Tuesday, August 4
Advocacy Opening Keynote: Leveraging Market Insights to Influence Policymakers
9 a.m. – 10:15 a.m., Symphony II/III Ballroom
Ralph Perrey
Executive Director, Tennessee Housing Development Agency
Ralph Perrey, Executive Director of the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA), is the longest serving Executive Director in the agency’s history with over two decades of experience. He has served on THDA’s Board of Directors, too.
In that time, the agency has revamped its mortgage products and down payment assistance program; established its own loan servicing division; significantly increased support for affordable housing development; and based THDA staff regionally to better interact with partners across the state.
Ralph is also the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the National Housing Conference, the nation’s oldest housing advocacy organization. He is immediate past Board Chairman of the National Council of State Housing Agencies and serves on the bipartisan National Housing Crisis Task Force.
Joint Session: Chiseled in Stone: Is Fee Transparency Here to Stay?
1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m., Symphony II/III Ballroom
As federal scrutiny of “junk fees” and fee transparency intensifies, the FTC’s Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) on fee transparency in rental housing signals potential, industry-wide changes to how housing providers advertise, price and disclose rent and other fees. However, states and localities are already moving in this direction. This session will unpack what fee tansparency laws mean in practice for owners, managers and suppliers across the rental ecosystem, with a focus on operational readiness and legal risk management.
Pete Muccio
Junior Managing Partner, Tschetter Sulzer Muccio
Pete Muccio, Junior Managing Partner of Tschetter Sulzer Muccio, has practiced landlord representation for last 23 years. He spent significant time in courtrooms, and now focuses on firm operations, education and advocacy for landlords. Pete regularly hosts his firm’s monthly webinars, educating clients about property management issues. He remains active in the Apartment Association of Metro Denver and has served on its Executive Board for three years.
Emily Blair
Chief Executive Officer, Austin Apartment Association
Emily Blair, Chief Executive Officer of the Austin Apartment Association, leads industry partners, elected officials and community stakeholders in advancing policies and initiatives that support the rental housing industry and expand housing opportunities across Central Texas. By strengthening the association with collaborative partnerships, elevated advocacy efforts and member engagement, she has advocated for balanced, practical solutions on rental fee transparency in Austin. Emily previously served as the CEO of the Home Builders Association and is passionate about workforce development, combatting homelessness and housing affordability.
Jon Kozlowski
Government Affairs Director, Chicagoland Apartment Association
Jon Kozlowski, Government Affairs Director for the Chicagoland Apartment Association, leads advocacy and public policy engagement efforts on behalf of the organization's members. Previously, he served as Executive Assistant to the Mayor of Calumet City, Illinois, and managed a local nonprofit advocacy organization. Jon has extensive experience in Illinois politics, having run numerous campaigns for state legislative, city council and county board offices throughout Illinois.
Legal: The Race is On: AI Use, Fraud, and Potential Implications
2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m., Symphony I Ballroom
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in business operations, marketing and decision‑making, regulators and enforcement agencies are closely scrutinizing how AI is developed, deployed and represented to the public. Join us as we examine the legal risks associated with AI use, including emerging fraud theories, deceptive practices and enforcement agency actions.
Todd Whitlow
Co-founder, Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC
Todd Whitlow, Co-founder of Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC, brings nearly two decades of experience in the rental housing industry to his role. He serves as the firm's Director of Legal Operations, leading a team that handles all aspects of property operations throughout the Southeast U.S. As an industry advocate, Todd actively participates on committees at the national, state and local levels, and regularly delivers education across the sector. As an NAAEI Faculty Member, he brings both practical acumen and a genuine passion for elevating standards and knowledge throughout the rental housing community.
Chris Moreno
Senior Advisor, Real Estate Tech & Transformation Center
Chris Moreno, Senior Advisor to the Real Estate Tech & Transformation Center, has over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur, advisor and investor in proptech, real estate and enterprise operations. He has scaled and exited three companies while helping them raise over $500 million for startups and other ventures. Chris’s investment portfolio includes rental housing assets, venture funds and early-stage companies. He is also an active member of the National Multifamily Housing Council, Urban Land Institute and the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals.
