Welcome Terri Wilkerson, Chief Operating Officer
Chicago House is proud to announce the hiring of Terri Wilkerson as our first-ever Chief Operating Officer (COO), a role created to strengthen our infrastructure and support the organization’s next phase as we increase housing and services across Chicago.
Terri joins us at a pivotal time. Over the last two years, Chicago House has built on our program model, expanding our reach and responsibility. As COO, Terri will oversee finance, IT, general administration, and project management of new initiatives. The Chief Property Management Officer role, filled by longtime leader Josie Paul, will focus exclusively on property management and compliance across Chicago House’s growing housing portfolio. Together, these leadership changes position Chicago House to strengthen our foundation and continue delivering on the highest-quality care.
“Our progress requires systems that are as strong as our mission,” said Michael Herman, Chief Executive Officer. “The COO will ensure that our financial, administrative, and operational functions keep pace with our programs, so staff can focus on serving residents and clients. Terri’s values and proven track record make her the right leader to guide this next chapter.”
Terri is an experienced nonprofit leader with more than 15 years of success in housing, health, workforce development, and child welfare. She has led teams and initiatives grounded in equity, compassion, and measurable impact. In addition to her executive leadership roles, Terri is the founder and principal of Jones 86 Coaching & Consulting, a firm dedicated to aligning people, processes, and strategy. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and the Center for Housing and Health, further deepening her commitment to health equity and housing stability. Terri holds a Master’s in Nonprofit Organizational Development, a BA in Psychology from DePaul University, is completing her MBA in Finance at the University of Illinois-Chicago, is SHRM-certified and holds a certification in executive leadership coaching. A proud Chicagoan, she finds beauty and resilience in communities often overlooked, where possibility and strength shine through adversity.
This is what Terri had to say!
What drew you to Chicago House and how does it align with your personal mission?
“I believe housing is a basic human right, not a privilege. Yet in this country, and even in our city, it is often treated as the latter. The urgency of the housing crisis becomes even more clear when you consider how it intersects with historically marginalized identities such as race, gender, and sexual orientation. People deserve better. That belief is at the heart of Chicago House, evident in its staff, its clients, and the neighborhoods it serves. This work is rooted in equity and dignity, led by people who understand the importance of meeting individuals and communities exactly where they are.”
What is your vision for how operations can strengthen the communities we serve?
Strong operations are the backbone of an impactful organization. My vision is to ensure our systems and processes work seamlessly so staff can focus on what matters most — building trust, delivering high-quality services, and creating pathways to stability and opportunity. When our infrastructure is strong, our reach and impact expand, allowing us to serve more people with greater care and efficiency.
What spot in Chicago makes you feel like home?
Anywhere my family and close friends are, especially my grandmother’s house. She will cook me anything I want, share the latest family stories, and send me home with treats for her great-grandchildren. It is where I feel safest and most loved, surrounded by connection, care, and joy.