Agenda

Saturday Oct 4 Sunday Oct 5 Monday Oct 6 Tuesday Oct 7

Badge Pick-Up & Registration

Community Meet-Ups

Energy Efficiency and Resilience in Housing

DISCUSSION LEADER
Jack Ruderman, Energy and Legislative Affairs Advisor | New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority

Information Technology

DISCUSSION LEADER
Suresh Menon, Chief Information Officer | Connecticut Housing Finance Authority

Community Meet-Up

Federal Liaisons

DISCUSSION LEADERS
Melissa Grover, Director, Government Affairs | Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
Erik Jorgensen, Senior Director of Government Relations and Communications | MaineHousing

Community Meet-Up

Joint: Human Resources and Information Technology

DISCUSSION LEADERS
Bryan Bowser, Information Technology Director | Kansas Housing Resources Corporation
Deanna Johnson, Director of Human Resources | Kansas Housing Resources Corporation

Community Meet-Ups

Data and Analytics

DISCUSSION LEADER
Chelsea Buckwalter, Director of Research and Analytics | Ohio Housing Finance Agency

Human Resources

DISCUSSION LEADER
Deanna Johnson, Director of Human Resources | Kansas Housing Resources Corporation

Internal Auditors

DISCUSSION LEADER
Valerie Terry, Vice President, Internal Audit | Utah Housing Corporation

Section 8 Contract Administrators

DISCUSSION LEADER
Kelly Condon, Senior Director of Rental Management | MassHousing

Community Meet-Up

Single-Family Program

DISCUSSION LEADERS
Brenda Evans, Chief Programs Officer | Louisiana Housing Corporation
Jaime Rice, Managing Director of Single-Family Programs | Kentucky Housing Corporation

Badge Pick-Up & Registration

NCSHA General Membership and Board of Directors Meeting

Open only to HFA executive directors (or a chair-approved substitute); breakfast available at 8:00 am

Community Meet-Up

Marketing and Communications Directors

DISCUSSION LEADERS
Jason Lantz, Director of Marketing and Communications | Idaho Housing and Finance Association
Amanda Weisgram, Director, Marketing and Research | South Dakota Housing Development Authority

Community Meet-Ups

Finance

DISCUSSION LEADERS
Denver Maw, Director, Finance | Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
Brett Warner, Chief Financial Officer | North Carolina Housing Finance Agency

HOME and Housing Trust Fund

DISCUSSION LEADER
Tammy Brandt, Director of Housing and Neighborhood Development | Wyoming Community Development Authority
Jessica Worthington, Director, Community Housing Development | Georgia Department of Community Affairs/Georgia Housing and Finance Authority

Legal

DISCUSSION LEADERS
Bruce Balcom, Chief Legal Counsel | Tennessee Housing Development Agency
James Kinyon, Senior Counsel | Connecticut Housing Finance Authority

Community Meet-Ups

Human Resources (Continued)

DISCUSSION LEADER
Heather Hart, Vice President of Human Resources | District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency

Information Technology (Continued)

DISCUSSION LEADERS
Greg Blake, Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Administration | Idaho Housing and Finance Association
Tim Carroll, Chief Information Officer | North Carolina Housing Finance Agency
Jeremy Johnson, Chief Information Officer | Ohio Housing Finance Agency
Bruce Jukes, Senior Director, Business Technology | New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority
Liana Webb, Chief Information Officer | Oregon Housing and Community Services

Community Meet-Up

Marketing and Communications

DISCUSSION LEADERS
Jason Lantz, Director of Marketing and Communications | Idaho Housing and Finance Association
Amanda Weisgram, Director, Marketing and Research | South Dakota Housing Development Authority

Executive Directors Forum

Open only to HFA executive directors (or a chair-approved substitute)

Community Meet-Ups

Single-Family Servicing

DISCUSSION LEADERS
Kara DePue, Loss Mitigation Specialist | MaineHousing
Breezie Williams, Assistant Vice President, Mortgage Servicing | Utah Housing Corporation

Special Needs Housing

DISCUSSION LEADERS
Nancy Bloebaum, Manager, Supportive Housing Development Programs | North Carolina Housing Finance Agency
Lakeisha Jones, Director, Office of Homeless & Special Needs Housing | Georgia Department of Community Affairs/Georgia Housing and Finance Authority

Executive Directors Luncheon

Open only to HFA executive directors (or a chair-approved substitute)

NCSHB Annual Business Meeting and HFA Board Member Roundtable

Open only to HFA board members and executive directors (or a chair-approved substitute); lunch available at 11:45 am

Community Meet-Ups

Equity

DISCUSSION LEADER
Whitley Werts, Chief Human Resources Officer | Rhode Island Housing

Multifamily

DISCUSSION LEADERS
J.D. Bondurant, Managing Director of Rental Housing | Virginia Housing
Lisa Vatske, Director, Multifamily Housing and Community Facilities | Washington State Housing Finance Commission

Unless otherwise noted, the sessions below are open to all registered NCSHA members.

