Housing Authority re-elects Hazlett as chair, Gotsler as vice chair; commissioners emphasize transparency

The Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee re-elected Chair Hazlett and retained Vice Chair Gotsler on Dec. 10, 2025, as commissioners pledged a focus on transparency and collaboration for the coming year.

The two leadership elections were conducted during the authority’s annual business. The board opened the floor to nominations and, after nominations closed, commissioners voted to confirm Hazlett as chair and Gotsler as vice chair. Both votes were carried with affirmative responses from the commissioners present.

Why it matters: The reappointments come as the authority navigates audit work tied to a partially independent nonprofit partner, implements a recovery plan with HUD oversight and conducts its first executive director search. Commissioners said visible, open governance is central to restoring public trust and effective oversight.

Board members used their first comments in office to underscore expectations for openness. Chair Hazlett thanked the commissioners for their vote and urged continued work: “There’s still a lot of work yet to do,” she said. Commissioner Moore publicly urged the new leadership to ensure “completely transparent” processes and to avoid actions that might create “distrust and dishonesty.”

What’s next: Commissioners said they will continue regular updates on recovery-plan milestones, the executive search committee’s progress, and committee structures intended to strengthen oversight.

The meeting proceeded to other agenda items including contract awards and the appointment of directors to a newly formed entity to hold HUD Section 202-financed units.