Mark Russell Jr. (Moderator)
Staff Attorney, National Apartment Association
Mark Russell Jr., Staff Attorney for the National Apartment Association, provides legal guidance to the organization on a range of issues impacting the association and the broader rental housing industry. He helps lead the creation of timely content, including articles, webinars, member resources and training materials focused on emerging legal and operational topics. Mark’s extensive experience in legal affairs includes landlord-tenant law, contracts, criminal law and private investigation. He holds a J.D. from the University of Maryland Francis Carey School of Law and a degree in Philosophy from Morehouse College.
GA: RETT-con: Are Real Estate Transfer Taxes the True Villain?
2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m., Symphony II/III Ballroom
Real Estate Transfer Taxes (RETT), often called “mansion taxes,” have grown in popularity as policymakers see it as low-risk and politically popular. The RETT is not as innocuous as it seems, however, and can have profound consequences for the real estate industry and beyond. In this session, we’ll break down the ins and outs of the RETT and find out if we should reverse the narrative.
Trey Richardson
Managing Partner, GR Pro and Sagac Public Affairs, LLC
Trey Richardson, Managing Partner for GR Pro and Sagac Public Affairs, LLC, has a career spanning four decades of experience in national political strategy, fundraising and corporate public affairs. He is credited with conceptualizing the data-driven "PAConomics" framework, helping the firm's clients collectively raise and deploy up to $400 million per election cycle to protect business interests. Trey also serves as the Executive Director of the Community Tax Coalition, where he unified major national real estate trade associations under a single banner to defend against municipal transaction taxes using empirical research and publication of the definitive RETT Defense Manual.
Legal: Know When to Hold ‘Em: Ethical Challenges for In‑House Counsel
4 p.m. – 5 p.m., Symphony I Ballroom
In‑house counsel in the rental housing industry must navigate competing business priorities, heightened regulatory scrutiny, and strict professional responsibilities on a daily basis. Using practical scenarios, this session will identify ethical risks, explore conflicts of interest, and address privilege and confidentiality challenges, including how to respond to complaints and investigations while maintaining credibility as a trusted business partner.
Jennifer McCoy
Founder and Principal Attorney, The Law Office of Jennifer McCoy, P.C.
Jennifer McCoy, Founder and Principal Attorney for The Law Office of Jennifer McCoy, P.C., advises multifamily and commercial property owners on legal collections, property owner rights, evictions, compliance matters, operational risk management and business-related legal challenges. She also provides fractional legal counsel to organizations. Additionally, Jennifer serves as Legal Advisor to the Chattanooga Apartment Association, the Greater Nashville Apartment Association (GNAA) and the Tennessee Apartment Association. She serves on the GNAA Board of Directors and is the founder of McCoy Learning, a training platform dedicated to educating rental housing professionals.
Brett Waller
General Counsel, Weidner Apartment Homes
Brett Waller, General Counsel for Weidner Apartment Homes, advises on legal, operational and governance matters across a national rental housing portfolio. As General Counsel of DevCo Residential, he counseled development, construction, multi-state operations and corporate governance, supporting the mission to expand affordable housing access. At the Washington Multi-Family Housing Association, Brett built relationships with policymakers, shaped housing policy and developed robust grassroots advocacy programs. He is also a frequent speaker and educator, presenting emerging legal and regulatory issues affecting rental housing.
Mark Russell Jr. (Moderator)
Staff Attorney, National Apartment Association
Mark Russell Jr., Staff Attorney for the National Apartment Association, provides legal guidance to the organization on a range of issues impacting the association and the broader rental housing industry. He helps lead the creation of timely content, including articles, webinars, member resources and training materials focused on emerging legal and operational topics. Mark’s extensive experience in legal affairs includes landlord-tenant law, contracts, criminal law and private investigation. He holds a J.D. from the University of Maryland Francis Carey School of Law and a degree in Philosophy from Morehouse College.
