround, strategic planning, HUD compliance, and stakeholder engagement. I’ve led multi-agency teams through complex transitions, improved financial accountability, and launched initiatives to preserve and expand housing opportunities in underserved communities. In 2024, I was honored to receive the National NAHRO Emerging Leader of the Year Award, recognizing my commitment to innovation, integrity, and results-driven leadership in the affordable housing sector. Driven by purpose and guided by compliance, I believe in building partnerships, empowering staff, and creating systems that serve with equity, efficiency, and excellence.

Experience

1. Executive Director

   Harrison Housing Authority

   Dec 2014 — Present · Harrison, AR, US

   As Executive Director of both the Harrison and Fayetteville Housing Authorities, I oversee the strategic leadership, financial management, and operational compliance of two public housing agencies serving over 1,500 low-income families in Northwest Arkansas. I manage a broad portfolio of HUD-funded programs, including Public Housing, Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA), VASH, EHV, Mainstream, and TPVs.Key responsibilities include:Directing day-to-day operations and aligning agency goals with HUD priorities and local housing needsOverseeing budgeting, procurement, and financial audits to ensure fiscal accountabilityEnsuring full regulatory compliance with HUD, state, and local housing policiesLeading capital planning, property rehabilitation, and affordable housing development initiativesBuilding strategic partnerships to expand housing access and promote community stabilitySupporting transparent governance through effective board engagement and reportingIn 2024, I was honored to receive the Emerging Leader of the Year Award from National NAHRO, recognizing my leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing affordable housing solutions.Dedicated to transforming public housing authorities into high-performing, mission-driven organizations that prioritize resident outcomes, compliance excellence, and long-term sustainability.

Education

• Claremont Graduate University

  Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

  2000 — 2002

• California State University-Bakersfield

  Bachelor of Science

  1995 — 1997

Skills

• Strategic Thinking
• Customer Service
• Product Marketing
• Social Media
• Nonprofits
• Brand Development
• Web 2.0
• Leadership Development
• Product Management
• Product Development
• Market Research
• Consumer Insights
• Strategy
• Brand Communication
• Public Speaking
• Program Development
• Training
• Program Management
• Competitive Analysis
• Direct Marketing
• Staff Development
• Human Relations
• Event Management
• Curriculum Development
• Coaching
• Community Outreach
• Grant Writing
• Event Planning
• Integrated Marketing
• Teaching
• Higher Education
• Fundraising
• Marketing Strategy
• Public Relations
• Online Advertising
• Personal Branding
• Curriculum Design
• Management
• Budget Management
• Marketing Communications