Our Team

Meet Patricia Dexter, Executive Director of the Plant City Housing Authority since 2016. She is affectionately known as “Mrs. Pat”, but her professional achievements are nothing but fierce. Hailing from the state of Alabama, Patricia harnessed her vast level of business experience to bring heart and service to multi-generational, multi-cultural adult recipients of subsidized housing. Her ultimate goal? To develop skilled labor employment for adults who just need a little hope and guidance. How? She says, “continued growth and maturity as I learn and dispense a word of wisdom into this upcoming generation”. When she takes her superhero cape off Patricia enjoys line dancing, yoga, and gardening.

“Leave a legacy of culture and class as you learn how to change from ashes to beauty”

-Patricia Dexter

Patricia Dexter

Executive Director

Omayra Vanderpool

Director of Operations

Alongside any great executive is a great director. That’s Omayra Vanderpool. Omayra is a 17 year veteran in her professional role at the Plant City Housing Authority. Currently, she serves as the Director of Operations. But that doesn’t stop her from jumping in anywhere she is needed, anytime she is needed. Whether it is the front desk, public housing, housing choice voucher programs or the 200+ clients she serves daily, Omayra is committed to quality with high standards of accountability. Why? Because that’s who she is. She is certified in public housing management and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from pontifical catholic university of Puerto Rico . She is fluent in Spanish and English, and is a state of Florida notary public. When Omayra hangs up her many hats at the end of the day she enjoys spending quality time with her granddaughters. She is an avid dog lover but loves Jesus most.

“Hard work produces endurance and opportunity to grow”

-Omayra Vanderpool

Meet Ciera Renner. Ciera is a case manager for the Plant City Housing Authority. One of her professional goals is to build strong, trusting relationships with her clients. She is dedicated to fostering a sense of community with residents so that she can provide the support needed to help them thrive. Nobody knows your hometown like Ciera. She has lived in Plant City her entire life. She graduated from Durant High School in 2017 and is currently enrolled as a full-time student at Hillsborough Community College. Ciera has also served as a substitute teacher for local schools, developing a range of skills including adaptability, communication and problem solving. In her personal time Ciera prioritizes family time. She enjoys fishing because “its calming” she says. She also enjoys crocheting and painting.

“My aim is to create and environment where all community members feel valued and connected”

-Ciera Renner

Ciera Renner

Section 8 Program Case Manager

Hannah Scanlon

Service Desk

Hi, I am Hannah Scanlon. I work at the service desk at Plant City Housing authority. I was born in Tampa, FL. I graduated from Plant City High School in 2024. I’m ready to go back to Hillsborough Community College to later work in the medical field. I love to read, go out and praise Jesus.

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin”
Zechariah 4:10

“Do not despise small beginnings”

-Hannah Scanlon

This is Tanya Torres-Chaves, the newest addition to the Plant City Housing Authority office staff. Tanya comes to us with a degree in Educational Studies, serving the Polk County School board for 17 years. In 2024, Tanya spent A summer working in the Plant City Authority office assisting wherever needed. Little did she know it was the beginning of a decision she would later make to shift her talents and abilities as a seasoned teacher to “another arena.” Tanya joined the PCHA team in January of 2025 as the Tenant Services Coordinator, but her sights are set on an additional mission within the agency. And that is to launch an after-school tutoring program for the students of the community she serves; with hopes of developing an education department for the housing authority in the future. She is committed to providing applicants and residents with professional services that will connect them with valuable resources needed to “keep moving up in life”. Born in Puerto Rico, and raised in Queens NY, Tanya’s happiest years have been spent in Lakeland, Florida with her husband and two boys.

“You have the power to change things”

-Tanya Torres-Chaves

Tanya Torres-Chaves

Tenant Services Coordinator

(Front Row) from left to right:
Rodney Dupree, Groundskeeper Juan Carreon, Maintenance Tech

(Back Row) From left to right:
Jeff Tyson, Maintenance Tech, Jose Rios, Maintenance Tech, Willie Gardner, Groundskeeper Johnnie Renner, Maintenance Supervisor

Meet your new best friends. They are the magnificent maintenance technicians for the Plant City Housing Authority. Under the leadership of Johnnie Renner, this crew delivers quality service in keeping the buildings and equipment running smoothly. You don’t have to worry about cutting the grass because there is a team for that! Here is a snapshot of the many other things they do for you:

Inspecting: Regularly checking equipment and facilities to assess their condition
Repairing: Fixing issues with roofs, windows, floors, doors, plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems
Maintaining: Performing basic repairs and preventative measures to extend the life of equipment
Maintaining inventory: Keeping track of supplies