Showplace Grand Opening

Representatives from the exhibiting companies will be on hand in NCSHA’s popular Showplace on October 5 and 6 to help you find solutions to your pressing business challenges. Pick up a game card at Badge Pick-Up and join in the Stamp Rally for a chance to win fun and valuable prizes donated by our exhibitors — play starts now!

Zeffert's Java Joint Open in the Showplace

Stop in the Showplace Sunday and Monday for a refreshing, handcrafted coffee or tea beverage — iced or hot — courtesy of Diamond Sponsor Zeffert & Associates!

Sponsored by:

Snowballs in the Showplace

NCSHA is serving up New Orleans-style snowballs (or sno-balls) in the Showplace! Stop in to experience this Crescent City favorite — a mound of fluffy shaved ice flavored with your choice of syrups and mix-ins including local favorite condensed milk drizzle — while you talk with the knowledgeable solution providers on hand in the exhibit hall.

NCSHA Leadership Circle Reception

House of Blues New Orleans

Open only to HFA executive directors (or a chair-approved substitute) and board members, Leadership Circle members, and by invitation only, top-tier conference sponsors.

NCSHA is proud to recognize our Leadership Circle members for their generous support of the organization and this conference.

The Board Chair's Reception

House of Blues New Orleans

Badge Pick-Up & Registration

Opening Plenary: A Conversation with Shaun Donovan and Presentation of the 2025 Awards for Program Excellence

Seated breakfast served 8:30 am – 9:30 am

Welcome

Kevin Delahoussaye, Executive Director | Louisiana Housing Corporation
Wendy Gentry, Board Chairwoman | Louisiana Housing Corporation

A Conversation with Shaun Donovan

With housing affordability challenges at all-time highs and ever-greater demands for new thinking and bold action, Shaun Donovan is playing a leading national role in the development of innovative forms of financing, better methods of communication, and more responsive public policies to meet the moment. Building on decades of public service at the highest levels in local and federal government, he’s continuing his work to build opportunity and fighting for people and communities too often left behind as CEO of Enterprise Community Partners. After starting in conversation with Minnesota Housing Commissioner and NCSHA Board Chair Jennifer Ho, Shaun will engage in a dialogue with conference attendees about what is happening and what has to happen for America to solve its affordable housing crisis.

SPEAKERS
Shaun Donovan, Chief Executive Officer | Enterprise Community Partners
Jennifer Ho, Commissioner | Minnesota Housing and Chair | NCSHA Board of Directors

Presentation of NCSHA′s 2025 Awards for Program Excellence

MASTERS OF CEREMONY
David Damschen, President and CEO | Utah Housing Corporation
Nandini Natarajan, Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director | Connecticut Housing Finance Authority

Showplace Open

Zeffert's Java Joint Open in the Showplace

Stop in the Showplace Sunday and Monday for a refreshing, handcrafted coffee or tea beverage — iced or hot — courtesy of Diamond Sponsor Zeffert & Associates!

Sponsored by:

Networking Break in the Showplace

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Bonds and Securities Update: Key Factors and Forecasts

2025 has seen plenty of volatility in the financial markets. Expert analysts and bankers share their insights into how bond, capital, and housing markets have been impacted in 2025 and what to expect next year.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Rachel Madden, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer | MassHousing

SPEAKERS
Victor Chiang, Vice President | Caine Mitter & Associates Incorporated
Peter Degroot | J.P. Morgan
Albert Luong, Director, National Housing Group | RBC Capital Markets
Elizabeth Vernon, Senior Vice President, Capital Markets | Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC

Digitizing the Front Door: How to Modernize Program Access

Hear from HFAs transforming how applicants access programs and funding — from digitized eligibility tools, to randomized equitable selection processes, to unified dynamic applications. Discover how these innovations are expanding access, improving user experience, and streamlining internal operations.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Leah Larson, Senior Director of Strategic Growth and Partnerships | Neighborly Software

SPEAKERS
Ashish Kumar, Chief Information Officer | California Housing Finance Agency
Mark Whitaker, Chief Technology Officer | Michigan State Housing Development Authority

Driving Lower-Cost Development

Explore successful state agency and industry strategies to encourage lower development costs in affordable multifamily housing. Consider opportunities to create cost efficiencies in project design, maximize savings in construction budgets, and limit project financing and underwriting costs. Determine the appropriate balance between cost and quality in affordable housing.

