Staff & Board
Executive Staff
The Housing Authority of the County of Chester currently has twenty employees. They are involved in the management of the Housing Choice Voucher Program; the Public Housing Program, including staff at the sites; and the Executive/Administrative staff, including Finance and Human Relations.
Dale P. Gravett
Dale P. Gravett is the Executive Director. He began his tenure at the Authority in September 2010, bringing in-depth knowledge of HUD rules & regulations, HCVP, PH, and Finance. Since his arrival, he has implemented substantial improvements in organization, program areas, employee relations and the Authority’s relationship with the wider community.Kathy J. Kline
Kathy J. Kline is the Deputy Executive Director. She has been with the Authority for many years, and has been responsible for different functions, including the HOPE VI program, the Housing Choice Voucher Program, and the various LIHTC projects. As Deputy, she is responsible for the Finance Department as well as assisting the Executive Director with the overall management of the Authority.
Debra Johnson
Debra Johnson is the HR Manager. She joined the Authority in May 2010, brining 22 years of management experience. Prior to her arrival, there was no separate HR function and she has successfully created a department that responds to management and employee needs.
Katharine Campbell
Katharine Campbell is the Procurement & Special Projects Coordinator. She has been with the Authority for many years, concentrating on the Capital Fund Programs, Procurement, Annual/Five Year Plan development, grant-writing, and other specialized activities as assigned by the Director.
Brenda Bolt
Brenda Bolt is the Accounting Clerk. She joined the Authority last October, bringing strong accounting and organizational skills to the Accounting Department.
Board of Commissioners
The Housing Authority of the County of Chester is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners. Each Board member is appointed by the County of Chester’s Commissioners. Commissioners receive no compensation, however they are entitled to reimbursement of expenses incurred for being a Board member. Officers of the Board are elected each year at the first meeting of the calendar year.
Pat Bokovitz
Pat Bokovitz is the Director of Chester County’s Department of Community Development. He brings extensive knowledge about the issues facing low and middle income residents of the County and of the programs available to assist them, such as housing, employment, transportation, job training, and education.
Patricia Downs
Patricia Downs is the resident member of the Board. She has resided at the Authority’s “King Terrace” development for many years. She also is the president of the Resident Council.
Sandra Simmons
Sandra Simmons holds a Master in Social Work and is the Lead Equal Employment Opportunity Manager with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center in Coatesville, PA. In this position she is responsible for EEO activities at this VA Medical Center and also provides guidance to four other Medical Centers in the PA/NJ/DE region.
Evelyn Walker
Evelyn Walker, a practicing attorney, was appointed Deputy Secretary for Administration & Regulatory Programs with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Prior to this appointment, she served as Chief Management Officer and Chief Clerk of Chester County and has held high-level executive positions in non-profit organizations and in major private sector firms.
Marjorie Arias
Marjorie Arias, recently appointed to the Board, is Coordinator of the Dental/Vision Program of the Phoenixville Healthcare Access Foundation. Throughout her career, she has focused on services and advocacy for children and families. She holds a law degree from University, Bogota Colombia.
Public Housing / Asset Management Staff
John Kostyal
John Kostyal is Asset Manager. He oversees the work of the Maintenance staff and is also responsible for Anti-Fraud activities for both the PH and the HCVP programs.
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
Brenda Hernandez
Brenda Hernandez is the Section 8 Coordinator, having joined the Authority a few years ago as a housing specialist. She oversees the staff of 8 Housing Specialists.
Leona DiMemmo
Leona DiMemmo, joined the Authority a few years ago as a housing specialist and is now responsible for the FSS program as well as continuing responsibilities for the regular HCVP .
Ashley Moses, Linda Harmon, Shruti Sakar, Jennifer Vasquez, and Steve Wayock
Ashley Moses, Linda Harmon, Shruti Sakar, Jennifer Vasquez, and Steve Wayock, the Authority’s Housing Specialists are responsible for annual & interim recertifications, ensuring inspections are done, and working with the landlords.