News – Sanford Housing Authority

PRESS RELEASE

Contact Information:

Dr. Michael C. Threatt, Chief Executive Officer

Release Date: May 30, 2025

Dr. Michael C. Threatt releases his 180 Days Later: Reset, Renew, Reframe – A CEO’s Strategic Impact & Vision Report

Dr. Michael C. Threatt Launches Roadmap 2030: A Strategic Path Forward: Tackling Financial Challenges and Restoring Public Trust on the Journey to HUD Recovery

Sanford, NC – May 30, 2025 – In just 180 days, the Sanford Housing Authority (SHA) has undergone a bold transformation under the leadership of CEO Dr. Michael C. Threatt, a nationally recognized public housing executive. Once ranked in the bottom 4% of public housing authorities, SHA is now on a path to recovery, transparency, and innovation.

Dr. Threatt’s newly released report, “180 Days Later: Reset, Renew, Reframe– A CEO’s Strategic Impact & Vision Report,” outlines the measurable impact of his leadership and introduces “Roadmap 2030: A Strategic Path Forward: Tackling Financial Challenges and Restoring Public Trust on the Journey to HUD Recovery.” It is a five-year strategic plan designed to restore public trust, rebuild operational capacity, and guide SHA toward long-term sustainability.

“This is not just a turnaround—it’s a transformation,” said Dr. Threatt. “We are building a housing authority of the future—agile, accountable, and aligned with the needs of the community.”

Reset: Operational Realignment and Leadership Discipline

Upon taking office, Dr. Threatt implemented a military-inspired leadership model—Assess, Plan, Implement, Evaluate—to stabilize operations and identify systemic weaknesses. This disciplined approach has been applied across all departments to ensure strategic alignment and measurable progress.

We are intentionally shaping the culture we want to see, starting with hiring the right team and restructuring the organization to support that vision, said Dr. Threatt. We are adopting entrepreneurial business practices to improve efficiency and accountability.

In March 2025, SHA executed the HUD Recovery Agreement, formalizing the agency’s commitment to exit “troubled” status within HUD’s two-year improvement window. Despite inheriting a deeply challenged agency, SHA remains resolute in its mission to restore high-performing status and rebuild stakeholder trust.

Renew: Culture, People, and Purpose

At the heart of SHA’s transformation is a renewed focus on people, purpose, and performance. In December 2024, SHA conducted the WiLD Trust Index Survey, achieving an 81% response rate. This organizational assessment revealed three critical themes that are now shaping SHA’s cultural renewal strategy:

Leadership and Organizational Dysfunction: The legacy of prior leadership left behind a culture marked by dysfunction and mistrust. SHA is actively dismantling silos, rebuilding trust, and aligning leadership behaviors with its core values.
Training, Resources, and Role Preparedness: Staff expressed a clear need for better training, clearer expectations, and the tools to succeed. SHA is prioritizing professional development, role clarity, and resource allocation to empower every team member.
Burnout and Negative Work Culture: The emotional toll of past instability left many employees fatigued. SHA is addressing this by promoting work-life balance, recognizing contributions, and fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and psychological safety.

To guide this renewal, SHA has adopted a values-based leadership framework grounded in two guiding principles: WE CAN and I CAN.

WE CAN (Leadership Values)
These values define how we lead and support one another as a team:

W – Welcomed: We create inclusive spaces where everyone feels seen and heard.
E – Engagement: We are present, proactive, and committed to meaningful collaboration.
C – Caring: We lead with empathy and compassion.
A – Accountable: We take ownership of our actions and outcomes.
N – Nurturing: We invest in the growth and well-being of our people.

I CAN (Organizational Values)
These values reflect how we operate as an organization and drive innovation:

I – Innovate: We embrace change and seek creative solutions.
C – Collaborate: We work together across teams and disciplines.
A – Automate: We streamline processes to increase efficiency and impact.
N – Navigate: We adapt with agility and lead through uncertainty.

Together, these values form the foundation of a purpose-driven, people-centered, and performance-oriented culture.