Wednesday, August 5
Legal: Opening Keynote: Headlights On!
9 a.m. – 10 a.m., Symphony II/III Ballroom
David Koysza
Chief Legal Officer, Greystar
David Koysza, Chief Legal Officer for Greystar, leads the company’s Legal Corporate Compliance and Risk Management Teams. Working closely with Greystar’s CEO and senior leadership, he ensures the company’s compliance with legal, regulatory requirements and responsible business practices. David also serves as a member of Greystar’s Executive Committee.
David’s resume includes 13 years at The Boeing Company, holding executive positions across law and compliance and serving on Boeing’s Law & Global Compliance leadership team. He was also a shareholder in private practice, a Bristow Fellow at the U.S. Department of Justice and a law clerk for the chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
David received his bachelor’s degree from Furman University and a law degree from Duke University School of Law.
Joint Session: Enforcement & Resources: Navigating Immigration in Rental Housing
10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m., Symphony II/III Ballroom
As federal enforcement activity continues and state and local responses evolve, housing providers must navigate increasingly complex interactions involving resident rights, property access, information requests and coordination with law enforcement. Let’s take a deeper look at recent developments, evolving agency positions and emerging challenges facing rental housing owners and operators. This session will examine recent guidance, enforcement trends and real‑world scenarios to help professionals better understand the limits of lawful cooperation, protect resident privacy, maintain fair housing compliance and prepare onsite teams to respond appropriately. Gain practical insights into risk management, policy development and compliance strategies in an evolving immigration enforcement landscape.
Catie Bailey
Principal, the Vogel Group
Catie Bailey, Principal at the Vogel Group, has two decades of experience in government affairs and lobbying. She’s presented before the Tennessee General Assembly, executive branch agencies and local governments. Catie focuses on complex policy, advising clients on legislative strategy, regulatory engagement and political positioning. She contains end-to-end knowledge of legislation and is known for moving initiatives from initial conception through enactment. Catie has built trusted, credible and effective relationships across legislative leadership and the executive branch. Her work includes securing state and local appropriations for business expansion and relocation, navigating government procurement and shaping regulatory frameworks.
Greg Berk
Partner, Sheppard
Greg Berk, Partner at Sheppard, has over 25 years of experience advising clients on all facets of U.S. immigration law. As a leader of the firm’s immigration team, he works extensively with HR professionals, in-house counsel and business leaders to develop effective immigration strategies. Greg is a Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. He is the author of Immigration Checklists and Practice Pointers: A Quick Reference Guide on Visas and I-9s, Second Edition. He is also co-chair for Immigration Policy for the ABA Immigration & Naturalization Committee.
Legal: Risk Management: A Culture of Compliance and Consistency
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Symphony I Ballroom
Effective risk management depends not only on having the right policies in place, but on creating a culture of compliance and consistency across all levels of an organization. Addressing key tools such as communication, documentation and accountability help reduce risk and maintain compliance in day‑to‑day property operations. In this session, rental housing owners and operators will learn how to translate legal and regulatory requirements into clear, actionable policies, ready for implementation by onsite teams. Explore recommended approaches for evaluating when policy changes are necessary, how to roll out updates without disrupting operations and strategies for providing timely, practical training that empowers onsite staff.
Gwen Roy-Harrison
Multifamily & Fair Housing Partner, Offit & Kurman P.A.
Gwen Roy-Harrison, Multifamily & Fair Housing Partner at Offit & Kurman P.A., represents rental housing providers, real estate developers and business owners across Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia in litigation and compliance matters. She advises clients on Fair Housing Act, ADA and HUD compliance issues; defends housing discrimination complaints and investigations and regularly handles landlord-tenant disputes. Gwen’s practice includes transactional support such as drafting and reviewing leases, NDAs, and settlement agreements. A frequent presenter on fair housing compliance and risk reduction throughout the Washington Metro region. Gwen is permitted to practice in Virginia, the District of Columbia, Maryland and California.
