Executive Director
Meet Our Executive Director
Laila Darby, Executive Director/CEO
Laila Darby serves as the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Cullman Housing Authority (CHA). With more than 33 years of experience in the affordable housing industry, Ms. Darby has dedicated her career to advancing resident services, promoting self-sufficiency, and creating opportunities that empower individuals and families to achieve long-term success.
Prior to joining CHA, Ms. Darby was a member of high-performing housing agency teams across Florida, Louisiana, California, and Alabama, gaining extensive expertise in a wide range of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs. Her areas of specialization include Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Public Housing, Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), Multifamily Housing (PBRA), Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), and Homeownership programs.
Ms. Darby holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Warner University and a Master of Science in Transformative Leadership from Bethune-Cookman University. She has also completed all coursework (ABD) toward a Doctorate in Business Administration. Throughout her distinguished career, she has earned numerous professional certifications, including the prestigious Certified Management Executive (CME®) designation through the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO).
Raised in Tampa, Florida, Ms. Darby’s commitment to affordable housing is rooted in her own experience with housing insecurity during her early years. These humble beginnings inspired a lifelong passion for helping individuals and families, particularly women, overcome barriers and build pathways toward economic independence and generational prosperity.
As Executive Director/CEO of the Cullman Housing Authority, Ms. Darby is committed to fostering innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. She works collaboratively with the Board of Commissioners, staff, residents, community partners, and stakeholders to advance CHA’s strategic vision and strengthen its position as a high-performing housing authority dedicated to improving lives and communities.
“Housing is more than a place to live; it is the foundation upon which individuals and families build stable, successful futures.” – Laila Darby
Meet Our Executive Director
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Working Together to Build Stronger Communities
Together, our Board of Commissioners, Executive Director, and Staff are working to strengthen the organization and improve the quality of life for those we serve. We value transparency and invite the community’s input as we pursue our vision of “Building strong communities one family, one home at a time.”
Cullman Housing Authority: Serving Hundreds with Safe, Affordable Homes
Today, Cullman Housing Authority manages 326 public housing units in the southwest part of the City of Cullman, maintained to high standards for the comfort of our residents. We also administer the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program to assist low-income families in renting decent, private-market homes throughout Cullman City and Cullman County. In total, CHA’s housing programs provide vital assistance to hundreds of households in our area.
