The Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC) brought staff together from across the organization for a spirited and meaningful Culture of Excellence Year-End Celebration, an event that reflected both the agency’s progress and the collective dedication of its workforce.
The gathering marked more than the close of another year. It represented a defining moment in HACC’s ongoing transformation, shaped by the leadership vision of Executive Director Danita W. Childers, who has championed a Culture of Excellence as the foundation for strengthening the agency and advancing its mission to serve residents and communities across suburban Cook County.
Throughout the event, employees had the opportunity to connect with colleagues from across departments, welcome newly hired team members, and celebrate the deep experience of long-tenured staff whose commitment continues to shape HACC’s institutional knowledge and stability. The atmosphere was both joyful and energizing, reflecting a workforce that has worked diligently to move the agency forward together.
A highlight of the celebration was the recognition of employees marking five, ten, fifteen, twenty, and twenty-five years of service. These milestones represent not only years of dedication, but also the continuity, expertise, and leadership that have helped guide the agency through decades of public service.
The event also featured the presentation of HACC’s Culture of Excellence Awards, a special recognition program designed to honor individuals who embody the values that define the agency’s evolving culture. Unique to the program, the awards were peer-nominated and voted on by HACC staff, reinforcing the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect that continues to strengthen the workplace environment.
This year’s Culture of Excellence Award recipients were:
• Outstanding Work Performance – Asia Thompson
• Customer Service Excellence – Samuel Farmer
• Teamwork and Collaboration – Jackie Hodges
• Positive Attitude and Professionalism – Bryndi Weatherspoon
• Leadership and Initiative – Chalone Liddell
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement – Evelyn Mosely
• Community or Resident Impact – James Williams
Executive Director Childers emphasized that the Culture of Excellence initiative is intentionally designed to elevate performance, empower staff, and strengthen the agency’s ability to serve residents with professionalism and care.
“The Culture of Excellence is more than a theme. It is a commitment to how we lead, how we serve, and how we support one another as professionals,” said Childers. “Recognizing excellence within our workforce reinforces the standards we expect from ourselves and reminds us that the strength of this agency begins with the people who show up every day to serve our communities.”
Childers also praised the collaborative leadership that helped bring the celebration to life, noting that the event itself reflected the teamwork that has become a defining characteristic of HACC’s renewed culture.
“This celebration was made possible through the collaboration and dedication of our leadership team and staff who worked together to create an event that truly reflects the spirit of this organization,” Childers said. “It demonstrates what is possible when talented people come together with a shared commitment to excellence.”
The celebration underscored how far the organization has come in recent years and how intentional cultural change is strengthening the agency from within. By investing in employee engagement, recognizing achievements, and creating opportunities for connection across the organization, HACC continues to cultivate a workplace defined by respect, collaboration, and accountability.
The Culture of Excellence initiative remains a guiding principle in HACC’s continued evolution. The year-end event left employees with a renewed sense of pride in their work, appreciation for their colleagues, and confidence in the agency’s direction as HACC continues building a stronger, more responsive housing authority for the residents it serves.
