Acting President & Chief Executive Officer
Montgomery Housing Authority
mwhiting@mhatoday.org
Monica Whiting serves as the Acting President and Chief Executive Officer of the Montgomery Housing Authority (MHA), where she leads strategic initiatives to enhance affordable housing opportunities and community development throughout Montgomery, Alabama. With a deep commitment to improving housing accessibility, Monica oversees MHA’s operations, policy implementation, and partnerships to ensure the agency fulfills its mission of providing safe, quality, and sustainable housing for residents.
Monica brings extensive expertise in real estate development law, public housing policy, and community-based financial initiatives. As the Principal of The Whiting Law Group, she has advised public and private entities on zoning, land use, deed restrictions, and right-of-way acquisitions. Her work also includes consulting with Public Housing Authorities on complex real estate matters, positioning her as a leader at the intersection of law and housing policy.
Prior to her work in housing and real estate, Monica held key leadership positions in the healthcare sector. She served as the Director of Managed Care for Ascension St. Vincent’s Health System, overseeing payer relations, reimbursement strategies, and network development. Additionally, she was the Executive Director of HealthChoice of Alabama, a statewide network of healthcare providers, where she played a critical role in expanding access to care and ensuring financial sustainability for member organizations.
Beyond her role at MHA, Monica is actively engaged in civic leadership and community development. She serves on the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council, helping to shape regional housing policies. She also holds board positions with the Montgomery Water Works and Sewer Board, Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, River Region United Way, and the Greater Montgomery Metro Board of Directors.
Monica is the founder of Baristas & Barristers, a unique coffee and networking space designed to foster community dialogue within her law office.
With a diverse background spanning housing, healthcare, and economic development, Monica Whiting continues to drive impactful solutions that empower residents and strengthen Montgomery’s neighborhoods.
Chief Officer of Communications, Public Relations, & Intergovernmental Affairs
fmartin@mhatoday.org
Chief Officer of Communications, Public Relations, & Intergovernmental Affairs
Montgomery Housing Authority
Felecia D. Martin is a native of Montgomery, Alabama, and currently serves as the Chief Officer of Communications, Public Relations, and Intergovernmental Affairs for the Montgomery Housing Authority. In this role, she leads strategic communications initiatives, fosters community engagement, and manages intergovernmental relations to advance the agency’s mission.
Felecia brings extensive experience in government relations, community engagement, campaign management, and event planning, with over two decades of combined service in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
She began her professional career as a Paralegal with the former law firm Thomas, Means & Gillis, P.C. (now Means & Gillis, P.C.), where she managed hundreds of personal injury cases, pre-trial procedures, and trial proceedings for a decade. Transitioning to local politics, Felecia served as a Campaign Manager, successfully leading three mayoral races. Her success in campaign management led her to serve as a Top Advisor to former Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright for 10 years, contributing to her 15 years of public service.
In late 2017, Felecia was recruited by Duke Energy Florida, the nation’s second-largest energy provider, to provide community engagement and government relations support across seven counties in the South Coastal Region.
Felecia holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science/American Politics from Troy University, a Master of Public Administration/Human Resources from the American Public University System, and a Certification in Paralegal Studies from Huntingdon College. She is also a graduate of Yale’s Campaign School for Women, Leadership Montgomery Class XVII, and the City of Montgomery’s Municipal Management Program.
Dedicated to community service, Felecia has served on several boards, including the Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development, BONDS (Neighborhood Advocacy Group), Girl Scouts, and Westside Restoration Corporation. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Montgomery Alabama Capital Section National Council of Negro Women, Inc., and the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Training and Professional Development Committee.
Felecia is the proud mother of Alexis Simone and grandmother to Kayson and Kylan. She is also an active member of True Divine Baptist Church.
In her spare time, Felecia enjoys reading books on leadership, American history, and civil rights, attending sporting events, listening to motivational messages, and dining at restaurants with outdoor seating.
Director of Human Resources
cmoore@mhatoday.org
Christalyn M. Moore serves as the Director of Human Resources at the Montgomery Housing Authority (MHA). Her journey at MHA began in January 2016 as a temporary worker from Elwood Staffing, but her professionalism, initiative, and self-driven motivation quickly earned her a permanent position as a Real Estate Development Coordinator in May of the same year.
Christalyn’s exceptional attention to detail, workflow management, and leadership skills have enabled her to effectively manage tasks and deadlines, leading her to spearhead multiple projects within the organization. Her dedication and strategic approach have been instrumental in driving operational efficiency and fostering a positive workplace culture at MHA.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from the University of Phoenix and is certified as a Capital Fund Program Specialist from Nan McKay.
Christalyn is committed to continuous learning and growth and is passionate about creating innovative ways to enhance productivity and meet organizational goals. Her work philosophy is:
“There is always room for growth and development; never stop learning.”
One of her favorite Bible verses is Psalm 51:10.
Outside of her professional life, Christalyn enjoys spending time with family and friends and maintains an active lifestyle through working out.
Assisted Housing Program Administrator
dnorman@mhatoday.org
Dekeesha Norman serves as the Assisted Housing Program Administrator at the Montgomery Housing Authority (MHA). In this role, she manages the day-to-day operations of the Housing Choice Voucher Program, working closely with program participants, landlords, and community partners to ensure efficient program administration and positive community impact.