Tabitha Elligan
Partner & Director of the Government Affairs Multifamily Department & Managing Attorney, Brownlee, Whitlow, & Praet, PLLC
Tabitha Elligan, Partner & Director of the Government Affairs Multifamily Department & Managing Attorney at Brownlee, Whitlow, & Praet, PLLC, principal areas of practice are in civil litigation and commercial & residential landlord-tenant law and litigation. Her resume includes admission advising for Emory Law, prosecution in the Atlanta Judicial Circuit and insurance defense civil litigation. Tabitha’s Georgia bar admissions consist of the State Bar, U.S. Northern District, Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and U.S. Middle District. She’s also the founder and CEO of the non-profit “Just Put It On My Tab,” which aids aspiring attorneys in navigating the bar examination.
GA: Get Friended: Building Relationships with Elected Officials
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Symphony II/III Ballroom
Research and experience consistently show that developing a relationship with a policymaker is one of the most effective ways to influence policy. In this session, you’ll gain access to concrete examples and techniques of how you can build relationships and deepen your advocacy effectiveness.
Jake Mayson
Director of Government Affairs, Washington Multi-Family Housing Association
Jake Mayson, Director of Government Affairs for the Washington Multi-Family Housing Association, brings a decade of government affairs experience to his role. As the Director of State and Local Government Affairs for Walgreens Co., he managed the company’s legislative activities across 10 states. Jake has worked with the Washington State Senate, state and local campaigns across Washington, lobbying for clients in construction, insurance, healthcare and manufacturing. His resume includes political and government affairs programs for the Central Washington Home Builders Association and Greater Spokane Incorporated, focusing on issues such as land use, economic development, energy and workforce development.
Justin Allen
Government Affairs Director, Rental Housing Association of Utah
Justin Allen, Government Affairs Director for the Rental Housing Association of Utah, has worked 25 years in government and politics. He has performed government relations and political services, including consultant work for real estate and national, state and local trade associations domestically, in fields related to political strategy, data and advocacy communications. Justin served as a campaign staffer for Senator Orrin Hatch and Congressman Rob Bishop. He functioned as a Political Director for the Utah Republican Party, Government Affairs Director for the Salt Lake Board of REALTORS, sat on the Centerville City Council and the Utah Transit Authority Trustee Board.
Erika Misseri
Government Affairs Manager, Virginia Apartment Management Association
Erika Misseri, Government Affairs Manager for the Virginia Apartment Management Association, brings a practical perspective on effective advocacy and the importance of developing strong professional relationships with elected officials, industry partners and grassroots advocates to her role. As a government affairs professional, she has experience in campaign management, political fundraising and legislative advocacy. Erika managed campaigns for candidates running for the Virginia House of Delegates and State Senate and worked on fundraising and political engagement efforts supporting federal candidates. Her skills across campaigns, advocacy and public policy provided a strong foundation in building relationships, mobilizing stakeholders and advancing policy priorities.
Joint Session: Walking the Line: PR for Crisis Management
1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m., Symphony II/III Ballroom
The rental housing industry, and even individual companies, are increasingly the subject of investigative journalism and public scrutiny. During a crisis, associations, legal and member staff must all be prepared should they be thrust into the limelight. This session will explore how to craft a successful response, designate spokespeople and stick to a message when the pressure is on.
Becky Sullivan
Senior Communications Executive, National Apartment Association
Becky Sullivan, Senior Communications Executive at the National Apartment Association, has over two decades of experience leading strategic communications, crisis management, media relations and public affairs across national organizations, corporate enterprises and the federal government. Prior to her current 13 year run at NAA, she served in the U.S. Department of Transportation, the White House and the U.S. House of Representatives, bringing a deep understanding of policy, governance and public positioning. Known for translating complex issues into compelling narratives, Becky brings a strategic lens to how organizations build trust, strengthen reputation and engage audiences at scale in rapidly evolving environments.
