CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – During the last Clarksville Housing Authority meeting, there were a number of unanswered questions about CHA’s Development Corporation. Now, the composition of the Development Corporation Board of Directors is under review with two members resigning.

At the end of March, the vice chairman of the Development Corporation board, Steve Stroman, told Clarksville Now he accepted the resignation of board member Betty Burchett before resigning as well, effective immediately.

“The CHADC was formed to effectuate redevelopment in association with the CHA – the only goal to be awarded a tax credit to fund development,” Stroman said in a statement. “Instead of a single 9% credit, CHA was awarded two credits through the efforts of the consultant to the authority, Dawn Sanders-Garrett, as well as many others of the team she assembled. The economic impact on the proposed phase 1 and 2 at Lincoln Homes is worth tens of millions of dollars.”

Stroman also said the Development Corporation was formed to act, when such an award was received, to manage construction and investigate other sources of funds to enhance redevelopment that the Housing Authority was not empowered to undertake.

“My personal hope is that CHA will continue to press forward with redevelopment as it is needed,” Stroman said. “Redevelopment allows for mixed-use/mixed-income residents who all need affordable housing scaled to income.”

| PREVIOUSLY: Clarksville Housing Authority digs into concerns about Development Corporation, revoked IRS status

Clarksville Now has reached out to Burchett for comment.

The remaining board members are Dawn Sanders-Garrett, Karey Daughtery, Calvin Lockett and Trina Hill. That board is separate from the CHA board, though it shares some members.

No quorum at January meeting when contract extended

The Development Corporation last met in January, and new Housing Authority Executive Director Wanda Allen told Clarksville Now that no minutes were recorded, and there was no quorum. At that meeting, board member, consultant and previous CHA Interim Executive Director Dawn Sanders-Garrett had her contract extended, according to previous reports.

“The January 2026 meeting of the Development Corporation did not meet quorum, which means no official actions, including any contract extensions, could be approved during that meeting,” Allen said.

“Regarding Ms. Dawn Sanders-Garrett’s status, her contract with the Development Corporation was not renewed, and her official last day in that capacity was March 30, 2026. Separately, Ms. Sanders-Garrett has been providing limited consulting support to the Clarksville Housing Authority to assist with transition-related matters. That consulting engagement will conclude on April 15, 2026.”

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Allen said following that date, Sanders-Garrett may be available on an as-needed basis for up to 45 days to ensure continuity and smooth transition of responsibilities. Allen also said there are no ongoing or extended contractual agreements beyond the transition period.

The Development Corporation board had planned to meet on March 17, but that meeting was canceled. The board’s last meeting with minutes was in March 2023, according to previous reports.

Role of Development Corporation for CHA, next steps for replacements

Allen said the CHA is committed to transparency, compliance and responsible stewardship of public resources.

“CHA and the CHA Development Corporation are conducting a comprehensive internal review of Development Corporation operations, governance and financial practices to ensure full alignment with all applicable regulatory and reporting requirements. This review is part of a broader effort to strengthen organizational performance and accountability across the agency,” Allen said.

CHA and the Development Corporation are taking steps to formalize and strengthen the Development Corporation’s organizational and tax-exempt status. She said the CHA board has now been provided the requested financial information.

Also, the Development Corporation’s bylaws are being reviewed and updated.

Identifying new board members begins

Allen said as part of the review process, the Development Corporation is expected to undergo a restructuring of its leadership and board. “We appreciate the service of those who have recently stepped down and are focused on strengthening the relationship between the two organizations moving forward,” she said.

Allen said CHA and the Development Corporation are identifying and appointing new board members with relevant expertise in housing development, finance and community engagement. The future composition of the Development Corporation board will be discussed during CHA’s upcoming meeting on April 15, Allen said.

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