A longtime leader of Chicago public housing residents was elected unanimously last week to the board for a national housing organization.

Mary Wiggins serves as both president of the Central Advisory Council, the main elected body representing Chicago Housing Authority residents, and as a member of the CHA's Board of Commissioners. Now she's on another board, that of the National Organization of African Americans in Housing.

"Mary Wiggins is a national leader," says board executive secretary Kevin Marchman. "Her perspectives and viewpoints are important to us."

The nonprofit organization advocates for affordable housing for people of color.

Wiggins' term on the 21-person board will last for three years.