Commissioner Mildred Harris was first appointed to the CHA Board on July 7, 1999 for a one year term. Because of her continued commitment and exemplary leadership role as a Commissioner, Mayor Richard Daley twice reappointed Commissioner Harris, whose current term is set to expire on July 7, 2010.

Dr. Harris, a retired mentor, schoolteacher and ordained minister, is a lifelong resident of Chicago. As a commissioner Dr. Harris created the Adopt-A-Senior Building program under the auspices of the Chicago Housing Authority, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to refurnish the sitting areas in more than 57 CHA senior buildings. The CHA received an award from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials for the Adopt-A-Senior Building program.

Active in various Chicago communities, Dr. Harris is a part of numerous civic and religious organizations. She is a member of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives, a member of the Women’s Board of the Goodman Theatre, life member of the National Council of Negro Women and Honorary Board Member of Windows of Opportunity. Dr. Harris is featured in The Millennium Edition of Who’s Who in the World and was awarded the Woman of the Year 2000 Award from the American Biographical Institute in New Jersey.

Dr. Harris is the founder, president and CEO of God First Ministries of Chicago, Ill. Under her leadership, God First Ministries has served more than 30,000 homeless people, awarded scholarships and contributed generously to local, national and international ministries and organizations. In addition to authoring three books, Dr. Harris also produces teaching and musical aids.