HOUSTON, Texas – Months after the disgraced Houston Housing Authority CEO David Northern resigned after a KPRC 2 investigation uncovered questionable contract dealings, the department announced a new president and CEO.
Jamie Bryant was voted in by the HHA Board of Commissioners on Thursday.
“I commend the board for hiring Jamie Bryant, whom I am confident will bring strong and visionary leadership to the Houston Housing Authority,” said Mayor John Whitmire. “Last year, my administration overhauled the HHA board, and today, the public is witnessing the positive impact of that change. The HHA now operates with transparency and accountability while working to eliminate corruption and waste. I thank Chairman Proler and the HHA Board of Commissioners for their dedication to the mission of increasing the availability of affordable housing for Houstonians.”
Bryant’s appointment comes after Northern, who just over two years in Houston, resigned amid a board investigation into controversial contracts and financial practices.
KPRC 2 Investigative reporter Amy Davis spent months exposing HHA for a series of questionable contracts and projects.
Following our investigation, Northern resigned in November, along with his assistant and Senior Policy Advisor Na’Shon Edwards. Both received generous settlements to leave.
Amy also uncovered some stunning discoveries into how the Houston Housing Authority was spending money last year, all while saying their funds to provide rent relief to those who need it most had dried up.
Mayor John Whitmire replaced almost every HHA board member when he took office, appointing Jody Proler as the new HHA Chairman.
According to HHA, Bryant spent over 20 years at Midway, where he rose from associate to president and COO, leading significant projects across Houston. He also served as co-CEO and partner of Parkway, a joint venture between Parkway Properties and Midway. His prior board service includes appointments with long-established organizations like Avenue and the Fifth Ward Redevelopment Authority, giving him deep insights into the affordable housing and community development landscape.
“Jamie is the kind of leader Houston needs moving forward,” said Joseph “Jody” Proler, chairman of HHA’s Board of Commissioners. “His proven ability to lead, coupled with commitment to our mission and values, will significantly enhance our efforts to serve our residents and stakeholders. We are thrilled to welcome him to the team.”
Bryant’s first day as HHA president and CEO is set to begin on the week of Feb. 10.