DISCUSSION LEADER
James Lehnhoff, Assistant Commissioner, Multifamily | Minnesota Housing

SPEAKERS
Christine Moran, Managing Director, Multifamily Financing | Illinois Housing Development Authority
Jessica Perry, Director of Development | Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
Philip Porter, Senior Vice President and Head of Acquisitions | Enterprise Housing Credit Investments

Email Marketing Isn’t Dead — It’s Dominating

Email continues to be the most effective marketing tool in your box. Discover how to design your email campaigns for maximum impact leveraging data, personas, and proactive messaging tailored to grab the attention of your target audiences.

SPEAKER
Dr. Brittany Francis, Manager | Emergent Method

Navigating Challenges in Permanent Supportive Housing

Successfully developing — and preserving — permanent supportive housing requires navigating a complex web of financial incentives and risks in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders. Hear from HFAs and their partners about how to increase supportive housing supply and protect these investments for the long term.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Matt Rayburn, Deputy Executive Director and Chief Real Estate Development Officer | Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority

SPEAKERS
Ismael Guerrero, President and Chief Executive Officer | Mercy Housing Inc.
Katrina Van Valkenburgh, Managing Director | CSH
James Yates, Director | Technical Assistance Collaborative, Inc.

Navigating Talent Acquisition and Recruitment in These Volatile Market Conditions

In today’s rapidly shifting economic landscape, attracting and retaining top talent has become more complex than ever. This session offers strategic insights into adapting recruitment practices for resilience and agility. Explore emerging trends, evolving candidate expectations, and data-driven approaches to stay competitive in an unpredictable market. Equip yourself with practical tools and forward-thinking strategies that drive successful talent outcomes no matter the market climate.

TRAINER
Tracy McMillan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner | BroadView Talent Partners

Single-Family Market Briefing

Experts recap 2025’s national homeownership trends and forecast the home-buying market dynamics HFAs, lenders, servicers, and other affordable housing professionals should anticipate into 2026.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Rhonda Ronnow, Director of Single Family Loan Operations | Tennessee Housing Development Agency

SPEAKERS
Daren Blomquist, Vice President of Market Economics | Auction.com
Molly Boesel, Senior Principal Economist | Cotality
Tonya Todd, Managing Director, HFA TBA Marketing Associate, Lead | Hilltop Securities Inc.

The Washington Report

Washington advocacy insiders discuss the road ahead for affordable housing legislation and spending in the wake of the Housing Credit expansion in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Understand the landscape for FY26 spending on U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Rural Housing Service programs, HOME reauthorization, and future opportunities to further advance NCSHA’s tax agenda, including modernizing the Mortgage Revenue Bond program, enactment of the Neighborhood Homes Credit, and additional changes to further strengthen the Housing Credit. Consider the outlook for federal regulatory relief and weigh the chances of action on housing finance reform.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Jennifer Schwartz, Director of Tax and Housing Advocacy | National Council of State Housing Agencies

SPEAKERS
Ayrianne Parks, Senior Director, Public Policy | Enterprise Community Partners, Inc.
David Gasson, Executive Director | Housing Advisory Group
Peter Lawrence, Chief Public Policy Officer | Novogradac & Company LLP
Megan Cheney, Policy Research Director | National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders

Networking Luncheon

Seated lunch served 11:45 am – 12:30 pm

Swap news and tips with your peers over a hearty luncheon, sponsored by Raymond James.

Sponsored by:

Photo-Op for 2025 Award Recipients

Coffee and Dessert in the Showplace

NCSHB Session: Principles of Governance and Ethics for HFA Board Members

Open only to HFA board members and executive directors (or a chair-approved substitute)

SPEAKER
Steven Likes, Partner | Kutak Rock LLP

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Best of HFAs: Human Resources

HFAs present their most innovative and creative HR initiatives including an effective internal communications strategy that enhanced employee engagement, fostered connections, and improved the overall experience of working for the agency; a fellows program that reshaped how an agency recruits and trains talented college graduates interested in public service careers; and an initiative to address the growing demand for skilled leadership in the affordable housing sector.

SPEAKERS
Katone Glover, Director of Asset Management | New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency
Scott Thistle, Communications Director | MaineHousing
Lisa Watson, Managing Director of Human Resources | Virginia Housing

Chatbots and AI Communications

Explore how NCSHA’s members are using chatbots and AI tools to engage the public and save staff time, including to guide visitors through websites, streamline high-volume tasks, and improve user accessibility. This session presents real-world examples of AI-enhanced communication to reveal tools that can amplify your team’s impact and even make the work a little more fun.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Greg Blake, Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Administration |  Idaho Housing and Finance Association

SPEAKERS
Nathan Hall, Senior Account Administrator | Kentucky Housing Corporation
Jeffrey Promnitz, Chief Executive Officer | Zeffert & Associates, Inc.

