Staff
Pauline Sturgill - Executive Director
(304) 235-3270 x 1
psturgill_wha@frontier.com
Pauline Sturgill has served as the Authority’s Executive Director since 2012. Sturgill has 40+ years of professional experience in rural community capacity building and leadership development. Sturgill holds a Master’s Degree in Political Science, from Marshall University, and is a graduate of the WVU Community Development Institute, the WV Higher Education Chancellor’s Institute, the Diversity Leadership Academy of West Virginia, the REAL Entrepreneurship Institute, Leadership Plenty, the Grantsmanship Center, the National Service Leadership Institute and was a WVU Community Fellow.
Brittany Smith - Director of Operations
(304) 235-3270 x 2
bsmith_wha@frontier.com
Brittany Smith, who assumed the role of the Authority's Director of Operations, has been an integral part of the organization since 2015. A graduate of Alice Lloyd College, she holds a Baccalaureate Degree in Accounting and Business Administration. Certified as a Public Housing Manager, Brittany previously served as the WHA's financial director. Her exceptional performance led to her promotion to Director of Operations in January 2024, where she now oversees maintenance staff, procurement processes, and the day-to-day operations of the housing authority.
Jamie Maynard - Occupancy and Leasing Specialist
(304) 235-3270 x 4
jmaynard_wha@frontier.com
Jamie Maynard is the Authority’s Senior Leasing and Occupancy Specialist. Jamie has been with the Authority since 2014. Maynard is a Certified Public Housing Manager, with specialized training in rent calculations, leasing regulations, and Fair Housing Laws. Maynard’s responsibilities include managing the Authority’s waiting list, housing eligible families, and ensuring that the Authority meets HUD’s many strict guidelines and regulations. Maynard holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Education from Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College
Tawanna Wright - Public Housing Specialist
(304) 235-3270 x 8
twright_wha@frontier.com
Tawanna Wright began her career with the Authority in 2021. Tawanna’s responsibilities include conducting annual recertification of income and family status, maintaining resident files, conducting inspections, and making sure tenant leases are adhered to. Tawanna graduated from Ashford University in 2011 with a Master’s Degree in Health Administration.
Michelle Smith - Financial Clerk
(304) 235-3270 x 3
tmsmith_wha@frontier.com
Michelle Smith embarked on her journey with the Authority in 2021, initially joining as a custodian. Demonstrating remarkable skills, she swiftly became an administrative assistant. In January 2024, Michelle's dedication and proficiency led to her promotion as the Financial Clerk of WHA. Holding certification as a Public Housing Specialist, she shoulders the responsibility of meticulously managing all financial records of the Housing Authority, overseeing day-to-day transactions and tenant accounts in adherence to the Authority and HUD guidelines.
Ted Hatfield - Administrative Assistant
(304) 235-3270 x 5
thatfield_wha@yahoo.com
Ted Hatfield, has worked for the WHA since 2012. Hatfield is a Certified Manager of Maintenance, having joined the WHA with 40 years of experience in the healthcare industry where he held various management positions, including President/CEO and Vice President of Support Services/Materials Management. Hatfield has a Business Accounting Degree from Southern West Virginia Community College and a Baccalaureate Degree from West Virginia State University. Following his retirement as a procurement coordinator in December 2023, Mr. Hatfield has transitioned into the role of the welcoming presence at the WHA, overseeing front office responsibilities and handling work order inputs.
Maintenance Staff
Barry Preece, Maintenance Mechanic IV, began his career with the Authority in 2013. Barry has completed training and has been certified in UPSC Annual Inspections, EPA Renovator Initial, and EPA 608 Technician.
David Childress, Maintenance Mechanic III, has been employed with the Authority since 2011. David has completed training and has been certified as a Public Housing Inspector, UPCS Inspector, and EPA 608 Technician.
Mike Dotson, Maintenance Mechanic II, has been employed with the Authority since 2016. Mike has attended training and been certified as a UPCS Inspector, and EPA 608 Technician.
Josh May, Maintenance Mechanic II, has been employed with the Authority since 2018.
Terry Sheppard, Maintenance Mechanic II, has been employed with the Authority since 2019.
Brian Maynard, Maintenance Mechanic I, has been employed with the Authority since 2022.