Wendi Redfern takes over WNADA after brief Mosby tenure

Wendi Redfern has been named the interim executive director of the West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA).

The appointment marks a quick transition in leadership for the organization, which manages state and city funds for revitalization projects in West Baltimore. Redfern, who has worked in community development for more than 25 years, previously served as the authority’s vice president of real estate development. She now steps into the top operational role after a period of uncertainty surrounding the position.

The change follows the brief tenure of Nick Mosby, a former president of the Baltimore City Council. Three sources familiar with the decision stated that Mosby had been introduced as the interim leader several weeks ago. During that time, he worked to familiarize himself with the authority’s ongoing projects. Neither Mosby nor Anthony L. Jenkins, who chairs the board of directors as president of Coppin State University, responded to requests for comment regarding the specific circumstances of Mosby’s departure.

The leadership shuffle comes after the termination of Chad Williams, the authority’s previous director. Williams was let go following an Instagram post that captured a heated exchange with an artist regarding his behavior toward women. The video showed Williams being pulled away from the woman during the confrontation. The board expressed gratitude for his service, with Jenkins noting in a press release that they wished him well in his future endeavors.

Jenkins described Redfern as a necessary change agent and project manager for the organization. He emphasized her track record in uplifting communities and building strong institutional structures. The board views WNADA as a key driver of social mobility for residents in West Baltimore, and Jenkins expressed thanks to the board members for their engagement in selecting the new leader.

Redfern’s background includes senior roles with the D.C. Housing Finance Agency and ReBUILD Metro. Before joining WNADA, she served as deputy commissioner for development at the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development. In that role, she oversaw acquisition, property disposition, grants, asset management, and project financing. She holds a law degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law.

WNADA was established by Maryland law to partner with Coppin State University on local development. The executive director serves as a state government official, appointed by a board that includes both the governor and the mayor.