Charles Hillman

CEO, Columbus Metropolitan Housing

Offering more than 30 years of experience in the real estate and housing ​industries, Charles Hillman has made it his life’s work to collaborate with ​communities, residents, and investors in providing families with access to truly ​affordable housing and life-giving social services, resulting in revitalized ​neighborhoods and systemic change.

Through leadership, partnerships, and a dogged approach to affordability, ​equality, and sustainability, Hillman is an innovative thought leader who knows ​that self-sufficiency, education, and community promote economic growth ​that fosters a robust quality of life.

Hillman’s insights into the Central Ohio affordable housing crisis have proved critical in his leadership ​of the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) where he has served as President and CEO ​since 2010. With 54K residents spending more than half of their income on housing costs, Hillman is ​passionate about solutions that not only work but provide families with greater opportunities. ​Currently, CMHA leverages a $130M operating budget to house over 160,000 residents in Ohio & ​Washington D.C. CMHA owns nearly 5,000 units of mixed-income housing and providing 13,500+ ​Housing Choice Voucher rental subsidies to 3K+ private landlords. In a single decade, Hillman has ​completely rebuilt the agency’s housing portfolio leading to exceptional results.

Now positioned to acquire and develop 500+ units annually, Hillman’s vision for the future of CMHA is ​bold and bright. He remains wholeheartedly dedicated to the agency’s three Cs: Community, ​Commitment, and Collaboration. Hillman is a committed leader in affordable housing innovation, and ​he is eager to expand CMHA’s footprint and further revitalize neighborhoods previously slated for ​decline. It is with joy, passion, and fervor that Hillman remains committed to building healthy ​community environments that offer residents safety, comfort, and dignity with confidence for ​generations to come.

Hillman has been recognized by Columbus Business First as a C-Suite Awards Honoree, and he ​received the Healthiest Employers of Central Ohio and Diversity in Business Award. He also received ​Columbus Urban League’s Honda Award of Excellence, Helping Hands’ Public Service Ambassador ​Award, RICOH’s New World of Work Award, and the YWCA’s Outstanding Community Partner ​Excellence in Service Award30.