CAMBRIDGE, Mass.— The Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) has unanimously appointed Clara Fraden as its next Chief Executive Officer, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to lead the agency. Her appointment will take effect March 30, 2026.
Fraden, a longtime CHA leader and Cambridge resident, will oversee an organization that provides deeply affordable housing and subsidies to more than 13,500 individuals across the region.
“The CHA Board of Commissioners is excited to announce CHA’s new CEO,” said Elaine DeRosa, chair of the Board of Commissioners. She cited Fraden’s decade-plus of experience in community development and leadership, as well as her strong ties to Cambridge and commitment to expanding housing opportunities.
Fraden steps into the role following eight years at CHA, where she advanced through positions of increasing responsibility. As a project manager, she helped preserve and create more than 1,200 housing units across Cambridge. Most recently, as Director of Planning, she led a multidisciplinary team overseeing a redevelopment pipeline exceeding $1 billion across Massachusetts.
“Housing is a human right and the foundation of a strong community,” Fraden said in a statement. “I look forward to building on that work to preserve, strengthen, and grow communities where everyone can thrive.”
Fraden holds a master’s degree in urban planning from the Harvard Graduate School of Design and has been recognized for her resident-focused leadership style. Her work at CHA has included initiatives aimed at improving residents’ quality of life, such as expanding access to healthy food, integrating healthcare services into housing communities, and advancing permanent supportive housing programs.
Community partners praised her collaborative approach. Kenny Correia, a Cambridge firefighter and registered nurse with the Cambridge Health Alliance, said Fraden is “an effective leader who truly cares” and is deeply committed to meeting residents’ needs.
Residents also voiced support during the board’s decision-making process. Jean Hannon, a CHA resident and member of the Alliance of Cambridge Tenants, called Fraden “a talented and energetic individual” and expressed optimism about working together under her leadership.
Fraden will succeed Michael J. Johnston, who is retiring after 34 years with the agency, including more than nine years as Executive Director. Johnston welcomed the appointment, expressing confidence that Fraden will continue building on CHA’s established foundation.
The Board of Commissioners also thanked Johnston for his decades of service and leadership, as well as staff and residents who contributed to the CEO search process.
CHA plays a central role in the region’s housing landscape, serving more than 9,500 residents within Cambridge alone—approximately 8% of the city’s population—while advancing its mission to provide safe, high-quality, and affordable housing alongside supportive services and opportunities for upward mobility.
