Terica Pope, the Director of Housing Operations with the Huntsville Housing Authority personifies the term “servant leader”. For over a decade, Terica has dedicated her career to ensuring families in our community have a warm bed to sleep in at night and a roof over their heads to keep them safe. To call her a “superhero” seems to fall short. But, for lack of a better word, Redstone Federal Credit Union and the National Children’s Advocacy Center are humbled by the selfless work she does to better our community every day.
Growing up in public housing herself has made the mission of the Huntsville Housing Authority more than a career to Terica, this mission is personal to her. In fact, she says the hardest part of her job is coming to terms with the fact that she can’t help everyone. Even as a child, Terica knew that she wanted to serve others. She pursued a bachelor’s degree in human services and went on to obtain a master’s degree in public administration. As humble as she is impactful, she dedicates all her success to her grandmother who not only taught her, but also showed her that she could do anything she put her mind to.
Though she has only held her current position since August of 2023, Terica has been serving the Huntsville Housing Authority for the past 14 years in a variety of different roles. She started out as a temporary employee, but this was only the beginning of the contribution she would make during her time at the Huntsville Housing Authority. Her passion, dedication to the mission, and strong work ethic quickly caught the attention of her peers and coworkers. Those who know Terica, know the impact she has on others seems effortless.
Throughout the coming year, Terica is committed to ensuring the safety of the housing units she provides. So much so that she scored a 99/100 on her first inspection as the Director. Not only is she committed to providing safe housing, but she is also committed to the success of the families that she serves. As a family’s income level rises, HHA rental pricing rises as well. Instead of pocketing that extra income for renovations and upgrades, the Huntsville Housing Authority places that extra money into savings accounts for families to have once they graduate from public housing, allowing for future investment in housing of their own.
Terica Pope is a pivotal role model to women in all walks of life and has proven that no matter who you are, or where you come from, anyone can accomplish what they set their mind to. Her dedication to the betterment of our community is what being a superhero is all about. Her story is both humbling and inspiring and it is an honor to be able to share her story.
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