Financial Structuring with Multifamily Bonds

Learn how to leverage additional Housing Credit authority and the lower bond financing test to maximize their impact. Discuss how to best structure bonds and other financing in today’s high-interest rate market, how to use bond recycling to amplify funding, and alternative structures to work within the 25% test.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Ellen Duffy, Executive Vice President for Capital Markets and Investments | New York City Housing Development Corporation

SPEAKERS
Ben Killion, Executive Director | Wells Fargo Securities
Kevin Murphy, Partner | Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP
Mark Price, Director of Capital Markets | New York State Homes and Community Renewal

HFA Advocacy in Action

Through their advocacy efforts, HFAs are paving a path for unprecedented state investments in affordable housing — from direct spending on targeted initiatives, to enactment of new state tax credits, to changes in law that promote the use of more private activity bond resources for affordable housing. Discover replicable strategies that have led to major policy victories.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Amy Rainone, Director, Government Relations and Policy | Rhode Island Housing

SPEAKERS
Brady Ellis, Executive Vice President, Community Housing | Idaho Housing and Finance Association
Jerilynn Francis, Chief Communications and Community Partnerships Officer | Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
William Pittman, Senior Government Affairs Specialist | North Carolina Housing Finance Agency

Improving Financial Stability for Low-Income Renters

With rents steadily rising in many communities, low-income households face significant barriers to financial security. Explore initiatives that can help at-risk families stay stably housed and build toward their futures.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Libby Hayes, Director of Housing Stability | MassHousing

SPEAKERS
Eileen Fitzgerald, Interim Chief Executive Officer | Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future
Markita Morris-Louis, Chief Executive Officer | Compass Working Capital
Michael Williamson, President and Chief Executive Officer | United Way of Southeast Louisiana

The Art + Science of Data-Fueled Marketing

Learn how to use data — your agency’s own data as well as widely available national data — to effectively customize digital marketing, calculate program ROI, and communicate with stakeholders. Hear real-world examples and take away tools and strategies to put data to work for you.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Ashley Jared, Communications Director | Iowa Finance Authority

SPEAKERS
Jennifer Kelly, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications | MassHousing
Katie Patterson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer | Happy Medium | EverDwell

Updates from Federal Housing Leaders

Because of the federal government shutdown, we regret that our confirmed speakers from the U.S. Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Agriculture are not able to participate on the panel.

Hear about the wide range of affordable housing legislation and regulatory matters under consideration in Washington, D.C. Receive updates on Federal Housing Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau actions this year, and learn what may be coming soon.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Brandon Dettlaff, Executive Director | North Dakota Housing Finance Agency

SPEAKERS
Mark McArdle, Senior Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Public Policy | Newrez LLC
Greg Zagorski, Senior Homeownership Policy Specialist | National Council of State Housing Agencies

Networking Break in the Showplace

Beignets, king cake, and creole pralines (oh my!) are waiting for you in the exhibit hall courtesy of NCSHA Leadership Circle member Lakeview Loan Servicing!

Sponsored by:

NCSHB Session: Financial Terms and Concepts

Open only to HFA board members and executive directors (or a chair-approved substitute)

SPEAKERS
David Greenblatt, Director, Lead Analyst | S&P Global Ratings
Benjamin Madorsky, President | cfX Incorporated

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

AI in Practice: Real-World Applications for Agencies and Partners

AI is already changing how housing finance agencies and their partners work. Our presenters offer their real-world examples of how AI can improve operations, customer service, and decision-making and share how they are managing risk.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Rebecca Franklin, Chief Deputy Director | California Housing Finance Agency

SPEAKERS
Greg Blake, Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Administration | Idaho Housing and Finance Association
Chris Rentner, Head of Growth | Builders Patch

Best of HFAs: Internal Operations

HFAs present their most creative internal operations initiatives: adopting a cloud-based publishing platform to streamline collaboration, address real-time version control, and standardize data presentation; designing an internal marketing campaign to launch a core values initiative and encourage staff engagement; and creating a department to develop and manage new programs geared toward local government units.