Throughout her tenure with MHA, Dekeesha has held several key positions, including Lead Housing Specialist and Housing Specialist within the Housing Choice Voucher Department. Her extensive experience and dedication to service have equipped her with a deep understanding of housing programs and participant needs.
Dekeesha holds degrees in Business Administration from Faulkner University and Healthcare Administration from the University of Phoenix.
A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Dekeesha is married and a proud mother of two children.
Public Housing Asset Manager
fgrandison@mhatoday.org
Felecia is from Holly Springs, Mississippi. She has lived in Montgomery for 7 years and currently serves as the Public Housing Asset Manager for Montgomery Housing Authority. She has been with Montgomery Housing Authority for 6 years. Felecia holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a Minor in Management from Rust College in Holly Springs, MS. She also has a Master’s degree in Business from American Intercontinental University, in Dunwoody, Georgia. Felecia is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The most rewarding part of her job is interacting with residents, helping them in any way that she can, from referring them to organizations to help them with their rent and utilities, job search, and or just lending a listening ear. When she is not at work, she enjoys watching movies, hanging with the hubby and her two grandchildren. Her parents have always said “Today is the opportunity to building the tomorrow you want”. She strives to live by that and encourage others to do the same.
Director of Resident Services
btownsend@mhatoday.org
Brandie oversees the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of grant-funded programs, including the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) and Resident Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) programs. She also administers the agency’s Section 3 Program, as defined by federal law and pursuant to MHA’s Policy and Procedures. Brandie encompasses over 18 years of combined experience in social services, case management, education, and employment training. She is committed to helping others discover their greatness within. This commitment has led to years of dedicated service in hopes of improving the quality of life for individuals and families.
Brandie has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Auburn University and a Master of Science in Public Administration from Troy University. She has also completed coursework in counseling/psychology at the University of West Alabama. She is the proud parent of one teenage son, Kaiden.
Director of Public Safety
jday@mhatoday.org
Jesse is the product of Miami Northwestern High School in Miami Florida. Looking for a commission in the military, he attended Saint Augustine College on a baseball scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army. While in the Army he received several degrees but most important to him were an Associate degree in Criminal Law (court Room Administration) from Kansas City Community College and a Master’s degree in Criminal Law from Troy State University. He served in the United States Army for a period of 21 years and then joined the Orlando Police Department where he retired in 2016 with 23 years of service. To complete his dream, he opened and served as the owner of the Legal Assistant (Paralegal Services Business) for 4 years. Currently he is the co-owner of Day 2 Day Mentoring.
Comptroller
mowens@mhatoday.org
My career started at the Montgomery Housing Authority 5 years ago as the Grants Accountant. I have since been promoted to Comptroller. Prior to working for the agency I was the Treasurer at Hyundai MOBIS for 9 years. I obtained my bachelor’s degree from Auburn University of Montgomery in Finance and I obtained my master’s degree from Troy University of Montgomery in Human Resource Management. I am from the Historic Selma, Alabama. When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling, working out and reading.
Procurement/Contract Administrator
sbrown@mhatoday.org
Sheila R. Brown is a professional Procurement/Contract Administrator who is the technical expert and consultant as it relates to areas of procurement, contracting, property/material acquisition/disposition, State of AL Bid Law and Public Works regulations, Montgomery Housing Authority (MHA) Procurement policy as well as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Procurement Handbook. She utilizes these skills at the City of Montgomery AL Housing Authority (MHA) in Montgomery, AL. Sheila’s focused driven and prioritizing skills gives her an advantage over most, as she takes initiative performing varying complex technical assignments and meeting demanding deadlines.
Sheila holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Auburn University in Montgomery, AL (AUM), and a Bachelor’s degree in Resources Management from Troy University. She also holds a Non-Profit Management and Leadership Certification from AUM.
Senior System Analyst
whughes@mhatoday.org
Woodrow Hughes, a native of Bronx, New York moved to Georgia in the early nineties where he graduated from Redan High School in Stone Mountain, GA. To further his education, Woodrow relocated to Tuskegee, Alabama and attended Tuskegee University to pursue his education in Computer Science. He later received an Associate degree in Computer Science from John Patterson Tech and a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems Data Administration and Communication from Auburn University Montgomery.
Woodrow’s professional career started as a bank teller at First Tuskegee Bank in the mid-90s. He quickly advanced in the company, ultimately becoming the Assistant Vice-President of Technology/Operation/Security at the branch in Montgomery, Alabama. After providing 18 years of service to the banking industry, Woodrow decided to embark upon another rewarding opportunity at the Montgomery Housing Authority as an IT Support Specialist. He was later promoted to the position of Senior System Analysis. Over the years, he continued to excel in the areas of Data Administration, Communication and Network Administration. In this role, Woodrow strives to create an environment where all staff and tenants have easy access to technology resources and agency information, as well as provide an infrastructure that supports the goals of the Montgomery Housing Authority.
Woodrow is a proud father of three amazing children. Bianca Pogue, a graduate of Tuskegee University with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Kevin Hughes, a senior at Alabama A&M University majoring in Electrical Engineering with a concentration in VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) microelectronics and Aaliyah Hughes, a 4th grader at Tuskegee Public School in Tuskegee, Alabama.
Woodrow is an active member of the Sigma Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated. As a big sports fan, he genuinely enjoys Sci-Fi, but also has a lifelong passion for technology. He is inspired by his favorite quote which states “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.”
525 South Lawrence St.
Montgomery, AL 36104
8:00am – 4:30pm