Columbia, SC–The Board of Commissioners at Columbia Housing has voted unanimously to name Yvonda A. Bean as its permanent Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director. Mrs. Bean had been serving as Interim CEO since February 2022.
“Yvonda Bean is a dynamic, resident-focused leader with a demonstrated ability to advance the agency’s mission,” says Board Chairman Ernest W. Cromartie, III, Esq. “Mrs. Bean also understands the importance of community engagement and the power of partnerships as we work to provide more affordable housing options for the overall community and the people we serve. We are happy to name Mrs. Bean as the new permanent Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director of Columbia Housing.”
Yvonda Bean joined Columbia Housing as its Chief Operating Officer in August of 2019. Prior to that move, Mrs. Bean served as Executive Director/CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Lafayette, Louisiana where she transformed the Housing Authority from a U. S. Department Housing & Urban Development (HUD)-supervised Agency to a thriving organization with financial and staff stability. Mrs. Bean also serves on a host of affordable housing-focused boards and commissions around the country; many of those resulting from relationships garnered over her 21-year career in the affordable housing industry.
As Interim CEO, Bean closed on the $71M Oaks at St. Anna’s Park housing development. Other new developments are expected to follow under the agency’s VISION 2030, a $500M Affordable Housing Preservation, Redevelopment & New Construction Plan. Several other developments are in the pipeline.
“I believe in the work we are doing at Columbia Housing,” says Bean. “We have a dedicated and committed staff that strives every day to provide quality service to our 16,000+ residents. As the new Chief Executive Officer, I will also continue to advocate for and work with others to deliver more affordable housing options in the area. There is a tremendous need for more affordable housing all over,” concludes Bean.
Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann had the following to say about Bean’s appointment. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet with Yvonda Bean on several occasions and I’ve been impressed by her demonstrated leadership and knowledge in the affordable housing industry. We look forward to working with her and congratulate her on her new appointment to permanently lead Columbia Housing, says Mayor Rickenmann. Rev. Ed McDowell, Columbia City Councilman/District 2 added, “Yvonda Bean is the right person in the right position at the right time. I see very good things ahead for Columbia Housing and the overall community. This is good for the City of Columbia.”