Reframe: Roadmap 2030 and Strategic Vision

SHA’s Roadmap 2030 Strategic Plan (FY2025–FY2029) is a forward-looking blueprint that embraces agility, foresight, and resilience. The plan is structured around seven strategic goals, each designed to drive measurable progress and long-term sustainability. To ensure governance is fully aligned with this vision, SHA established seven standing board committees, each corresponding directly to one of the strategic goals:

Asset Management
Public Relations
Rental Assistance
Resident Services
Development
Finance
Human Resources

This alignment ensures that board oversight is not only comprehensive but also strategically focused, supporting the execution of Roadmap 2030 at every level of the organization.

Tackling Financial Challenges: From Deficit to Discovery

When Dr. Threatt assumed leadership, SHA was facing a deficit exceeding half a million dollars. The agency had failed to complete audits for FYE 2023 and FYE 2024, which resulted in HUD funds being frozen, further exacerbating SHA’s financial instability.

Operating in a discovery phase, Dr. Threatt has had to uncover and address unpaid obligations left by the previous administration. “When we find a bill, we pay it,” he noted. To move beyond the inherited financial nightmare, SHA launched a five-year forensic audit in partnership with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA) to identify red flags, strengthen internal controls, and restore fiscal integrity.

Dr. Threatt also addressed SHA’s outdated “mom-and-pop” operational culture by implementing modern business practices. “SHA is a business—we have bills like any other company,” he said. “We are now operating with the discipline and transparency expected of any high-performing organization.”

Policy Reform and Audit Readiness

SHA is also addressing outdated and misaligned policies to ensure compliance, transparency, and audit readiness. Key initiatives include:

Updating critical policies such as the Procurement Policy, Administrative Plan, Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP), and the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Action Plan.
Conducting file reviews across the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), and Public Housing programs to ensure compliance and audit readiness
Adopting 16 new financial policies covering asset management, internal controls, budgeting, procurement, and more

Community Engagement and Rebranding

SHA has long struggled with a damaged public reputation due to years of instability and underperformance. Dr. Threatt is actively addressing this through a comprehensive rebranding initiative focused on transparency, professionalism, and community trust. His leadership is redefining SHA’s identity as a credible, mission-driven agency committed to excellence.

During his first week in Sanford, Dr. Threatt attended the Triangle Business Journal’s Corridors of Opportunity event, where he engaged with regional leaders on the future of affordable housing and economic growth. As a member of the Business Journal Leadership Trust, he brings a national perspective to local challenges—bridging innovation with community needs.

Call to Action: Join Us for the State of the Housing Authority

SHA invites residents, participants, stakeholders, and community partners to attend the State of the Housing Authority address, where Dr. Threatt will present the agency’s progress and vision for the future at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center, located at 1801 Nash St, Sanford, NC 27330, on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. This event marks a pivotal moment in SHA’s journey toward transformation and transparency.

180 Days Later: Reset, Renew, Reframe – A CEO’s Strategic Impact & Vision Report

PRESS RELEASE

Contact Information:

Sarah Hudson, Sanford Housing Authority (SHA) Communications Coordinator

(919) 776-7655

shudson@sha-nc.org

Release Date: March 11, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement from Sanford Housing Authority Regarding Shooting Incident at Garden Street Community Housing Complex

Sanford, NC – March 11, 2025 – Early this morning, a shooting occurred at the Garden Street Community housing complex in Sanford, North Carolina. Law enforcement responded promptly to reports of gunfire at approximately 5:30 AM.

Officers discovered one victim with gunshot wounds, who was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The condition of the victim is listed as critical.

The Sanford Housing Authority is fully cooperating with the Sanford Police Department in their investigation, which is ongoing. We are committed to supporting the authorities in uncovering the truth and bringing those responsible to justice. We are deeply saddened by this incident, and our hearts go out to the injured victim and their family.

We want to assure our residents and the community that we are taking this matter very seriously. We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety and security of our housing complex. As part of our commitment to enhancing security, we are implementing the following measures:

Recruiting a Community Safety Coordinator: This dedicated role will serve as the liaison between law enforcement organizations, residents, and community stakeholders to develop and oversee collaborative strategies and tactics to ensure the safety and security of all SHA properties.

