Board of Commissioners
Board of Commissioners
The Housing Authority or Joliet Board of Commissioners consists of seven (7) members, each appointed by the Mayor of the City of Joliet and approved by the City Council. There are currently two (2) vacancies on the Board. Appointments are for staggered terms.
Commissioners determine policies and approve operating budgets, programs and services consistent with its mission and subject to the mandates and limits imposed by State and Federal Law.
Commissioners receive no compensation but are entitled to receive expenses including travel expenses, incurred in the discharge of their official duties.
Susie Barber, Chairman
Susie Barber, re: elected Chairman in 2009 and served as Vice Chairman in 2005 and 2006 is serving her fourteenth (14th) year on the Board. Since retirement as International Representative of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Chairman has been active in political and community affairs. She was recently elected as Councilwoman for District 5 in the City of Joliet. As the first African American female Councilwoman she represents a District where two of the Authority’s largest Family Developments are located.
As the longest serving Commissioner on the Board, Barber has brought stability and a keen social and political sense of what is going on in the community. Through her affiliations, the Authority has gained support for many housing initiatives. The Chairman’s focus has been on the Authority’s transformation and reinvention initiatives which will provide affordable housing opportunities to low income families, as well as revitalization of communities surrounding family housing developments, especially in Districts 4 and 5.
Patrick Asher, Vice Chairman
Patrick Asher appointed to the Board as a Commissioner in February, 2001 is serving his eighth (8th) year. Elected as Chairman in 2005 and 2006, the Adjunct Professor of English at Joliet Junior College has paved the way for the Authority to “Think Outside The Box” especially in the climate of a steady declining federal funding. His openness, fairness and sincere interest in the well-being of Residents and Employees have earned him a great deal of respect within the Authority family and community. The Vice Chairman’s major concern continues to be the provision of educational and related socio-economic programs for Residents that will facilitate their ability to become self-sufficient and break the cycle of poverty many have lived with all their lives.
Kennedy Millsap, Secretary
Kennedy Millsap has served as an Authority Commissioner since December, 2003, being elected Secretary in 2005-2008. The ordained Minister has become a vocal advocate in protecting the rights and privileges of the least fortunate in the Joliet community. The Commissioner, who champions the causes of many who contact him, is especially interested in maximizing police protection within Public Housing Communities, assuring minority businesses get contract opportunities and providing more affordable housing to meet the needs of low income families.
Millsap, also known as the Housing Authority of Joliet’s Ambassador, has networked extensively in Washington, D.C. with Congressional representatives; Senator Richard Durbin; and with HUD and other Housing Authorities at National/Regional and State Conferences.
Richard A. Clementi, Commissioner
Richard Clementi was appointed to the Board in November, 2004 and was elected Treasurer in 2005 and 2006. The Business License inspector for the City of Joliet is President of the Joliet Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union, is a Business Owner and serves on several community/civic organizations. The Business and Financial expertise the Commissioner brings to the Authority is highly valued, especially with declining Federal, State and Local funding.
Clementi volunteers as a Santa Clause Helper for the less fortunate for more than thirty (30) years. The Commissioner is concerned with declining funding and its impact on budgets, specifically the potential lay-off of staff.
Tony Jerisha, Commissioner
Tony Jerisha, a retired Captain with the City of Joliet Police Department was appointed to the Housing Authority of Joliet Board on January 19, 2010. The thirty-nine (39) year Police Department Veteran brings to the Housing Authority, not only a law enforcement background but also, community service experience, as a member of the Spanish Community Center and Child Care Resource and Referral Center Boards. His active participation in community, civic and social causes have earned him respect and recognition as someone who gives back to the community, in hopes his efforts will assist families enhance their quality of life. He is a recognized spokesman and speaker on subjects such as CPS in a Diverse Community, CPS Check Lane and Violator Compliance at State and National law enforcement and educational conferences. The life long Joliet resident and University of St. Francis graduate is currently Director of Public Relations for Grants Appliances and Electronics.