The SAHMA Exchange

In this episode of The SAHMA Exchange, we talk with Melissa Martinez, Training Specialist with SPM, about her career journey, her passion for affordable housing, and the residents who have left a lasting impact on her life. Topics discussed include: • Getting started in affordable housing right out of high school • Melissa's role as a Training Specialist and helping teams succeed through Yardi tra...

Guests: • Larry Keys, Vice President of Government Affairs, National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) • Glenda Leduc, President, Mansermar, Inc. and Mid-America Apartment Management Co., Inc. Episode Overview Affordable housing advocacy is often viewed as something that happens in Washington, D.C., but the reality is that every affordable housing professional has a role to play in...

Guest: Tony Jones, Vice President of Operations, Community Management Corporation Recorded live at the 2025 SAHMA Leadership Conference. In this episode: • Tony’s unexpected start in affordable housing in 1993 • What a VP of Operations role really looks like day to day • How affordable housing has evolved over the last 30 years • The growing complexity of regulations and compliance • How leaders s...

Key Topics Covered What “home” means to today’s senior residents Needs vs. wants in senior housing communities When safety, independence, and dignity conflict Real-world decision-making at the property level Staff pressures: resident satisfaction vs. liability Fair Housing and regulatory challenges The role of family communication Technology and AI in senior housing What dignity really looks like...

In this episode, Michelle Cutillo shares her journey into affordable housing, the moment that defined her career, and how her work in compliance continues to impact residents and communities. The conversation also highlights the importance of professional development, industry collaboration, and advocacy through organizations like SAHMA . Key Takeaways Affordable housing careers often begin unexpe...

Mayor Adams Announces Largest Civil Rights Settlement in City History, Protecting New Yorkers from Housing Discrimination | NYC.gov | Aug. 22, 2024 Violence Against Women Act | HUD Certified Professional of Occupancy (CPO) | SAHMA Fair Housing Compliance Certification (FHC) | SAHMA Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) | HUD Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHA) | HUD HUD Rescinds Disparate Impa...

In this episode of The SAHMA Exchange, we sit down with Brian Harris, President and CEO of Wesley Living, for a powerful conversation that bridges personal experience and professional leadership. With more than 30 years in affordable housing, Brian shares his journey across public housing, project-based rental assistance, LIHTC, and HOME programs, serving seniors, families, individuals with specia...

Correction: Dana Patterson is referred to as the CEO of Alco Management. She is actually the COO.  Show Notes / Links Sensory Stickers Tennessee SAHMA | May 20-21 | Nashville | Link Research & Data Referenced in This Episode Managers experience higher stress and burnout than non-managers Gallup research shows managers report higher levels of stress and burnout than the employees they supervise. 83...

References 51% of extremely low-income renter householders are seniors or people with disabilities . 40% are in the labor force, in school, or are single-adult caregivers (including caregivers of children or family members with disabilities). Of extremely low-income renters in the labor force , 42% usually work full-time (40+ hours/week) . from the National Low Income Housing Coalition Website

In this episode of The SAHMA Exchange, where policy, people, and property management meet, we’re looking ahead to what 2026 may bring for the affordable housing industry. We’re joined by Sonja Horn, President of Dash Compliance, and Breana Thomas, Director of Policy, Procedures, and Training at Fairstead, for a candid and practical forecasting conversation. Together, we discuss what feels fundamen...

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the Southeastern Affordable Housing Management Association (SAHMA).