Has Served in Key Roles with PHADA for 11 Years
PHADA President John T. Mahon.
I am pleased and excited to announce that PHADA’s Executive Committee has named Crystal Wojciechowski as the Association’s incoming Executive Director. Currently PHADA’s Deputy Director, Crystal will assume her new position upon the retirement of long-time Executive Director Tim Kaiser in the first quarter of 2026.
As I reported earlier this year, PHADA’s Board of Trustees discussed this issue at its May convention. Following that discussion, the Executive Committee agreed to engage a consultant to assist with the search. Jason Geno, Kristin Richards, and others with HCi Advisory Group were invaluable during the process. Among other things, the firm specializes in succession planning, human resources, and organizational assessments. HCi vetted many good applications and then we met with qualified individuals over a few weeks leading up to our selection.
Incoming PHADA Executive Director Crystal Wojciechowski.
Well Qualified to Lead
At the outset of the search process, I mentioned that we intended to keep PHADA uniquely positioned to serve our membership and function as a leading voice in the industry. Our selection will help ensure that outcome.
Crystal Wojciechowski has nearly 20 years of experience in the housing arena. She has worked at two HAs, King County, WA, and St. Mary’s County, MD, where she rose to Acting Executive Director. She has been with PHADA for 11 years, first as a Sr. Policy Analyst and then as our current Deputy Director. She was also a consultant for Quadel, a respected and well-known consulting firm.
Crystal has a bachelor’s degree from Christopher Newport University in Virginia and a master’s degree from American University in Washington, DC. She is also a proud graduate of the PHADA- Rutgers University Executive Director Education Program (EDEP). In recent months, she worked successfully to help establish the EDEP Alumni Association.
I have always been impressed with Crystal’s knowledge and commitment to PHADA. In addition to her broad housing experience, she possesses a solid business and human resources background, running her own fitness company as an owner and chief operating officer for 6 years. That is among the several reasons why those of us in PHADA’s leadership supported her promotion to Deputy Director in mid-2024.
Tim Kaiser told us he was pleased with the decision. “Crystal is a hands-on leader who knows the Association’s operations very well,” said Kaiser. “She has labored tirelessly to advance our objectives on issues ranging from HUD appropriations to NSPIRE, BABA, and others. Crystal is deeply committed to PHADA’s membership and the residents they serve.”
Crystal Wojciechowski issued this statement:
Thank you for the incredible opportunity to serve as PHADA’s next Executive Director. I am honored to accept this position, as it is a privilege to serve such a dedicated and impactful community of housing professionals. With a deep commitment to PHADA’s mission, I look forward to working alongside you, the PHADA team, and other key stakeholders to advance our shared mission and strengthen the future of affordable housing. Together, we will continue driving initiatives that empower communities and advance the goals of our organization. I appreciate your continued support and the opportunity to lead PHADA into its next chapter.
Thank You, PHADA Leadership
I want to thank all the members of PHADA’s Executive Committee for giving their time and dedication during the search process. The committee members include Martell Armstrong (IL), Shauna Boom (KY), Joe D’Ascoli (CT), Kim Gober (NJ), Mark Gillett (OK), Zsa Zsa Heard (GA), Sheri Lee (KY), Terri Lee (GA), Mary-Margaret Lemons (TX), and Bill Simmons (NY).
Tim and Crystal will continue to focus on PHADA’s top legislative and regulatory priorities while planning for a seamless transition. For now, if you wish to join me in congratulating our incoming ED, you can drop her line at: cwojciechowski@phada.org, or call the Washington office at: 202-546-5445.