Clarksville Housing Authority Addresses Concerns Over Development Corporation and Revoked IRS Status

CHA discusses transition for new executive director and issues with their Housing Development Corporation

Mar. 14, 2026 at 12:03am

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The Clarksville Housing Authority (CHA) has been meeting to discuss the transition for their new executive director, Wanda Allen, as well as concerns they have had with CHA's Housing Development Corporation. Issues include the corporation's lack of financial reporting, missed meetings, and the revocation of its nonprofit status by the IRS due to failure to file required tax forms.

Why it matters

The Housing Development Corporation was created to support CHA's redevelopment efforts, but its lack of transparency and apparent dysfunction has raised concerns about its ability to effectively carry out its mission. The revocation of its nonprofit status also has potential legal and financial implications that CHA must address.

The details

At recent CHA meetings, board members discussed the timeline for the transition to the new executive director, Wanda Allen, including a 30-day overlap period with the outgoing interim director, Dawn Sanders Garrett. The board also raised concerns about the Housing Development Corporation, including missing financial statements, lack of recent meetings, and the revocation of its nonprofit status by the IRS due to failure to file required tax forms. CHA attorney Brad Gilmore acknowledged issues with the corporation's operations and composition of the board, including the questionable inclusion of Garrett as a voting member.

  • CHA met over the last two meetings to discuss the transition and concerns with the Housing Development Corporation.
  • On March 1, Wanda Allen's contract as the new CHA executive director went into effect.
  • On March 17, the annual meeting of the Housing Development Corporation board is scheduled to be held.
  • On March 18, CHA will hold their monthly meeting, expected to be led by the new executive director Allen.

The players

Wanda Allen

The new executive director of the Clarksville Housing Authority, who is overseeing a transition period with the outgoing interim director.

Dawn Sanders Garrett

The interim executive director of the Clarksville Housing Authority for the past five years, who is in a transition period with the new executive director.

Clarksville Housing Authority (CHA)

The public housing authority in Clarksville, Tennessee that oversees affordable housing programs and developments.

Housing Development Corporation

A separate corporation created to support the redevelopment efforts of the Clarksville Housing Authority, which has faced issues with transparency, meeting attendance, and the revocation of its nonprofit status.

Brad Gilmore

The attorney for the Clarksville Housing Authority, who has acknowledged issues with the Housing Development Corporation's operations and composition.

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What they’re saying

“I met with Wanda, and I met with Dawn because with them on the ground, and with two bosses here, I just wanted to get a feel of how things are going, what are their thoughts when it comes to the transition, and what Wanda will need and what the expectation will be.”

— Calvin Lockett, CHA Chairman

“That way, I feel like there can be a smooth transition.”

— Wanda Allen, New CHA Executive Director

“Financial statements should include balance sheets and income statements; none of that information was provided.”

— Bill Summers, CHA Board Member

“Frankly, and I'll take some responsibility for this, Ms. Garrett probably shouldn't be on the board. Ms. Allen actually brought that to my attention last week in a conversation.”

— Brad Gilmore, CHA Attorney

“All affiliates operate under the same rules as CHA. So, if CHA falls under the Open Meetings Act, then so do they. With the Open Meetings Act, you cannot vote by phone.”

— Wanda Allen, New CHA Executive Director

What’s next

The CHA board will hold their monthly meeting on March 18, where they are expected to discuss a 90-day action plan under the new executive director Wanda Allen. The Housing Development Corporation is also scheduled to hold its annual meeting on March 17, where they are expected to elect a new chairman.

The takeaway

The issues surrounding the Clarksville Housing Authority's Development Corporation, including lack of transparency, missed meetings, and the revocation of its nonprofit status, highlight the importance of strong governance and oversight for organizations tasked with supporting public housing initiatives. The CHA's new leadership will need to closely examine the corporation's operations and take steps to restore public trust and ensure it is fulfilling its intended purpose.