MORNING HEADLINES | The Charleston Housing Authority (CHA) is in the process of selecting a firm to review allegations against its new CEO that reportedly led to his termination from leadership of the housing authority in Norfolk, Va.
CHA CEO Nathan Simms Jr. concluded his first week in the Holy City with a press conference on May 8, where board chairman Gregory Voigt introduced him to members of the public and addressed the “chatter” surrounding his past. Simms said he “welcomes the board’s review” into the allegations.
On April 28, a Virginia news outlet reported that Simms directed at least $4.3 million in no-bid contracts toward former associates without the Norfolk board’s knowledge. He was reportedly terminated in November by a 6-3 vote.
When asked if they knew why Simms was terminated previously, Voigt said they were satisfied with the answers provided. When asked what those answers were, he could not provide exact answers.
“We believe in the process that has gotten us to where we are, and we believe in the man that the process led us to,” Voigt said. “The process involved going beyond headlines, going beyond resumes and inquiring. And we believed that we had made that inquiry sufficient, that we could make our decision.”
Voigt confirmed that the housing authority knew Simms had been terminated before hiring him but added that he is not concerned with any criminal actions.
Simms said he is ready to earn the people’s trust through his actions, knowing there are some reservations with how he got here.
“Whether that’s changing policies, changing procedures, changing the way that we go about our previous business, we have to look at it differently because we have to increase resident satisfaction,” Simms said.
Find out what to do with Lowcountry’s best events calendar
Our online events calendar has scores of events around the Lowcountry every day, making it the most detailed calendar of what’s happening in the area. Just click on “Events” above at right under the black toolbar. You’ll be amazed at what you find.
- Also sign up today to get relevant newsletters on art, music, food, fun events, statewide news and opinion.
In recent headlines
CP NEWS: S.C. GOP divided over risks of redrawing congressional districts. With just three business days left in the legislative session, Republicans in the South Carolina Senate tapped the brakes last Thursday on a last-minute plan to gerrymander 17-term Democratic U.S. Rep. James Clyburn out of his congressional seat.
- Uncertainty surrounds S.C. redistricting push
- S.C. House panel moves to push Congressional primaries out two months
- Map redraw could give Mace, Norman a second shot at reelection
Folly Beach finds first turtle nest of 2026. The Folly Beach Turtle Watch Program found its first turtle nest late last week, as volunteers spread out across Lowcountry beaches in an effort to keep the nests safe.
Charleston’s Greek Festival draws more than 35,000. A big, happy crowd gathered in Charleston this weekend to celebrate Greek culture, food and faith.
Charleston County Library on Calhoun St. closing for renovations. The Charleston Country Library’s main branch will close for an 18-month, $8.7 million renovation project on Aug. 1.
Charleston Airport leader’s company ordered to pay Awendaw $403,000 in sand mining dispute. A company owned by Charleston Airport CEO and former Charleston County Council Chairman Elliott Summey has been ordered to pay the town of Awendaw more than $400,000 to settle a dispute over a sand mine contract.
Support independent journalism
Keep the City Paper strong with a winter gift. This holiday season, please consider donating $25 — or even $100 — to support free, independent journalism at the Charleston City Paper. Every donation helps keep alive a voice of freedom. Your help is appreciated.
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.