After four decades of service, Catherine J. Hart, the deputy executive director of the Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth (HACE), has announced her retirement effective June 30. Hart has been a key figure in advancing HACE’s mission to address housing needs through various social, economic, educational, and redevelopment services.
William Jones, executive director of HACE, praised Hart’s contributions: “Cathy’s leadership was visionary and deeply connected to the needs of our residents. She transformed programs into lasting opportunities and helped build stronger, more connected communities. Cathy didn’t just serve the people of Elizabeth—she uplifted them.”
Hart joined HACE as a tenant interviewer in 1986 and progressed through roles such as senior account clerk in 1989, employee benefits coordinator in 1994, and director of staff operations in 1996 before becoming deputy executive director in 2006. Her career at HACE has been marked by significant achievements including co-facilitating a $28.9 million HUD-funded HOPE VI project that modernized two public housing complexes into mixed-income townhouse communities.
Additionally, Hart introduced the “Hub and Spoke” model at HACE to centralize case management while connecting residents with employment, education, and health partners. Her efforts have included workforce development programs, culinary certification initiatives, and YouthBuild programs for training youth in construction and healthcare.
Reflecting on her tenure at HACE, Hart stated: “After 40 years with the Housing Authority, I leave not just with memories but with the faces and stories of the people we’ve helped etched in my heart. This work was more than a job — it was my purpose, my passion, and my privilege.”
The Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth has been serving since its establishment in 1938. It manages over 1,350 units of public housing while providing diverse services aimed at improving residents’ quality of life.