Joint Session: The Past 18: HUD Policy Shifts & Enforcement Changes
3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m., Symphony II/III Ballroom
The volume of changes to significant policy and enforcement coming from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the past 18 months under the current administration requires a thorough analysis and continuous updates to stay compliant and mitigate risks. In this session, legal and compliance professionals will receive updates affecting Fair Housing Act enforcement, including changes to agency priorities, the withdrawal or rescission of prior guidance and the emphasis on intentional discrimination over disparate impact theories. Learn how these developments influence screening practices, reasonable accommodation requests, regulatory compliance and interactions with federal, state and local enforcement bodies.
Karen McCay
Office Managing Partner, Spencer Fane LLP
Karen McCay, Office Managing Partner at Spencer Fane LLP, brings over thirty years of experience representing market-rate and affordable housing providers. Her law practice is dedicated to preventative advice and compliance counseling, while she remains strategically involved in her clients’ litigation as well. Karen’s clients include REITs, individual property owners, management companies, developers and large and small non-profits. She helps advance the business goals of her clients within the increasingly regulated environment in which they operate.
Terry Kitay
Shareholder, Baker Donelson
Terry Kitay, Shareholder for Baker Donelson, provides representation for consultation, conciliation, administrative matters and state and federal court litigation and appeals. Her practice focuses on disability issues, compliance with the Fair Housing Act and accessibility requirements in the design and construction of new rental housing. As a former trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Terry’s expertise allows her to assist clients facing and wishing to avoid civil rights issues. She also serves as subject matter expert on fair housing and accessibility for NAA and has testified before the U.S. House of Representatives on these topics.
Greg Brown
Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, National Apartment Association
Greg Brown, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for NAA, brings decades of government affairs and advocacy knowledge to his role. He leads a team of advocacy professionals who have created a comprehensive and strategic program that works to improve the public policy environment for rental housing providers. Greg’s resume includes tenures at the National Association of Homebuilders and the National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Texas A&M University and a master's degree in Public Administration from American University in Washington, D.C.
Legal: Clear as Mud: Consumer Protection Laws in Rental Housing
4:20 p.m. – 5:15 p.m., Symphony I Ballroom
Owning and operating a business comes with the freedom to make key decisions, but that also comes with the freedom to make key mistakes that could put you or your community at risk. Join us for an overview of key consumer protection laws impacting rental housing and the legal liabilities they present. Gain key insights on federal and state unfair or deceptive acts and practices laws, lease disclosures, advertising & fee transparency, application & screening practices and emerging enforcement trends affecting providers. You’ll gain strategies to avoid common compliance pitfalls and established practices for reducing consumer‑related claims while maintaining lawful and consistent rental operations.
Jay Harris
Partner, Hudson Cook, LLP
Jay Harris, Partner at Hudson Cook, LLP, brings decades of experience to this role. Serving as the head of Residential Property Management for the firm, he counsels on topics such as commercial agreements, multistate regulatory compliance, government affairs advocacy and commercial litigation matters. Jay advises rental housing operators, property technology vendors and trade groups on legal matters across the renter life cycle. He speaks frequently at industry events and runs the Residential Property Management webinar series. He received his law degree from George Mason University School of Law and graduated from Johns Hopkins University.
Jennifer Jean-Gilles
Principal, Offit Kurman
Jennifer Jean-Gilles, Principal at Offit Kurman, where her practice focuses on representing landlords in residential and commercial litigation, including lease drafting, fair housing disputes and breach of lease actions. Her resume includes several years of affordable housing site management — including a stint as an Asset Manager at the Philadelphia Housing Authority — and brings hands-on experience with LIHTC properties, recertifications and lease disputes. She served as a prosecutor at both the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia and the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, trying bench and jury trials.
Thursday, August 6
Joint Session: Over & Over Again: the Perennial Fight Against Rent Control
10 a.m. – 11 a.m., Symphony II/III Ballroom
Despite substantial empirical research regarding its effects, rent control remains an active and recurring policy tool for states and localities addressing housing affordability concerns. This session provides an overview of current rent control developments across the United States, including Massachusetts’ consideration of a ballot measure to cap rent increases and expanded tenant protections such as just‑cause eviction requirements. You’ll also examine recent litigation regarding rent control and gain practical guidance on navigating evolving and persistent rent control systems.
