Lewis Appointed As New Wake Co. (N.C.) Executive Director

Zebulon, N.C.--On Wed., Aug. 20, 2025, the Wake County Housing Authority (WCHA) Board of Commissioners appointed Felts Lewis as its executive director.

Lewis, a Raleigh, N.C. native, is a transformative leader in the public housing industry. He brings 20 years of experience with U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs to WCHA. Lewis started his public and affordable housing career at WCHA, working for 12 years in various capacities including maintenance, procurement and asset management.

During his seven-year tenure as executive director of Roxboro (N.C.) Housing Authority, Lewis made major changes to improve the quality of life for over 400 residents in Person Co. The occupancy rate reached 100 percent and the physical condition of 210 units were modernized. The agency also had seven financial audits with no findings.

Lewis was the founder of Roxboro Community Redevelopment Corp. (RCRC). RCRC was awarded two N.C. Housing Finance Agency Supportive Housing American Rescue Plan grants worth over $7 million. Funds are for developing new rental housing units and a standalone housing shelter.

Prior to the WCHA appointment, Lewis worked at the Town of Chapel Hill (TOCH) as public housing division manager with 296 public housing units. He developed the Town's annual plan, five-year plan and five-year capital fund action plan. Under his leadership, TOCH Public Housing received a passing HUD physical inspection score (74 out of 100 points).

Lewis serves as a board member with the N.C. Housing Authority Directors Association and Carolinas Council of Housing Redevelopment and Code Officials.