| 2024 Annual Conference Agenda |
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM PEER ROUNDTABLES Join your colleagues for open discussion to share best practices, ask questions, and make new acquaintances. ED ROUNDTABLE [E] Courtyard STAFF ROUNDTABLE [S] Courtyard BOARD MEMBER ROUNDTABLE [B] Courtyard *Rain back ups will be in Race Point, Chatham, and Highland 4:00 PM- 6:30 PM EXHIBIT HALL VIEWING Nauset Visit with the vendors and discover the many products and services they provide to housing agencies. 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM RECEPTION IN EXHIBIT HALL Nauset Sponsored by: AffordableHousing.com
6:30 PM DINNER Ocean View
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 7:30 AM CONFERENCE REGISTRATION Hotel Lobby 7:30 AM BREAKFAST BUFFET Ocean View 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM COFFEE BREAK Ballroom 1 Co-Sponsored by: Western Mass. H.A. Executive Director Assoc. (WMHAEDA)
8:30 AM – 9:15 AM OPENING PLENARY SESSION Ballroom 1 and 2 Welcome & MassNAHRO Update Speakers: Michael Lara, MassNAHRO President & Executive Director, Watertown H.A.; Donna Brown-Rego, Executive Director, MassNAHRO; Mark Thiele, CEO, NAHRO EOHLC Update Speaker: Ben Stone, Undersecretary of Public Housing and Rental Assistance, EOHLC
9:30 AM – 10:45 AM CONCURRENT SESSIONS CAPITAL UPDATES: AHA IMPLEMENTATION, NEW CAPITAL PROGRAMS, SUSTAINABILITY UPDATES Ballroom 2 An overview of EOHLC’s implementation plan for the Affordable Homes Act, including a preview of our plans for the increased funding in the FY25 CIP (new targeted awards and funding programs!) and how we plan to utilize the new policy flexibilities granted through the AHA. We’ll also review how the capital process streamlining initiative of last year actually affected project progress—and would love to hear more ideas from LHAs on where we can continue improving! Finally, we’ll review new sustainability policies and how we hope they will work for LHAs in practice. Moderator: Thomas Thibeault, Executive Director, Brockton H.A. Presenters: Ben Stone, Undersecretary of Public Housing and Rental Assistance, EOHLC; Fatima Razzaq, Director of Bureau of Housing Development & Construction, EOHLC; Greg Abbe, Sustainability Program Developer, EOHLC MOCK BOARD MEETING [B, S, E] Ballroom 1 This lively session will be a mock meeting of a fictional housing authority board filled with best practices, as well as a few challenging twists and turns, to demonstrate by example the frequent topics, issues, and procedural “hiccups” that come up often in your meetings. Come watch some friendly faces, and maybe even colleagues, as they convene just this once to cover their agenda in entertaining and informative fashion. Panelists: Jeffrey Driscoll, Esq., Executive Director, Medford H.A.; Jonathan Driscoll, Esq., Partner, Driscoll and Driscoll P.C.; Jen Polito, Executive Director, Concord H.A.; Peter Proulx, Chief Operating Officer, Worcester H.A.; Dan Ouellette, Executive Director, Scituate H.A.; Matthew Mainville, Executive Director, Holyoke H.A.; Barbara Vivian, Executive Assistant, Medford H.A.
HIDDEN HAZARDS TO WORKPLACE WELLBEING [S, E] Chatham Uncover the hidden pitfalls that can undermine productivity, job satisfaction, and employee engagement to proactively create a safer, more supportive, and thriving work environment. Moderator: Krishonna Murray, Executive Director, Gardner H.A. Presenter: Dr. Allessandria Polizzi, CEO, Verdant Consulting
SAFETY IN THE OFFICE [S, E] Race Point Given the rise in mental health issues and challenging client interactions, are you worried about your employees' daily safety? Join us to hear from safety experts on best practices to reduce risks and ensure a secure work environment. Moderator: Alex Corrales, CEO, Worcester H.A. Presenter: Richard Menard, VP of Public Safety, Worcester H.A.