Inessa Shur
Member, AMPS Law
Inessa Shur, Member of AMPS Law, brings 25 years of legal experience to her role. She represents a range of market-rate and subsidized housing providers, from single unit owners to national developers and commercial landlords. Inessa has a business-driven approach to legal strategy, counseling clients on risk mitigation while delivering solutions aligned with her client’s objectives. She appears in Housing, District, Superior and Federal Courts, and handles matters before MCAD, the Boston Fair Housing Commission and HUD. Inessa is frequently appointed as Guardian ad Litem by the Housing Court to serve in complex matters that require a thoughtful approach.
Deanna Leon
Senior Compliance Associate, Greystar (Northeast Division)
Deanna Leon, Senior Compliance Associate for Greystar’s Northeast division, brings almost two decades worth of legal rental housing property operations experience to her role. She oversees national compliance initiatives, while supporting lease, regulatory and affordable housing standards. Deanna specializes in legal and regulatory risk mitigation, multi-jurisdictional advising and compliance execution across the portfolio. She actively serves on the Massachusetts Apartment Association Education Committee to help shape professional development for rental housing professionals.
Jay Martin
Executive Vice President, New York Apartment Association
Jay Martin, Executive Vice President of the New York Apartment Association, serves as the lead lobbyist for owners and operators of nearly one million rent-stabilized homes across New York City. As a housing policy expert, he champions data-driven solutions that support both tenants and property owners. Jay has served as Chief of Staff to State Senator David Carlucci and Director of Operations for the Senate Independent Democratic Conference.
Maxwell Breed
Partner, Pryor Cashman’s Litigation and Real Estate Groups
Maxwell Breed, Partner at Pryor Cashman’s Litigation and Real Estate Groups represents companies and individuals in business and real estate disputes and crises and across a variety of industries, including commercial and multifamily real estate and hospitality. His focus is on providing counsel and strategy to clients, mostly serving outside general counsel with real estate portfolios, trade groups and developers.
Legal: Wide Open Spaces: Fair housing and Disparate Impact
11:05 a.m. – 12:05 p.m., Symphony II/III Ballroom
With policy changes becoming a moving target, emerging risk areas, practical compliance considerations and strategies for navigating legal uncertainty while maintaining lawful and consistent screening practices in today’s enforcement environment are more important than ever. Join us in an examination of recent regulatory developments and litigation shaping Fair Housing compliance, with a focus on disparate impact theory and the use of criminal background screening in rental housing. You’ll review evolving federal enforcement priorities, key court decisions and updated guidance affecting how facially neutral policies—such as criminal history, tenant screening criteria and automated decision‑making tools—are evaluated under the Fair Housing Act.
Terry Kitay
Shareholder, Baker Donelson
Terry Kitay, Shareholder for Baker Donelson, provides representation for consultation, conciliation, administrative matters and state and federal court litigation and appeals. Her practice focuses on disability issues, compliance with the Fair Housing Act and accessibility requirements in the design and construction of new rental housing. As a former trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Terry’s expertise allows her to assist clients facing and wishing to avoid civil rights issues. She also serves as subject matter expert on fair housing and accessibility for NAA and has testified before the U.S. House of Representatives on these topics.
Thomas Howard
Director of Multifamily Litigation and Managing Attorney, the South Carlina Office of Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC
Thomas Howard, Director of Multifamily Litigation and the Managing Attorney for the South Carlina Office of Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC, brings 14 years of legal experience in rental housing and real estate to his role. He primarily practices commercial and residential landlord-tenant law, commercial creditor law and community association law. Thomas is also an NAAEI faculty member, a member of the NAA Operations and NAA Affordable Housing Committees, and serves as a Board of Director for the Charleston Apartment Association.