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Board of Commissioners

The Washington Housing Authority is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners. The Board is comprised of active public servants within the Washington community who are appointed by the Mayor and Washington City Council. Residents of public housing also have the opportunity to serve as members of the Board. The Washington Housing Authority Board of Commissioners is responsible for analyzing and reviewing matters relative to the governing of the Housing Authority. The Executive Director of the Housing Authority acts as Secretary/Treasurer for the Board.

The Board officially meets on the fourth Thursday of every other month at 3:00 p.m. to analyze and review matters relative to the judicious governing of the Housing Authority. All meetings are open to the public.

Dawn Slann, Chairperson

Ms. Slann has worked in the pharmaceutical industry as a Quality and Compliance professional for about 40 years. She is a native of Washington and returned in 2017 after living 25 years in the Raleigh area. Ms. Slann is also an ambassador for the Washington Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Washington Noon Rotary. In her spare time, she enjoys fishing, dancing, and doing a variety of crafts.

Alice Mills-Sadler, Vice-Chairperson

Ms. Mills-Sadler, a Washington native, is a retired Educator and Charter Member of the Washington-Plymouth Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She has served on numerous Boards and Commissions at both the state and local levels, including service as a Beaufort County Commissioner. In retirement, she continues her board services in a limited capacity. She finds that retirement gives her time to pursue her passion for Music, Technology, and Carpentry.

Joneice Carroll, Commissioner

Mrs. Carroll is a retired teacher from the Beaufort County School System and enjoys full-time ministry, whether at Beebe Chapel or in the community. She also finds time to serve in various organizations, including NAACP, Beaufort County Healthy Church, Congregation, Community, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Her life's desire is a phrase of a song, "If I can help somebody as I travel along, then my living will not be in vain."

Rudy Burns, Commissioner

Mr. Burns is a retired US Postal Inspector. He was born in Milford, Connecticut, but has lived in Washington, NC, for the last ten (10) years. Graduated from Asnuntuck College Enfield, CT. Liberal Arts degree. Served twelve years in the US Army, serving in Vietnam, Korea, Germany, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. Also served as Guardian ad Litem program for the court and on the board of Habitat for Humanity.

Lorraine Gordon, Commissioner

Ms. Gordon is a retired nutritionist. She is a New Jersey native but has been a Washington, NC, resident for the past 35 years. Ms. Gordon also serves as the Resident Council President and the Advisory Board of the Washington Housing Authority and volunteers at the Salvation Army.

Butch Strickland, Commissioner

Mr. Strickland is a retired Real Estate Appraiser, originally from Louisburg, NC. He is a US Army veteran, a graduate of East Carolina University and also has an MBA from the University of Central Florida.

John Jesso, Commissioner

John Jesso is a mission-driven leader who has a passion for community development and public policy. Jesso is currently serving as the Managing Broker in Washington, N.C., for Market Leader Realty. As well as, serving as Interim Director for the Washington Harbor District. Before moving to Washington, N.C. Jesso lived in Charlotte, N.C., where he worked with Wachovia Bank, a legacy bank of Wells Fargo, for 18 years in the role of strategic program manager. While with Wachovia, Jesso oversaw implementation of the bank's expansion efforts when it moved into a new territory and was responsible for its growth strategy.

The program was successful in positioning Wachovia as a market leader, a community partner and overall, the place to work.
Jesso also has experience in Downtown Development focusing on Economic and Community Development leading to $30 million in investment resulting in the creation of commercial and residential spaces. Jesso lives in Washington with his wife and dog Zeb.