About our CEO - The Palatka Housing Authority

Leading with Vision

Casey “Oche” Bridgeford leads the Palatka Housing Authority (PHA) with a bold vision: to transform housing from a safety net into a springboard for opportunity, wealth‑building, and generational change.

With more than 20 years of experience in affordable housing, real estate, and community development, Oche brings both professional expertise and personal passion to the work. Having grown up in public housing himself, he understands deeply the dignity, stability, and possibility that safe housing can unlock. That lived experience fuels his commitment to reimagining what a housing authority can and should be for residents today.

Leadership & Governance

Legislative Committee Member, National Association of Housing & Redevelopment Organizations (NAHRO).
Housing & Redevelopment Committee Member, NAHRO.
At‑Large Executive Board Member, Florida Association of Housing & Redevelopment Organizations (FAHRO) — At‑Large, Executive Board (elected).

Education & Executive Training

PHADA–Rutgers Executive Director Education Program (EDEP), Graduate — Rutgers University Center for Government Services.
Master’s in Real Estate, Georgetown University.
Bachelor’s in Political Science (International Relations), University of Pennsylvania.

Previous Roles

Director of Communication & Compliance, Harrisburg Housing Authority.
Founder, The Weekender Festival — cultural platform merging creativity, community, and social impact.

Vision for PHA

Partnerships that deliver

Public‑private partnerships that expand affordable housing and redevelopment while protecting long‑term affordability.

Resident‑centered programming

Tools for financial independence, entrepreneurship, and credible pathways from renter to homeowner.

Sustainable development

Creative financing, reinvestment, and stewardship of assets to strengthen neighborhoods block by block.

Organizational excellence

Transparency, accountability, modern systems, and world‑class standards of service.

“We’re not just in the business of housing—we’re in the business of building futures.”

Vision for Residents & Community

Residents: Pathways from renter to homeowner, from survival to wealth‑building, and from dependency to independence.
Community: A Palatka where affordable housing and economic opportunity reinforce each other—where revitalized neighborhoods attract investment, nurture small businesses, and create intergenerational prosperity.
Future generations: Breaking poverty traps and building systems that prepare children to thrive in education, work, and life.

Back to About Us Invite Oche to Speak

Photos & Media

Casey “Oche” Bridgeford – official portrait — Official portrait (Palatka Housing Authority).

Oche Bridgeford on Daily News Network’s Around Town set — Press appearance on Daily News Network’s *Around Town*.

A Message from the CEO

“I know what it’s like to grow up in public housing. I know the struggles, but I also know the potential. My vision for PHA is simple: we will be the kind of housing authority that doesn’t just give people a place to live—we give them a reason to believe in their future. We will build homes, yes, but more importantly, we will build hope, opportunity, and wealth for the families of Palatka.”

— Casey “Oche” Bridgeford