Speakers

Ashley Carson
Chief Counsel | MaineHousing

Ashley Carson serves as Chief Counsel for Maine State Housing Authority, where she provides strategic legal guidance to support the agency’s operations, growth and compliance objectives. With a strong background in transactions, regulatory compliance, litigation and civil matters, Ashley partners closely with executive leadership and staff to mitigate risk, ensure regulatory adherence, and enable informed decision-making.

Before joining Maine State Housing Authority, Ashley worked in private practice, with a focus on real estate, civil litigation, estate planning and family law. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Maine School of Law and is admitted to practice in Maine and Massachusetts.

Chris ConnisChris Connis
Senior Project Manager, Construction | Woda Cooper Companies, Inc.

Chris is a senior project manager for Woda Cooper Companies where he is responsible for all projects in the states of Iowa and Illinois. Chris leads a team of project managers, coordinators, and superintendents to ensure safety and efficiency, overseeing the handoff from pre-construction and development to management. He has been in the construction industry for more than 40 years, including serving for a period of time as the owner and manager of a residential and light commercial building company.

Jesse KomeJessie Handforth Kome
Director | CohnReznick

Based in the Washington, DC, area, Jessie Handforth Kome leverages her nearly four decades of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development leadership experience in community development, neighborhood stabilization, disaster recovery, and program innovation to advise government and public-sector clients on strategic initiatives.

Geoffrey MagonGeoffrey Magon
Director | CohnReznick

With more than 15 years of experience, Geoffrey Magon is a seasoned leader in program and project management, specializing in grant administration and regulatory compliance. He has worked across housing, community and economic development, and infrastructure programs, managing initiatives funded by EPA, FEMA, HUD, and the U.S. Treasury.

Jenna NelsonJenna Nelson
Project Manager | Shopworks Architecture

Jenna joined the Shopworks Architecture team in 2016. She brings dedication and passion to all her projects, whether working as a team member or leading as project manager. She is committed to providing dignified housing through intentional design and creative problem-solving.

 

Kerina SpencerKerina Spencer
Senior Real Estate Development Manager | Enterprise Community Development

Kerina is a member of the Real Estate Development team at Enterprise Community Development. In her role as Development Manager, she oversees new construction and substantial renovation projects from the design and entitlement phase, financing and construction, through lease-up and handover to asset and property management. These projects preserve existing and increase the supply of affordable homes to support residents and make upward mobility possible.

She has 13 years of experience financing and developing affordable housing. Her recent notable projects include the redevelopment of Ranleagh Court in Howard County, Maryland, which was one of the first projects to receive Buy America, Build America waivers in 2025.

Kerina received her MS in Real Estate from American University and BA from University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Her professional affiliations include Housing Association of Nonprofit Developers and the Maryland Affordable Housing Coalition.