Yvonda Bean - CEO Indianapolis HA IN
For Immediate Release
Contact: Cynthia Hardy
chardy@columbiahousingsc.org
(803) 447-3770 mobile
Media Statement
Yvonda Bean, CEO of Columbia Housing has accepted the CEO position at the Indianapolis Housing Agency in Indianapolis, Indiana. She will start her new job February 17th, 2025. Bean came to Columbia Housing in August of 2019 as the Chief Operating Officer and ascended to the CEO position in June 2022.
"My decision to accept the CEO position at the Indianapolis Housing Agency was not an easy one," says Bean. "However, like many fellow public housing agencies across the country, the Indianapolis Housing Agency is currently facing a crisis of public trust. The Authority has been placed in receivership by HUD and now must take corrective action to operate again as a sound housing authority. My experience navigating the recovery of the Lafayette Housing Authority as the CEO in 2016 when they were in receivership, coupled with my experience at the once troubled Columbia Housing Authority, has prepared me for the rare opportunity to lend my talents to help restore Indianapolis Housing Agency."
Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann says Bean is leaving her mark in Columbia. "It has been my pleasure to work with Yvonda Bean on our shared goal of creating more affordable housing units in the city of Columbia. The fruits of her leadership are evident in Columbia Housing's development of Oaks at St. Anna's Park and Haven at Palmer Point that serves our senior citizens. Altogether, more than 400 new affordable housing units were constructed during her tenure. We will miss her. We appreciate her leadership and know she will continue to do great things in Indianapolis."
The list of milestones and achievements while Bean was at Columbia Housing is extensive. In addition to the construction of Oak Terrace and Oak Park located on the site of the former Gonzales Gardens community; and Haven at Palmer Point located at Two Notch and Carter Street in Columbia-she has also improved the quality of life for residents. Through a unique partnership with Midlands Technical College, Columbia Housing enrolled and graduated 50+ residents in Degree Programs and Certificate Programs. The agency also helped 40 first time homeowners buy homes. For a complete listing of team milestones during Bean's tenure go to: https://www.columbiahousingsc.org/list-of-accomplishments-yvonda-a-bean
"We thank Mrs. Bean for her service to Columbia Housing," says Board Chair Ernest W. Cromartie III. The CEO is often the face of the organization, but Columbia Housing is a solid team of housing professionals. That won't change. We wish Mrs. Bean well in her future endeavors. We will immediately begin the search for a new leader at Columbia Housing," concludes Cromartie.