SPEAKERS
Jennifer Bergman, Director of Local Housing Government Programs | Minnesota Housing
Dr. Tiffany Davis, Special Advisor on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion | Illinois Housing Development Authority
Oksana Glushchenko, Comptroller | California Housing Finance Agency
Annie Reierson, Manager of Local Government Housing Programs | Minnesota Housing

Best of Homeownership Programs

State HFAs showcase their creative approaches to addressing universal homeownership challenges: first-generation home buyer assistance; properties needing energy-efficient upgrades; and small-balance loan programs.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Sonia Joyner, Director of Home Ownership Programs | North Carolina Housing Finance Agency

SPEAKERS
Mounzer Aylouche, Vice President of Homeownership Programs | MassHousing
Dan McMahon, Director, Home Finance | Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
Kyle Nestlehut, Deputy Director, Homeownership Programs | Illinois Housing Development Authority

Developing for Accessibility

HFA staff and other experts present tools and incentives, including qualified allocation plan preferences, to ensure the supply of accessible affordable housing can meet the current and future needs of the residents of their states.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Laura Ann Holland, Director of Strategy and Key Initiatives | Georgia Department of Community Affairs/Georgia Housing and Finance Authority Special

SPEAKERS
Allie Cannington, Managing Director | The Kelsey
Mark English, Founder and President | E&A Team, Inc.

Expanding Affordability with Off-Site Construction and Manufactured Housing

Learn how advancements in prefabricated and modular construction can benefit affordable housing development. Explore the benefits of off-site construction technology, including streamlined design, lower development costs, improved efficiency, and reduced waste. Discuss strategies for navigating local zoning and permitting issues and opportunities to preserve existing manufactured housing.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Joe Prichard, Managing Director of Multifamily Asset Compliance | Kentucky Housing Corporation

SPEAKERS
Darrell Beavers, Housing Development Director | Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency
Maura Collins, Executive Director | Vermont Housing Finance Agency
David Sanchez, Senior Vice President, National Strategy | ROC USA, LLC

Managing and Maximizing Your Financial Resources

Explore how HFAs can stretch and optimize their limited bond and financial resources to best serve their missions. Discuss techniques for portfolio management, budgeting, and forecasting. Learn how one HFA successfully executed a strategy to diversify its single-family and multifamily funding options, lower its risk, and streamline its financing operations.

DISCUSSION LEADER
John Chung, Chief Financial Officer | Idaho Housing and Finance Association

SPEAKERS
Charles Karimbakas, Managing Director | cfX Incorporated
Erwin Tam, Director of Financing | California Housing Finance Agency
Bill Veronda, Director | BofA Securities

Navigating Advocacy Communications

A skilled legislative and communications expert shares insights and advice on communications strategy and messaging for the current legislative landscape.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Ayrianne Parks, Senior Director, Public Policy | Enterprise Community Partners, Inc.

SPEAKERS
Jennifer Bowman, Director of Federal and Strategic Initiatives, Strategy and Engagement Division | Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Akis Gialopsos, Deputy Executive Director | Alaska Housing Finance Corporation
Scott Spivey, Executive Director | Mississippi Home Corporation

Optimizing New Federal Affordable Housing Resources

The most substantive change to the Housing Credit program in decades — lowering the bond-financing threshold for 4 percent Housing Credit developments — goes into effect in January. Gain a better understanding of the nuances of the new 25 percent test, the increase in Housing Credit authority, and all the housing and community development tax incentives from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and discuss how states can set policies to maximize their reach.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Christine Hess, Chief Financial Officer | Nevada Housing Division

SPEAKERS
Thom Amdur, Senior Vice President, Policy and Impact | Lincoln Avenue Communities
Peter Lawrence, Chief Public Policy Officer | Novogradac & Company LLP
Beth Mullen, Partner | CohnReznick LLP
Kent Neumann, Founding Member | Tiber Hudson LLC

Networking Break in the Showplace

ProLink Live Demo: Procorem Inspect

Experience a live demonstration of Procorem Inspect, ProLink Solutions’ new mobile app that streamlines property inspections while ensuring compliance with HUD’s NSPIRE standards. Effortlessly guide your team with built-in or custom templates, capture photos and findings — even offline — and sync everything instantly to ProLinkHFA, the secure back-end database. Designed for Android and Apple, Procorem Inspect boosts accuracy, efficiency, and consistency, while Procorem, the secure portal, keeps all data centralized and protected.

NCSHB Session: Financing Tools and Programs

Open only to HFA board members and executive directors (or a chair-approved substitute)

SPEAKERS
Mike Awadis, Senior Managing Director/Co-Head of HFA TBA | Hilltop Securities Inc.
Ansel Caine, President | Caine Mitter & Associates Incorporated
Rachael McDonald, Associate Managing Director | Moody’s Ratings
Howard Zucker, Partner | Hawkins Delafield & Wood LLP

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

HFA – CDFI Partnership Opportunities

HFAs and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) have overlapping missions and access to different but complementary resources. Learn more about CDFIs, their affordable housing activities, and ways in which they and HFAs can work together to coordinate and amplify their collective impact.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Lisa Vatske, Director, Multifamily Housing and Community Facilities | Washington State Housing Finance Commission

SPEAKERS
Rob Dapice, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer | New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority
Matthew Dieveney, Executive Investment Officer | Minnesota Housing
Pasquale Guliano, Managing Director, Multifamily | Connecticut Housing Finance Authority
Ellen Lurie Hoffman, Executive Director | Center for Impact Finance, Carsey School of Public Policy, University of New Hampshire
John Rocker, Managing Director of Lending | Greater Minnesota Housing Fund

Leveraging Data to Change the Housing Conversation

How are HFAs using data to assess and communicate housing needs and program outcomes to policymakers, stakeholders, and the public? Explore approaches at the state, local, and program levels to harness data for insight and action.