Enhanced Security Measures: We are installing additional surveillance cameras throughout all apartment complexes to increase monitoring and deter criminal activity.

Open Communication Channels: We have improved the channels for residents to report concerns and receive community safety updates by updating our website and social media channels.

We urge anyone with information related to this incident to assist the Sanford Police Department in their investigation.

For further inquiries, please contact the Sanford Police Department Detective Division at (919) 775-8268.

PRESS RELEASE

Contact Information:

Hope W. White, Sanford Housing Authority (SHA) Board Chairperson

(919) 776-7655

hr@sha-nc.org

Release Date: November 26, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sanford Housing Authority selects Next Generation Collaborative Leader as its new CEO

Sanford, NC, November 26, 2024 – After a six-month nationwide search, the Sanford Housing Authority (SHA) is excited to announce Dr. Michael C. Threatt as its new leader and CEO.

Dr. Threatt’s impressive career spans 19 years in the real estate industry, encompassing the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Notably, he has served in leadership roles for 12 years, including 9 years in executive leadership at public housing authorities (PHAs) in Alabama, as COO in Dothan, CEO in Sylacauga, and VP in Birmingham. He also spent time with the Hillsborough County and Tampa Housing Authorities in Florida earlier in his career.

Since 2019, he has been awarded 15 state, regional, or national affordable housing best practice awards for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of PHAs. This includes a 2019 CEO of the Year for Alabama PHAs. He has worked in urban, rural, and suburban areas, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability. His innovative experience establishing a Moving to Work (MTW) Agency under the Landlord Incentives Cohort #3 and Continuum of Care (CoC) homeless nonprofit in Dothan will be an asset to SHA.

“Our entire Board is thrilled to welcome Dr. Threatt as our new CEO. The changing business needs of the affordable housing industry requires the skillset of an innovative, collaborative leader with a modern-day leadership approach and entrepreneurial worldview. He understands that the future of affordable housing will require “outside the box” thinking, investing in technology, and collaborative partnerships, the hallmark of his nearly two decades in the industry.” – Hope W. White, SHA Board Chairperson.

As a licensed REALTOR®, Dr. Threatt’s diverse background uniquely positions him to contribute to SHA and its nonprofit development affiliate, the Central Carolina Strategic Developers, based on his understanding of the private, public, and dual housing markets. His unique perspective and real estate development experience with the HOPE VI, Choice Neighborhood, Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), and Rural Development (RD) programs have prepared him to lead SHA’s real estate development strategies, asset repositioning plans, neighborhood revitalization, and homeownership programs.

“I look forward to working with the Board of Commissioners and the staff at SHA. As the new CEO, I plan to provide healthy, safe, and sustainable affordable housing that promotes economic self-sufficiency programs, high-level aging-in-place supportive services, and workforce development opportunities that improve the quality of life for all Sanford and Lee County residents.” – Dr. Michael C. Threatt

Dr. Threatt obtained his Doctor of Public Administration from West Chester University (WCU), where his research focused on HCV landlords. He received his Master’s in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of South Florida (USF) and his Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He wrote the game-changing affordable housing book, The Price of Bureaucracy, on housing policy reform and building better public-private partnerships through PHA-landlord relationships.

The growth of Sanford and Lee County and the need for affordable housing solutions led him to the region. Dr. Threatt’s leadership will drive the strategic planning efforts for SHA based on his innovative “Housing Authority of the Future” model, which he successfully implemented in Dothan. This will guide SHA in its new endeavors of providing affordable, supportive, and workforce housing options.

Throughout his career, he has understood that the greatest asset to a PHA is the housing professionals he has led, mentored, and worked with. He is dedicated to developing and ensuring that the SHA team is ready to pursue housing opportunities and supportive services to meet the needs of today’s households.

Dr. Threatt is committed to changing the affordable housing narrative in the region through mixed-income, mixed-finance, and mixed-use development by offering a range of housing options to bring the City of Sanford’s 2024-2025 Strategic Framework Goal #2: Preserving & Creating Affordable Housing to fruition.

