David A. Northern, Sr. is President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Houston Housing Authority (HHA). Northern has proven experience as a proactive leader in federal housing assistance programs including urban planning and policy development. He previously served as president and CEO of Housing Authority of the Birmingham District— the largest housing authority in Alabama.
A demonstrated leader in the affordable housing sector, Northern is the current president of Public Housing Authorities Directors Association, an organization of 1,900 member housing agencies representing more than 1.9 million low-income housing units throughout the U.S.. In his previous role as Executive Director and CEO of the Housing Authority of Champaign County in Illinois, he was appointed by Governor J.B. Pritzker to the State Housing Task Force, and he was elected to the Illinois Housing Council’s Board of Directors.
Northern was invited to participate in a White House Convening on the proposed HUD smoke-free rule in U.S. public housing with HUD Secretary Julián Castro, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and other highly notable leaders in 2016.
Born and raised in Gary, Indiana, Northern’s educational background includes a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Ball State University. He also holds a Certificate from the University of Maryland for completion of the Executive Education Program in Housing and Community Development; a Graduate Certificate in Public Management; and a Certificate from the Institute for Innovative Leadership Development. Northern completed Harvard University Kennedy School of Government 18-month program Community Development program. He finished with Excellence in the program which Harvard offered in conjunction with NeighborWorks America. A well-rounded industry veteran, Northern is also certified as a Rental Housing Development Finance Professional from the National Development Council. Most recently, Northern completed graduate coursework at Auburn University to earn a Master in Real Estate Development.
