Interview by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images by Ryan McGill
Marla Tucker Corbell has worked in the public housing sector for over 35 years. While living in Small Town, Georgia, Marla happened upon her career seemingly by accident. However, it is evident she was meant to serve others in this capacity. Now, as the Executive Director of the Jasper Housing Authority, Marla reflects on her early life and her passion for her career.
WL: Tell us a bit about your background.
MC: I grew up in a little town called Senoia, Georgia, and went to East Coweta High School. I attended Kennedy Western and majored in Business Management.
WL: How did you come to work in the public housing world?
MC: Funny, it was by plain luck! Like so many young people, my first job was at McDonald’s. I also worked at a Save-a-Lot and Wal-Mart. While working at Wal-Mart, I applied for a job as a secretary at an aluminum company. The Executive Director at Newnan (Georgia) Housing Authority, who was a retiree from the same aluminum company, needed a secretary. He went through the applications at the aluminum company and chose mine. The rest is history. On October 6, 1987, I began working at Newnan Housing Authority as a secretary and have been in housing ever since.
WL: What is your official title, and what nature of tasks do you do?
MC: I am the Executive Director of Jasper Housing Authority. My duties include, but are not limited to, directing the Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) and Multifamily Program (East Elderly Village) for the city of Jasper. I oversee the day–to–day operations of those programs and am responsible for the many, many, many updates, financial reports, and demographical data that must be relayed to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
WL: What does a typical day look like?
MC: BUSY! But I wouldn’t change it. I love being able to serve and help the people of the community. There is so much more work to be done to be able to provide safe, clean, and stable housing for people who need help. Times are hard, and no one is safe from hardship! It’s a blessing to know there are resources available to assist the people that need it.
WL: Outside of work, what are your hobbies?
MC: I love to go camping, bake, and spend time with my three beautiful grandkids!
WL: Lastly, what is your go-to meal in Walker County?
MC: In support of local businesses, my favorite is The Pie Factory and their Grilled Chicken Salad – DELICIOUS! As far as fast food, I’ve got to say, Chick-fil-A! WL