DISCUSSION LEADER
John Patterson, Director of Planning, Analysis, and Evaluation | Minnesota Housing

SPEAKERS
Kelsie Chesnut, Principal Research Associate | Vera Institute of Justice
Wendy Smith, Deputy Executive Director, Housing Programs | Kentucky Housing Corporation

Managing Website Makeovers

HFA websites play a critical role in program delivery and advocacy. Many agencies are undertaking major website overhauls — or wondering if it’s time to overhaul. This session addresses both the nuts and bolts of managing a website redevelopment project and the latest trends and best practices in web design and analytics.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Stephanie Romanoff, Senior Digital Associate | National Council of State Housing Agencies

SPEAKERS
Moira Edwards, President | Ellipsis Partners LLC
Sara Everest, Web Development and IT Solutions Manager | Vermont Housing Finance Agency

Responding to Natural Disasters: Resiliency and Recovery

The affordable housing industry plays a critical role in disaster response by housing impacted families and rebuilding communities. Consider potential threats to existing affordable housing, lessons learned from recovery efforts, new strategies for development siting and resiliency, and innovative construction methods designed to minimize the impact of disasters.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Jessica Worthington, Director, Community Housing Development | Georgia Department of Community Affairs/Georgia Housing and Finance Authority

SPEAKERS
Stephanie Griffin, Chief Production Officer | Delaware State Housing Authority
Sasha Kergan, Deputy Secretary of Housing | California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency
Bettie Teasley, Manager of Policy and Research | North Carolina Housing Finance Agency

Rural Housing Development Strategies

Explore multifamily financing opportunities and preservation strategies for developments located in rural markets. Discuss trends in area median income growth and opportunities to enhance financial feasibility in rural areas. Consider multifamily market study factors unique to rural development.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Sara Tichota, LIHTC Allocation Manager | Nebraska Investment Finance Authority

SPEAKERS
Cheryl Cohen, Executive Director for the Montana Board of Housing | Montana Board of Housing
Emily Nosse-Leirer, Director, Rural and Native American Policy | Enterprise Community Partners, Inc.
Mark Wiesendanger, Director of Development | MaineHousing

Supportive Services Symposium

State agency staff and leading service providers share best practices and innovative tools, such as state-funded mechanisms, to augment Medicaid reimbursement and provide sustainable financing for supportive services to help residents live healthier, happier, and more productive lives.

SPEAKERS
Ayana Dilday Gonzalez, Senior Consultant | Technical Assistance Collaborative, Inc.
Catherine Distelrath, Director | CSH

What’s Next for the Housing Finance System?

Seventeen years after Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac entered conservatorship, are Congress and the administration finally poised to act on housing finance reform? Gain a better understanding of leading proposals for potential congressional and administrative action and how different approaches may affect mortgage lending and HFA programs.

DISCUSSION LEADER
David Damschen, President and Chief Executive Officer | Utah Housing Corporation

SPEAKERS
Megan Cheney, Policy Research Director | National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders
Ferdinand Perrault, Vice President and Senior Credit Officer | Moody’s Ratings

Workforce and Social Housing’s Possibilities and Prospects

Discuss national and international models for financing affordable housing serving residents with a broad range of incomes and involving public ownership structures. Look at examples of states and localities using different sources of funds and development approaches that employ new financial tools, draw in new development partners, and create new types of affordable housing.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Jake Day, Secretary | Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development

SPEAKERS
Chad Benson, Director of Development | Michigan State Housing Development Authority
Kristin Faust, Executive Director | Illinois Housing Development Authority
Patrick Love, Vice President, Multifamily Finance and Development | New York State Homes and Community Renewal
Mark Teden, Vice President of Multifamily Programs | MassHousing
Paul Williams, Executive Director | Center for Public Enterprise

Showplace Happy Hour

Enjoy beverages and nibbles while you unwind with friends and make new contacts among the solution providers represented in this year’s Showplace, courtesy of NeighborWorks America! This is your last chance to collect stamps from the exhibitors in the Stamp Rally — play ends at 6:15 pm, and winners will be announced at 6:30 pm in the app!