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM EOHLC RESOURCE ROOM Shutters 10:30 AM – 12:45 PM EXHIBIT HALL VIEWING Nauset Visit with the vendors and discover the many products and services they provide to housing agencies. 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM SILENT AUCTION VIEWING Nobska All proceeds benefit the Past Presidents Scholarship Fund. Auction items requested – gift baskets, gift cards, crafts, etc.! 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM COFFEE BREAK WITH EXHIBITORS Nauset Visit with vendors and fill out your exhibitor form to enter into the raffle being drawn at 11:00 AM. You must be present to win. Co-sponsored by: MMDT/Federated Hermes HAI Group Gary L. DePace, CPA, PC
11:30 AM – 12:45 PM CONCURRENT SESSIONS DEVELOPING SURPLUS LAND OR SMALL SITES [B, S, E] Ballroom 2 Do you have excess land or small sites in need of redevelopment? Explore how Mass. Housing Partnership's technical assistance grants can support your housing authority with feasibility studies and expert guidance. Join us to learn from experienced development consultants about starting a small development project and what steps to take after completing a feasibility study. Moderator: Candace Avery, Executive Director, Millis H.A. Presenters: Margaret Moran, Deputy Executive Director of Development, Cambridge H.A.; Carsten Snow-Eikelberg, Senior Real Estate Development Officer, Massachusetts Housing Partners; Emma McGurren, Program Coordinator for Community Assistance, Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP)
BOARD MEMBER "ASK THE ATTORNEYS" [B] Ballroom 1 In a session exclusively for board members, attorneys will lead a discussion touching on the latest hot legal topics in housing and real-life examples of how to avoid legal trouble. Don’t miss this opportunity to ask your questions and get answers from legal experts for only the price of registration! Moderator: Jen Polito, Executive Director, Concord H.A. Panelists: Jonathan Driscoll, Esq., Partner, Driscoll & Driscoll P.C.; Jeffrey Driscoll, Esq., Executive Director, Medford H.A.
PREVENTING BURNOUT [S, E] Chatham Delve into practical strategies and empowering insights to reclaim your well-being and thrive in the face of exhaustion and stress. Discover how to cultivate resilience, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care, leading to renewed energy and a sustainable path towards balance and fulfillment. Moderator: Colleen Doherty, Executive Director, Taunton H.A., Bridgewater H.A., Stoughton H.A., Avon H.A. Presenter: Dr. Allessandria Polizzi, CEO, Verdant Consulting
WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE BASICS [S, E] Race Point Learn about the coverage afforded to your housing authority, how the workers’ compensation system works, what is covered and not covered by your policy, and steps you can take to reduce your exposure to risk. Included will be a review the Mass. DLS Workplace Safety and Health Program (the Mass. equivalent of OSHA), how contractors and subcontractors can impact your policy and loss experience, and how you can take advantage of the services offered by the MassNAHRO Insurance Group, Inc. Moderator: Lisa Audette, Executive Director, Franklin H.A. Presenter: David Matosky, CRM, Vice President, CMS Associates, Inc. (Third Party Administrator to the MassNAHRO Insurance Group)
1:00 PM LUNCH Ocean View Guest Speaker: James Arciero, House Chair Massachusetts Presentations: 2024 Massachusetts Public Housing Administrator (MPHA) Certification and Board Member Certification Graduates; Board Member of the Year, Member of the Year, and Longevity Awards.
2:15 PM - 3:30 PM CONCURRENT SESSIONS WHAT'S NEXT IN EOHLC OVERSIGHT: PMR AND AUP Ballroom 2 EOHLC will present an overview of where we are today and what’s next for both Performance Management Review (PMR) and Agreed Upon Procedures (AUP), including what areas of PMR or AUP are trending and tips for preparing for the LHA PMR and AUP. We will discuss upcoming changes to PMR criteria and scoring system, changes to review of LHA maintenance practices in PMR, and the upcoming change to biennial AUPs. Moderator: Maggie Cleary, Executive Director, North Andover H.A. Presenters: Courtney Curran, Assistant Director, EOHLC; Rob Garrett, Supervisor Facilities Management; EOHLC; Carrie Sousa, Associate Director, EOHLC
ASK THE ATTORNEYS [B, S, E] Ballroom 1 Attorneys will lead an interactive roundtable touching on the latest hot legal topics in housing and real-life examples of how to avoid legal trouble. Don’t miss this opportunity to ask your questions and get answers from legal experts for only the price of registration! Moderator: Cylas Martell-Crawford Esq., Director of Policy and Program Development, MassNAHRO Panelists: Jonathan Driscoll, Esq., Partner, Driscoll & Driscoll P.C.; Caitlin Milone, Esq., Partner, Turk & Milone, LLP
BOARD MEMBER DO'S AND DON'TS [B] Chatham The job of a Board Member is vitally important for a housing authority to run effectively. This interactive session will identify the do’s and don’ts of meetings in order for you to have the tools to effectively fulfill your responsibilities and assist in the governance of your LHA. It will include discussion as to the collective role and legal responsibilities of your LHA Board, as well as the role of each individual member including the tenant member of the Board. Discussion will focus on the BOC as it oversees various functions of the LHA. Moderator: Kristen Anderson, Regional Portfolio Director, Taunton H.A. Presenter: Jeffrey Driscoll, Esq., Executive Director, Medford H.A.
MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS 101 - MANAGING ALL THE NEEDS IN TODAY'S CLIMATE [S, E] Race Point Have you wanted to improve your knowledge of mental health conditions and how the symptoms affect those we serve? As we see more and more people managing mental health related conditions, it can be overwhelming to understand the differences and concerns between conditions and how to best support the needs that are presented. This workshop is an opportunity to learn how to recognize common mental health conditions so that informed decisions can be made for the best plan of action. Participants will have an opportunity to join in discussion and ask questions about common conditions. Participation is strongly encouraged. Agenda topics will cover thinking creatively to manage needs/violations, utilizing resources, the importance of partnerships and supporting staff. The workshop is appropriate for Service Coordinators, Department Heads, Housing Managers, Executive Directors and anyone that works with people. Moderator: Olivia Fields, Director of Resident Services, Watertown H.A. Presenter: Cathy Hoog, LMHC, LMFT, Executive Director, Salem H.A. & Marblehead H.A.
3:45 PM - 5:00 PM CONCURRENT SESSIONS ADVOCACY 101 [B, S, E] Ballroom 1 This session will be an overview of everything you will need to know about the importance of connecting with legislative partners. It will provide an overview of the Massachusetts legislative landscape, highlights of MassNAHRO’s legislative successes, and insight into how to be an effective advocate when meeting with members of the legislature. Moderator: Maggie Cleary, Executive Director, North Andover H.A. Presenters: Neil O'Brien, MassNAHRO Legislative Consultant, Brian S. Hickey Associates; Cylas Martell-Crawford, Esq., Director of Policy and Program Development, MassNAHRO
BEST PRACTICES IN MANAGING A MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT [S, E] Chatham Running a maintenance department involves juggling various predictable and unpredictable elements. This session will cover best practices for maintenance departments of all sizes—small, medium, and large. We’ll address topics such as prioritizing and delegating work orders, managing emergencies, handling personnel issues, overseeing capital and operating budgets, and tracking inventory, among others. Moderator: Alex Corrales, CEO, Worcester H.A. Presenter: Gregory Christo, VP of Maintenance, Worcester H.A.; Derek House, Maintenance Mechanic/It Services, Easton H.A.; Gary Kuphal, MCPPO, MPHA, MMS, Director of Facilities and Modernization, Norwood H.A.
DE-ESCALATION TECHNIQUES [S, E] Race Point Have you ever encountered someone that was really difficult to interact with? Do you have a hard time maintaining your composure with challenging personalities? This workshop will review de-escalation strategies with a focus on understanding the “why” behind certain behaviors. The principles of using a trauma informed approach will be explored along with the benefits of how it can positively impact staff and those we serve. Example real-life scenarios will be explored and participation from the attendees is highly encouraged. This interactive workshop is applicable for Resident Service Coordinators, Department Heads, Housing Managers or anyone that works with people. Moderator: Kristen Anderson, Regional Portfolio Director, Taunton H.A. Presenter: Cathy Hoog, LMHC, LMFT, Executive Director, Salem H.A. & Marblehead H.A.
COMMON TENANT ISSUES [S, E] Ballroom 2 This session addresses the key challenges public housing staff face. This session will discuss leaks, extermination, hoarding, and formulating policies for deceased tenants. This session aims to equip staff with practical insights, fostering a more efficient and supportive housing environment. Moderator: Candace Avery, Executive Director, Millis H.A. Panelists: Kevin Braga, Director of Operations, Cambridge H.A.; Karrie Canavan, Deputy Director of Operations, Cambridge H.A.; Caitlin Milone, Esq., Partner, Turk & Milone, LLP.
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM EXHIBIT HALL VIEWING AND RECEPTION Nauset Final opportunity to talk with exhibitors you missed this morning! Silent Auction and raffle winners will be announced. Co-sponsored by: MassNAHRO Insurance Group, Inc. Driscoll & Driscoll, P.C.
