Executive Staff

Michael Simelton is a force of business nature. Raised in public housing, he has become that industry’s greatest champion – and his company’s most successful CEO.

Since 2012 he has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Housing Authority of Joliet(HAJ) and its parent company, Hope Bound Development Corporation(HBDC).

Michael began his career as the Construction Administration Manager, and shortly thereafter was promoted to Director of Technical Services. In this capacity, he oversaw all the agencies’ construction, development, inspection, maintenance, and modernization activities. He served as Deputy Chief Executive Director for just four years before he became the agency’s chief executive. His educational prowess ranges from Waubonsee Community College to GovernorsState Universityand rounds out with a Master’s in Real Estate Developmentfrom the famedAuburn University.

Under his leadership, HAJ and HBDC have produced a one-of-a-kind affordable housing model and a community engagement focus that has re-shaped the housing landscape. This includes 310 new affordable housing units, and an infusion of more than $152 million in both public and private funding resources; and the operations CORE Programs have soared from $25 million to $75million. All of this, in less than 12 years. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)has designatedthe Housing Authority of Joliet a “High Performer”.

Michael attributes his success to his faith and is honored to serve the agency with vision and a passion for justice – through creating generational wealth.

Mike Gentile serves as a Regional Asset Manager for the Housing Authority of Joliet’s Public Housing Program. He has been at the Housing Authority of Joliet for over 40 years.

Mike began his assisted housing career in 1986 with the Housing Authority of Joliet where he has worked in several positions and departments. Mike has worked as an Inventory Clerk, Purchasing Agent and Maintenance Mechanic/Technician. In 1994, Mike was promoted to Maintenance Superintendent. In 2012, Mike was promoted to Regional Asset Manager.

As a Regional Asset Manager, Mike oversees multiple assisted housing properties along with Property Managers, Maintenance staff, Security personnel, and subcontractors. He is a Certified Manager of Maintenance, Certified UPCS inspector, REAC Specialist, Heating and Air Conditioning Technician, Electrical Technician, Boiler Mechanic, and an Automotive Technician. Mike’s experience is relied upon daily when attempting to resolve problems associated with subcontractors, maintenance equipment and systems, and staff/residents.

Bio coming soon

Tina brings more than 28 years’ experience in affordable housing, her positive “can-do” spirit, and tireless dedication to serving Will County’s low-income population with integrity and respect. She has been a valuable asset to the HAJ since 6/1/99 and has proven to be an integral member of the Development Team, representing the agency as the Developer for several projects. She is experienced at executing and overseeing compliance and financial reporting under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program, HOME, Housing Choice Voucher, and the Capital Fund Program.

Michael Simelton

Mike Gentile

Damien Kelly

Andrea Finch

Tina Pourroy