At HOM our commitment to ending homelessness and creating safer, healthier communities drives everything we do. As we’ve grown and evolved, so have our leadership roles. This year marks a pivotal shift as we transition from a Chief Programs Officer (CPO) to a Chief Housing Officer (CHO) — a role designed to unify and enhance our housing operations while exemplifying the leadership needed to address the challenges of today’s housing crisis.

Why the Change?

The shift from CPO to CHO reflects our recognition that housing programs are not just one part of our organization—they are the heart of what we do. By placing housing at the center of this leadership role, we emphasize the strategic importance of integrating program management with operational efficiency, staff development, and community partnerships. The CHO title underscores the value of housing solutions as the foundation of stronger communities.

The Importance of the CHO Role

The CHO is more than just a leadership position; it’s a guiding force for the entire organization. This role ensures that our housing programs operate at the highest level of quality and compliance while embodying our culture of innovation and collaboration. The CHO’s ability to bridge internal operations with external relationships will determine our capacity to retain, expand, and diversify opportunities to serve those in need.

Number One Priorities for the New CHO

When the new CHO steps into their role, their first priorities will include:

• Assessing and Strengthening Housing Operations: Conducting a comprehensive review of existing workflows and policies to identify opportunities for optimization and growth.
• Team Development: Focusing on staff growth by implementing leadership training and professional development aligned with HOM’s Competency Model.
• Promoting Innovation: Exploring new approaches to housing solutions to address emerging needs in the community.

Responsibilities Across the Organization

The CHO’s responsibilities extend far beyond program management. They will serve as a strategic leader to the housing programs leadership team, contributing to decision-making that shapes HOM’s future. They will oversee the development and monitoring of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure that organizational goals align with our mission. By streamlining housing program workflows and managing financial resources effectively, the CHO will also support long-term sustainability for HOM.

Leadership Through the HOM Competency Model

Leadership at HOM is not defined solely by titles or outcomes—it’s rooted in our Competency Model, which emphasizes Emotional Intelligence, Ethics, Excellence, and Expertise. The CHO will use these principles to coach and inspire their team, fostering a culture where every employee feels empowered and valued. This approach ensures that leadership is not just about managing tasks but about cultivating people, creating pathways for success and enhancing the employee experience.

Leading by Example

True leadership is about setting the standard. The CHO will model the values and behaviors that define HOM, from demonstrating accountability to fostering open communication. By prioritizing collaboration and innovation, the CHO will inspire their team to rise to new challenges and exceed expectations. They will champion a people-first approach, showing that great leadership involves empowering those around you to reach their fullest potential.

A Bright Future Ahead

The transition to Chief Housing Officer represents more than a title change—it’s a statement about who we are and where we’re going as an organization. With the CHO leading our housing programs, we are positioned to make an even greater impact in our mission to end homelessness. This role is not just about managing programs; it’s about empowering others in leading a movement to end homelessness and ensure that everyone in our community has a place to call home.