Houston Housing Authority CEO Resigns Amid Investigation

David Northern Sr., the CEO of the Houston Housing Authority (HHA), has resigned amid a federal investigation into the agency's handling of a low-income housing project built on potentially contaminated land. Northern had been placed on paid administrative leave prior to his resignation, which was accepted by the board following a closed meeting. The investigation was sparked by concerns about toxic ash found at the Pointe at Bayou Bend site, with federal agents previously conducting soil sampling. Houston Mayor John Whitmire criticized the HHA for mismanagement and has expressed concerns over the agency's decision to stop issuing housing vouchers. Following Northern's departure, Jennine Hovell-Cox has been appointed as the interim president of HHA. His resignation agreement includes a severance payment and continued insurance benefits, which comes after scrutiny over questionable contracts during his leadership.