News

ARHA interim CEO resigns seven months after predecessor’s ousting

By James Cullum
ARHA properties in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

The interim CEO of the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority is stepping down from her role, according to a letter submitted to the organization’s board of commissioners.

On May 20, Rickie C. Maddox informed the board in a short letter that her last day would be Friday, June 19.

ARHA Board of Commissioners Chair Mark Jinks told ALXnow that the organization will conduct interviews for a new interim CEO over the next several weeks and that the national search for a permanent CEO will likely start in June.

“I am proud of what has been accomplished and appreciate the dedication and commitment of everyone who works to advance the Authority’s mission each day,” Maddox wrote in her resignation letter. “Over the next several weeks, I will do everything I can to support a smooth transition before my departure. I wish the organization continued success moving forward.”

The news of Maddox’s departure comes seven months after ARHA’s former CEO Erik Johnson was fired for living in a public housing unit — and the organization’s nine-member board resigned and was replaced. Since then, Maddox has been challenged with high staff turnover, delivering a cohesive budget, conducting unit-by-unit inspections of ARHA properties, and reorganizing rent ledgers while securing board approval for bond financing for redevelopment of the Ladrey Senior Hi-Rise in Old Town North.

Jinks said that the organization is committed to filling the interim and permanent CEO roles.

“Since we expect the hiring process for a new CEO to take about five months, the Board will need to hire an Interim CEO for that duration and has started the search process for an Interim CEO,” Jinks told ALXnow.

In the meantime, Johnson is suing ARHA for millions of dollars in damages.

ARHA is currently at 95% occupancy, with nearly 38,000 people on its waiting list for housing. The public housing authority owns and operates more than 1,100 housing units in Alexandria and administers the Housing Choice Voucher program to more than 1,600 residents in private properties citywide.

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.