RHALS Education Session Information

Alan LaSeck, Executive Director of the Apartment Association of New Mexico, has 18 years of advocacy, public policy and community engagement experience. He oversees member engagement, public affairs and policy initiatives, working as a voice for the rental housing industry. Alan’s resume includes the New Mexico Technology Council, where he led a U.S. Department of Labor grant that delivered free STEM certifications to unemployed adults. He also authored the Council’s Public Policy Guide and worked for the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, reporting on legislative sessions impacting local communities; and managed key public programs like Albuquerque Reads and Leadership Albuquerque Programs. 

Jennifer Adams, City Councilmember of Tempe, Arizona, has decades of social work and public service experience. She served as the American Public Works Association (APWA) President for the Arizona Chapter, and founded, chaired and served on several national committees. Jennifer’s resume includes being the Vice Mayor of the City of Tempe, and winning a spot on the City Council twice where she continues to fulfill campaign promises. She spearheaded the North Tempe Revitalization by securing a funding increase for the City’s pavement restoration. She holds a B.S.W. from the University of Nebraska and an M.S.W. from Arizona State University. 

April Capone, MBA, Director of External Affairs and Affiliate Engagement at NAA, brings two decades of government experience supporting NAA affiliates and local governments in addressing housing shortages. Her career skyrocketed after becoming East Haven, CT’s first woman and youngest person elected Mayor and CEO. April also served as the governor’s liaison to 169 municipalities working on rural and urban issues like disaster resilience, housing, transportation and infrastructure. She holds a B.A. in Business Administration and Management from the University of New Haven and an M.B.A in Business Administration and Management from Southern Connecticut State University.

Julienne Uhlich, Senior Strategic Consultant at Real Strategies, uses her experience to create long- and short-term political strategies with national, state and local organizations. As the Campaign Services Manager for the National Association of REALTORS®, she worked with state and local associations nationwide to maximize the impact of their independent expenditure, issue and advocacy campaigns. Julienne also worked on numerous political campaigns across the nation, with a focus on grassroots efforts. She holds a B.S. in Political Science from Texas A&M University. 

Serving in this position since 2013, Mayor Shepherd has led transformative efforts to revitalize the city’s housing landscape. Under his leadership, Clearfield, population ~35,000, has entitled, permitted, or built 4,000 new homes in the past few years—including affordable and workforce options—through strategic redevelopment projects like Clearfield Station and the former Clearfield Mobile Home Park. Recognized nationally, Mayor Shepherd co-chairs two housing committees focused on expanding affordable housing solutions across the U.S. The Mayors and CEOs for US Housing Investment and America’s Housing Comeback. 

Amanda White, Vice President at the Florida Apartment Association, brings 16 years of experience in apartment associations, and congressional policy initiatives and communications. Currently, she implements government relations strategies, directs rental housing research initiatives and advocates for our industry with elected officials and the news media. Amanda served in the U.S. House of Representatives Correspondent, a Policy Advisor for the Michigan House of Representatives, a Public Relations and Communications Director for the Apartment Association of Greater Orlando and much more. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Hillsdale College and an M.A. in Governmental Studies from Johns Hopkins University.

Khayree Duckett, Dominium Apartments’ Government Relations Manager & Policy Lead, brings 3 years of experience in legislative and regulatory strategy to his role. He is currently responsible for prioritizing housing credit, tax-exempt bond financing, property tax policy and landlord-tenant regulations. Khayree serves on the boards of the Oklahoma Coalition for Affordable Housing and Community Housing Resource Partners and other association committees. He volunteers with the Tau Sigma of Beta Theta Pi Alumni Association, the Denton County Civil Service Commission and helped found the Museum School of East Dallas. Khayree holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Iowa State University.  

Nick Marin, Washington Multi-Family Housing Association (WMFHA) Executive Director, has 10+ years of experience in non-profit and association management. He is responsible for the overall administration of WMFHA and its 350k apartment homes. As the Executive Director of the Yolo County Association of REALTORS, he oversaw the organizations’ financial management, local lobbying, membership, philanthropic efforts, networking, Multiple Listing Service management and fostered partnerships with stakeholders. Nick’s resume includes Product Marketer and Member Development and Retention Manager for the California Restaurant Association. He holds a B.A. in International Relations with a minor in Spanish from the University of California, Davis. 

Zach Quimby, NAA's Director of Public Affairs, leads the association's media strategy, developing messaging and cultivating relationships with top-tier journalists. He also worked in electoral politics in North Carolina, serving in communications management roles on local, state and congressional campaigns. Zach's passion for communicating, storytelling and relationship-building elected officials into office. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from High Point University and an M.A. in Political Communication from American University. 

Drew Hamrick, General Counsel and Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the Colorado Apartment Association and former Partner at Tschetter Hamrick and Sulzer, has over 3 decades of landlord/tenant law experience. He is the author of the Colorado Legal Handbook and Lease, and several revisions to Colorado’s Eviction Statutes. Drew holds a degree from the University of Denver, School of Business and a JD from the University of Denver, College of Law. 

Jim Wilson, Ph.D. is the Assistant Vice President for Political Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement for the National Apartment Association; he joined the NAA in August 2016. Jim is responsible for management and growth of NAA political affairs programs including NAAPAC NAA’s political action committee) and grassroots advocacy. Further, Jim oversees NAA’s partnership and engagement with external stakeholders who share an interest in similar policy concerns. Finally, he directs efforts to increase the “practice of advocacy” by NAA affiliates and members in advocacy on behalf of the apartment industry. From 2016-2021, Jim was NAA’s Director of Political Affairs, overseeing fundraising and contribution programs for NAAPAC as well as NAA’s Advocacy365 grassroots program. 

Kim Graham, Executive Director of the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association (GCAA), has 18 years of public policy, communications and workforce development experience. She leads the largest apartment association in the Carolinas and developed the Apartment Career Credentials Empowering Student Success Program for local graduating seniors. Kim also served as SVP of Outreach and Fund Development for The Housing Partnership, leading their philanthropic efforts, communications and community initiatives. She holds a B.A. in English from Johnson C. Smith University and an M.P.A. from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a concentration in urban management and policy. 

Rob Johnson, Senior Manager of NAAPAC Fundraising & Development for NAA, has extensive experience in associations, government affairs and as a seasoned campaign operative for federal, state and local races. His resume includes roles as a Policy & Government Relations Associate for the National Association of Manufacturers, where he oversaw the growth and management of the NAM-PAC and engaged in policy issues related to tax, energy and natural resources. Rob also served the Director of Community Affairs for U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL), focusing on intergovernmental outreach and agricultural policy. He holds a B.A. in History from Villanova University.