Hickman
Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero has appointed Kimberly Hickman, a participant in the Section 8 homeownership program, to a two-year term as resident commissioner of Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC).
The KCDC Board of Commissioners consists of seven members and includes a resident commissioner who is a current participant in one of KCDC’s affordable housing programs.
“Kimberly is the first resident commissioner from our Section 8 program,” KCDC Executive Director Art Cate said. “She will bring a unique perspective on the direct community impact of the approximately 4,000 Section 8 rental and homeownership vouchers that we manage and administer. Kimberly has a passion for helping others, and I know that her experience in the Section 8 program and as a homeowner will be a tremendous asset to the board.”
Hickman has been a resident of Knoxville since 2002 when she moved from Illinois with her family. Hickman was accepted to the Housing Choice Voucher Program and soon transitioned into the Section 8 Homeownership program. After participating in the required classes, she purchased her own home using the Section 8 voucher to pay a portion of her mortgage.
“I have been in the house with my children for almost two years. It took me five years total to save the money and complete the coursework while establishing credit,” said Hickman. “I have lived this process and that has given me a lot of insight that I hope to bring to this position.”
Hickman now resides in the East Knoxville community. She is a certified nursing assistant and the mother of two children, ages 15 and 16.
Hickman began her term on the KCDC Board of Commissioners on Aug. 1.
KCDC’s board oversees programs provided by the agency, including affordable public housing administration, redevelopment and rental assistance programs. Other board members are: Chair Daniel P. Murphy, professor of accounting at the University of Tennessee; Vice Chair Jacqueline Arthur, general manager of the Three Rivers Market; John Winemiller, law partner at Merchant & Gould; Bruce Anderson, general counsel at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital; Gloria Garner, retired vice president of internal/external affairs for the Knoxville Area Urban League; and Bob Whetsel, retired City of Knoxville director of redevelopment.
Since 1936, KCDC has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Knoxville. KCDC’s mission is to improve and transform neighborhoods and communities by providing quality affordable housing, advancing development initiatives and fostering self-sufficiency. For more information, visit https://www.kcdc.org.