Sponsored by:

Badge Pick-Up & Registration

Tuesday Plenary Breakfast: Finding Calm in Chaos — How to Strengthen Resilience, Mitigate Burnout, and Thrive in the Face of Uncertainty

Seated breakfast served 7:45 am – 8:45 am

Presentation: Grace at the Green Light

SPEAKER
Kayla Dennis, Director of Development and Communications | Grace at the Green Light

Keynote Presentation

In a world of technological change and crisis, finding clarity, calm, and presence in our daily lives is becoming more difficult than ever. In this interactive and transformative presentation, Jesse Israel teaches attendees how to maintain well-being, focus, and performance amidst the chaos with the essential skill of filtering noise.

Founder of the global movement The Big Quiet, Jesse has successfully guided millions through the Amplified Quiet Framework — so much so that Oprah invited him to share his framework on a national tour, teaching the art of quieting noise and finding power in presence. Access an unexpected state of calm and connection, activate this energy in your life and workplace, tap into resiliency, and prepare to take on the unknown.

Key Takeaways:

• Mindsets for adapting to change, managing conflict, and navigating moments of high-pressure and stress without sacrificing well-being
• Simple strategies to improve relationships with technology and boost productivity
• Science-backed techniques to make confident decisions and unlock creativity
• Practical tools to foster a culture of belonging, collaboration, and psychological safety, driving collaboration and trust
• A framework for enhancing performance and sustaining energy in any role, at any organization

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Jesse Israel, Founder, Human Performance and Well-Being Expert | The Big Quiet

Sponsored by:

Networking Break

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Addressing Homeownership Housing Supply Challenges

Increasing the supply of affordable ownership housing is one of the most pressing challenges facing the country. From providing seed money for new ideas to incentivizing the construction of starter homes, state HFAs continue to innovate. Learn about efforts to increase housing supply in rural areas and a creative program to expand the pool of skilled local developers.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Ron Winterton, Vice President, Mortgage Banking | Utah Housing Corporation

SPEAKERS
Patricia Harriman, Director of Homeownership | MaineHousing
Dr. Monique Johnson, Chief of Programs | Virginia Housing
Cassandra Skidanov, Senior Manager, Single Family Equitable Housing | Freddie Mac
Chris Tyson, President | NCST

Cybersecurity by Design: Planning for What’s Next

As technologies advance and threats evolve, organizations must continually reassess their approach to cybersecurity. This session explores emerging risks, new systems, and holistic strategies to strengthen defense from the ground up.

SPEAKERS
Delbert Collins, II, Director of Information Technology | South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority
Andrew Weidenhamer, Public Sector Cyber Leader | RSM US LLP

Executive Leadership Coaching

NCSHA members discuss why they are investing in executive coaching and leadership academies for staff to enhance performance and prepare for the future. Learn how these programs improve individual and team performance and deliver positive organizational outcomes.

SPEAKERS
Mike Costa, Learning and Development Coordinator | Tennessee Housing Development Agency
Jill Mazullo, Communications Director | Minnesota Housing

Meeting Housing Needs on Tribal Lands

Developing affordable housing in Indian Country presents unique challenges. State agency staff and tribal housing professionals discuss important resources and services to help meet the housing needs of Native communities.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Ruby Dhillon-Williams, Director | Arizona Department of Housing

SPEAKERS
George Maestas, Director of Housing Development | Housing New Mexico
Benjamin Navarro, Advisor, Affordable Housing Strategies for Rural and Native American Markets | Fannie Mae
Rudy Soto, Executive Director | National American Indian Housing Council

Single-Family Financing Solutions, Part 1: Optimizing Your Bond Resources

Demand for mortgage revenue bond loans is high, but bond cap is scarce. Gain insight into strategies and tactics for maximizing bond authority to serve as many homeowners as possible. Delve into the details on structuring taxable bonds, using non-bond resources in today’s market, and identifying the best execution.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Matthew Harris, Chief Financial Officer | Oregon Housing and Community Services

SPEAKERS
Ryan Henry, Municipal Strategist | FHN Financial
Kathy Li, Director, National Housing Group | Raymond James
Geoff Proulx, Managing Director and Head of Affordable Housing | Morgan Stanley
Alex Vlamis, Director | Barclays

Trends in Multifamily Portfolio Performance

Discuss the impact of recent demographic shifts on multifamily property performance. Gain a better understanding of trends in income limits, maximum rents, vacancy rates, and operating expenses. Consider opportunities to use operating data from existing affordable housing to inform public policy decisions, underwriting criteria, project reserves, and asset management.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Jillian Toole, Senior Manager of Policy and Strategy | Georgia Department of Community Affairs/Georgia Housing and Finance Authority

SPEAKERS
Hannah Blitzer, Managing Director, Housing Sector Lead | S&P Global Ratings
Rachel Denton, Partner | Novogradac & Company LLP
Paul Fiorilla, Director of Research | Yardi Systems Inc.

