Bessie E. Swann has over twenty (20) years of extensive executive and supervisory experience in the area of community revitalization, economic development, affordable housing and community services. Ms. Swann is recently the founding Executive Director of Wheeler Creek Estates Community Development Corporation, the community-based partner in the District of Columbia’s HOPE VI revitalization of the former Valley Green and Skytower public housing developments.
During her four year tenure at the site, Wheeler Creek has become a nationally recognized model for HOPE VI success on all levels – in physical development; in economic development and the creation of jobs; and in the area of case management and community and supportive services. Prior to joining Wheeler Creek Estates CDC, Ms. Swann served as Executive Director of the North Fork Housing Alliance (NFHA), a New York community development corporation established to provide social and economic services to low-income individuals and families. While at NFHA, Ms. Swann led the group in the successful acquisition, rehabilitation and management of over 300 properties in Long Island in an effort to preserve affordable housing.
