Michael Simelton

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.