August 3rd

I have made the decision to relocate to the Nashville area to be closer to and assist in caring for my father. While that decision was a personal one, it was not an easy one. Serving the residents of Cullman and working alongside so many dedicated community partners has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

Over the past three years, we have accomplished a great deal together. Whether through housing initiatives, community partnerships, resident services, strategic planning efforts, or organizational growth, your support and collaboration have played an important role in the progress we have achieved. I am sincerely grateful for the relationships we have built and for your commitment to serving the Cullman community.

I am excited to introduce Turkessa to all of you. Turkessa brings more than 25 years of experience in public housing, community development, strategic planning, and affordable housing. Most recently, she has served as Deputy Executive Director of the Huntsville Housing Authority, where she has overseen housing operations, real estate development, human resources, public relations, and administrative functions. Turkessa is a thoughtful and collaborative leader who understands the importance of community engagement, strong partnerships, and mission-driven service. I am confident that she will continue building upon the Authority’s successes while bringing her own vision, experience, and leadership to the organization.

Upon her start, Turkessa will assume use of my former cell phone number, (256) 338-5020.  While her email account has been established, she will not have access to email or be actively monitoring correspondence until her official start date of August 3, 2026. Her email is Turkessa@cullmanha.com. In the meantime, please continue to direct any immediate questions or matters requiring attention to me. I will ensure that any important information shared during this transition period is communicated to Turkessa as she prepares to assume her new role and facilitate a smooth transition.

To support a smooth and successful transition, I will remain available during the initial months of her tenure to provide assistance, background information, and institutional knowledge as needed. My goal is to ensure continuity for our residents, staff, and community partners while supporting Turkessa as she settles into her new role.

Please join me in welcoming Turkessa to Cullman. I encourage you to reach out, introduce yourself, and continue the strong partnership that has been so important to the Housing Authority and the residents we serve. While she will not officially begin until August 3, I know she looks forward to meeting each of you and continuing the important work of serving our community.

Thank you again for your partnership, support, and friendship throughout my time in Cullman. It has truly been an honor and privilege to serve this community. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to seeing the Authority continue to thrive in the years ahead.