Dr. Threatt is an Adjunct Social Work Professor at Troy University, and he completed the Executive Director Education Program (EDEP) certification through the Public Housing Authorities Directors Association (PHADA). He serves the industry as a Board Director with the Southeast Regional Section 8 Housing Association (SERSHA) and on the Legislative Advisory Network and Community Revitalization & Development Committees for the National Association of Housing & Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., NAREB, NACCP, & Rotary.

He is married to Dr. Jennifer M. Threatt, a Nursing Professor at Galen College of Nursing. They have three daughters: a college sophomore, a high school senior, and a junior. The Let’s Do It Together Foundation will host a welcome reception for Dr. Threatt and his family on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center, 1801 Nash St, Sanford, NC 27330, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Dr. Threatt’s first day with SHA will be December 2nd.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCES

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information

CDC.gov is a great source of information about COVID-19. The site has information about that you may take to reduce the chance of infection with Coronavirus. It also provides information on social distancing, cleaning and disinfecting recommendations, what to do if you are sick, etc. The link to the COVID-19 page is here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

COVID-19 text information and updates are available. To sign up, text COVIDNC to 898211

Financial Assistance

NC 2-1-1 by United Way of North Carolina is now available for people to call for assistance related to the COVID-19 coronavirus. Dial 211. Enter Zip Code.

Utilities

Cleanenergy.org– This site is tracking which utilities are suspending disconnections during the Coronavirus outbreak.

EBT/Food Stamps

Expensify.org Offers Reimbursements to SNAP Recipients

During the COVID-19 crisis, Expensify.org will reimburse families on SNAP benefits to purchase additional essential goods. Individuals will need to share a receipt (dated on or after March 1st) and the organization will reimburse up to $50 for essential goods and groceries purchased with a SNAP card.

Food Pick-Up and Delivery Services

Food Lion: Order online and pick up in store. Go to foodlion.com

Lowes Food: Online order and drive through pick up. Go to lowesfood.com

Walmart: Online order and drive through pick up. Go to Walmart.com

Instacart: grocery shopping and delivery service – Instacart.com

Door Dash: Free delivery for orders $10 or more. Visit doordash.com

Uber Eats: Free delivery on your first order of $15 or more. Visit ubereats.com

Grubhub: grubhub.com

Texting Tool Available for Information on How to Access Food for Children

Parents who need food assistance for their children can text FOODNC to 877-877 to locate nearby free meal sites. The texting service is also available in Spanish by texting COMIDA to 877-877

Pharmacy Delivery

CVS

Sanford Pharmacy

Student Loans

During the COVID-19 crisis, Department of Education owned loans now have an interest rate of 0% effective March 13, 2020. You may also apply for a forbearance during this time with your loan servicing company. For continued updates go to StudentAid.gov

Mental Health

Isolation from friends and family, job loss and death are challenges we’re all facing during these days of COVID-19. You are not alone. COVID-19 is affecting families across the world. If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression or anxiety, or like you want to harm yourself or others call 911.

You can also contact the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text MHFA to 741741 to talk to a Crisis Text Line counselor.

Internet Service Providers

During the COVID-19 crisis, many internet service providers are providing free service for several weeks including Spectrum. Additionally, the National Locator Tool for Low-Cost Internet Service is available. Just type in your zip code and it shows the best offers in your area.

www.everyoneon.org/find-offers

Low-Cost Devices

Computer refurbishers are a good source of low-cost devices. To find one near you, go to the Alliance for Technology Reuse and Refurbishing.
PCS for People offers tech support for individual customers of its low cost devices: https://www.pcsforpeople.org/

E-Commerce for Extra Cash

Selling items online can be a quick and easy way to earn cash, especially during a period of unemployment. Here are a few examples of websites where you can sell your items.

PoshMark – www.poshmark.com

ETSY – www.etsy.com

Shopify – www.shopify.com

Mercari – www.mercari.com

3D Cart – www.3dcart.com

Healthcare Providers

Central Carolina Hospital

1135 Carthage St.

(919) 774-2100

FirstHealth Primary Care, Sanford

2919 Beechtree Dr. #1120

(919) 897-2256