Staff and Board

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.

Carol Ann Thomas

Carol Ann Thomas is the resident member of the Board. She has resided at the Authority's "Church St. Towers" development for many years. She also is the president of the Resident Council.

Theodore Claypoole

Theodore F. Claypoole, a partner of Unruh Turner Burke & Frees, primarily represents businesses, tax-exempt entities, lending institutions, and commercial and residential real estate developers and landlords. Mr. Claypoole is active in his community, presently serving as a member of the Historic Commission for West Brandywine Township and previously serving as Chairman of the Planning Commission for Sadsbury Township and as a member on the Township's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance Committee, Act 209 Study Committee, Zoning Ordinance Committee, and the Pennsylvania Bar Association LLC Standard Forms Task Force.

Louis J. Beccaria, Ph.D.

Louis J. Beccaria, Ph.D. is a graduate of LaSalle College with a B.A. degree in social science education. He also holds a M.Ed. in social science education and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Urban Affairs & Public Policy - all from the University of Delaware. Professionally, Dr. Beccaria has a comprehensive professional background that includes successful experience in criminal, juvenile justice, and human service administration, as well as program development, fundraising, and philanthropy. Dr. Beccaria has over 48 years of professional experience spanning senior positions in criminal justice, health and human services, and higher education fund development; 30 years of over his more than four-decade professional life has been in the philanthropy arena. Currently, he is recently retired from 21 years as the President & CEO of the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation - a health conversion philanthropy. Dr. Beccaria's previous philanthropy experience was as the President & CEO of the Stewart Huston Charitable Trust and as a Program Manager with the Pew Charitable Trusts.

Donnell R. Sheppard

Donnell R. Sheppard, with a comprehensive background in finance and project management, embodies a commitment to effective community development on the Housing Authority of the County of Chester board. His expertise in overseeing substantial budgets and leading high-impact projects in the pharmaceutical industry, coupled with significant contributions to Philadelphia’s urban development, underscore his strategic planning and operational excellence. A devoted advocate for community engagement, Donnell's involvement in educational and workforce development initiatives, along with his passion for mentoring, highlight his dedication to fostering inclusive and thriving communities.