Your Messenger Is Your Message

Affordable housing finance can be a challenging concept to communicate to stakeholders and the public. An authentic spokesperson, unexpected allies, and the ordinary people you serve can help you make this work accessible, compelling, and newsworthy. Hear real-world examples that can help you adapt this strategy for your agency.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Josh Pugh, Director of External Affairs | Michigan State Housing Development Authority

SPEAKER
Jerilynn Francis, Chief Communications and Community Partnerships Officer | Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
Brian Philps, Brand Ambassador/Outreach Manager | Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority

Networking Break

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Assessing Housing Credit Year 30 Preservation Challenges

Explore solutions to preservation challenges as more developments in the Housing Credit portfolio approach the expiration of affordability restrictions at Year 30. Discuss state agency assessments of expiring affordability, preservation recapitalization tools, new investment strategies to extend affordability, and important tactics to ensure continued compliance during recapitalization.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Stephanie Flanders, Director of Tax Credit Programs | Virginia Housing

SPEAKERS
Melissa Levy, Managing Director of Multifamily Programs | Florida Housing Finance Corporation
Mark Shelburne, Housing Policy Consultant | Novogradac & Company LLP
Mary Beth Snyder, Resident Screening Industry Principal | Yardi Systems Inc.

HFAs Meeting the Needs of Today’s Home Buyers

Empowering first-time home buyers and overcoming barriers to homeownership remain core to the state HFA mission. From addressing the challenges of home buyers with student debt or who need small-balance loans, to delivering programs to targeted communities including veterans, hear how HFAs have created opportunities to meet their states’ needs.

DISCUSSION LEADER
René Acuña, Director of Homeownership | Housing New Mexico

SPEAKERS
Lisa DeBrock, Homeownership Director | Washington State Housing Finance Commission
Lisa Hensley, Managing Director of Homeownership Programs | Connecticut Housing Finance Authority
Talia Kahn-Kravis, Assistant Director of Homeownership Programs | Oregon Housing and Community Services
Tracey Turman, Housing Outreach Manager | Georgia Department of Community Affairs/Georgia Housing and Finance Authority

Home Improvement Lending Programs from Soup to Nuts

Ensuring existing housing is not lost to disrepair is an important aspect of maintaining affordable housing supply. HFAs share the inner workings of their home improvement and repair programs leveraging the capabilities of their single-family lending partners. Learn key considerations in turning a grant program into a loan program.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Brian Rossello, Chief Financial Officer | Delaware State Housing Authority

SPEAKERS
Chuck Kracht, Executive Vice President of Lending | Idaho Housing and Finance Association
Kimberly Stuart, Manager, Homeownership and Home Improvement | Minnesota Housing
Michael Wieczorek, Program Manager, Community Affairs Department | Illinois Housing Development Authority

Single-Family Financing Solutions, Part 2: Funding DPA

Learn how you can continue to fund effective and sustainable down payment assistance programs in today’s challenging market. Consider how to use modeling to identify the best funding sources for your programs and get a briefing on the latest trends in down payment assistance programs. Hear how one HFA and its banking partner worked together to launch a new DPA product.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Melanie Weathers, Finance Director | Florida Housing Finance Corporation

SPEAKERS
Damian Busch, Senior Vice President, Capital Markets | Jefferies LLC
Leighton Hunley, Principal and Financial Consultant | Milliman, Inc.
Angel Romero, HFA Relationship Manager | Down Payment Resource

Training and Knowledge Platforms for Lenders and Partners

Panelists share the lessons learned and measurable benefits from their efforts — including on-demand video libraries, integrated knowledge centers, and automated communication — to boost internal staff and external partners’ confidence and program uptake.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Joseph Navarreté, Senior Director of Information Systems | Housing New Mexico

SPEAKERS
Megan Goss, Business Development Specialist | Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
Brian Noga, Information Technology Manager | Oregon Housing and Community Services
Sara Tichota, LIHTC Allocation Manager | Nebraska Investment Finance Authority

Video Workshop: From Flat to Fantastic

If a picture is worth a thousand words, imagine the impact video can make in your digital marketing. Pick up tips, tricks, and tools anyone can use to produce high-impact, professional videos in house quickly, easily, and affordably.

DISCUSSION LEADER
Lori Buscaglia, Chief Communications Officer | Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority

SPEAKERS
Holley Mangham, Communications Manager | Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency
Tarsha Merz, Senior Marketing Specialist | Virginia Housing