7:00 PM DJ AND DINNER Ocean View Enjoy a light dinner and dance the night away with your fellow colleagues. *Menu consists of pub fare featuring pizza, burgers, fries and salad
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 8:00 AM CONFERENCE REGISTRATION Hotel Lobby 8:00 AM BREAKFAST BUFFET Ocean View
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CONCURRENT SESSIONS NAHRO'S WASHINGTON UPDATE [B, S, E] Ballroom 1 This session will provide an overview of all the latest Housing and Community Development news from Capitol Hill, HUD, and the White House. It will provide updates on appropriations, program news and notices, and the latest regulatory developments from Washington. Moderator: Colleen Doherty, Executive Director, Taunton H.A., Bridgewater H.A., Stoughton H.A., Avon H.A. Presenter: Andrew Van Horn, Policy Analyst, National NAHRO
HOW TO PREVENT AND RESPOND TO AN IT BREACH [S, E] Race Point It is crucial for housing authorities to understand how to prevent and, if necessary, respond to a breach. Today, when we talk about IT, the conversation typically centers on cybersecurity. Securing your network is, of course, critical … but for many, it has taken our eye off the ball regarding the core advantages of IT. Moderator: Mark Roy, Executive Director, Canton H.A. Presenter: Don Nokes, President, NetCenergy
INTRODUCTION TO STATEWIDE CONTRACTS AND AVAILABLE RESOURCES [S, E] Ballroom 2 The goal of this session is to expand your understanding of statewide contracts and train you on the state’s online resources. The presentation will consist of the benefits of statewide contracts and how they can simplify and expedite the procurement process. This session will cover a general overview of the ins and outs of using the trade statewide contracts. From quoting to billing and construction labor vs non-construction labor; learn how the TRD contracts can save you time and monday! The panelists will highlight the most commonly used statewide contracts for local housing authorities, as well as detail some underutilized contracts that might be of particular interest to LHAs. Moderator: Pamela Rogers, Executive Director, Amherst, H.A., Belchertown H.A., Hadley H.A. Presenters: Gabriel Ciccariello, Director of Modernization and Procurement, Medford H.A.; Jackie Needham, Local Government Enablement Account Manager, Operational Services Division; Kelly Thomson Clark, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Operational Services Division
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM CWL SECTION 8 OFFICE HOURS Chatham 10:30 AM COFFEE BREAK Hotel Lobby Co-Sponsored by: Fenton, Ewald & Associates PC
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM CONCURRENT SESSIONS HUD UPDATE [B, S, E] Ballroom 1 Representatives from HUD headquarters and the Boston HUD office will join us to provide the latest information on federal funding, recent notices and initiatives, and news on federal public housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs. Time will be provided for Q&A. Moderator: Donna Brown-Rego, Executive Director, MassNAHRO Panelists: Danielle Bastarache, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Public Housing & Voucher Programs, HUD D.C; Robert Cwieka, Director, Office of Public Housing, HUD Boston; Kara Norman, Division Director, Office of Public Housing, HUD Boston
EXPLORING MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS: A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE TO HIRING AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR [B, S, E] Ballroom 2 Over 50 housing Authorities of different sizes are currently utilizing management agreements for a variety of reasons - whether it's the challenge of hiring a part-time Executive Director, the limited capacity of small staff to meet regulatory demands, or financial advantages for both agencies. These agreements are made voluntarily and may not be suitable for everyone. Join us to hear directly from both new and experienced agencies across the Commonwealth about the benefits of this arrangement. Moderator: Peter Proulx, Assistant Executive Director, Worcester H.A Panelists: Ben Gold, Executive Director, North Central Massachusetts; Colleen Doherty, Executive Director, Taunton H.A., Bridgewater H.A., Stoughton H.A., Avon H.A.; James Marathas, Executive Director, Quincy H.A., Marshfield H.A., Hingham H.A., Hanson H.A., & Holbrook H.A.
ACCESSIBLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING: EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS [S, E] Race Point Drawing on experience of working with public housing authorities on the East and West coasts Direct Access will highlight some of the simple yet effective solutions to access barriers affecting people with disabilities. A certified DOBE – Disability Operated Business Enterprise, the team of 18 people with disabilities works with housing providers across the United States from pilot programs in Vermont promoting independence to adapting residential blocks for access improvements. Moderator: Elaine Egersheim, Member Services Coordinator, MassNAHRO Presenter: Mathieu Kolensky, Access and Mobility Specialist, Direct Access; Joe Prochilo, Senior Accessibility Consultant, Direct Access 12:30 PM PAST PRESIDENTS SCHOLARSHIP LUNCH Ocean View Recognition of MassNAHRO Past Presidents and presentation of 2024 Past Presidents Memorial Scholarship Recipients
2:00 PM – 3: 00 PM PEER ROUNDTABLES Join your colleagues for open discussion to share best practices, ask questions, and make new acquaintances. ED ROUNDTABLE [E] Nauset 1 STAFF ROUNDTABLE [S] Nauset 2 BOARD MEMBER ROUNDTABLE [B] Race Point
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM RECEPTION Courtyard Sponsored by: MassNAHRO Insurance Group, Inc. Enjoy your favorite beverage and an array of appetizers! [Dinner on own]
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 8:00 AM BREAKFAST BUFFET Ocean View 8:30 AM WRAP UP SESSION Ballroom 1 This interactive session provides a chance to render conference feedback and raise issues and items for future sessions. |
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