RHALS Education Session Information

Nolan Gray, Research Director for California’s “Yes In My Backyard” (YIMBY) Movement and urban land-use regulation expert, also authored “Arbitrary Lines: How Zoning Broke the American City and How To Fix It.” 

As a City Planner in New York, he gained experience in zoning, managed land use applications and assisted with neighborhood studies. Nolan’s work has appeared in outlets such as The Atlantic, Bloomberg Citylab and The Guardian. He holds a B.A. in Philosophy, with a History minor from the University of Kentucky and a Master’s degree in City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning from Rutgers University. 

Dennis Watts, CAPS, CPM, Regional Property Manager for The Yarco Company, has over 20 years of property management experience including conventional, tax credit, affordable, student housing and cooperative multifamily units. He oversees 14 apartment communities in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area with duties including physical and financial performance, supervising onsite personnel, owner/resident relationships and regional property operating standards. Dennis is apartment association member serving as current NAA’s Legislative Committee Chair, Nominating Committee Member, NAA Apartmentalize Committee Co-Chair 2023, NAA’s Region 5 RVP, Missouri Apartment Association President and Apartment Association of Kansas City Advisory Board Member.

Bryan Holladay, Principal at CLTPR Management, brings 25 years of association, government affairs and public experience to his role. He launched CLTPR, focusing on local legislative advocacy initiatives and association management services. Bryan has worked for four different apartment associations, including the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association and Apartment Association of North Caroline. He also hosts a quarterly Land Use Coffee and serves as the Public Policy Chair for the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. Bryan holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Colorado School of Business. 

Brian Anleu, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Maryland Apartment and Office Building Association (AOBA) of Metropolitan Washington, brings 12 years of legislative and government affairs experience to his role. He is the lead lobbyist for members at the local, state and municipal levels. At the local level, Brian represents members before the Montgomery and Prince George’s County Councils, some of the most progressive councils nationwide. His resume includes being on the frontlines of many local issues, including the YIMBY Movement, Building Energy Performance Standards, rent control, fire safety and landlord-tenant regulations, he holds a wealth of knowledge.

Paula Cino, Vice President for Construction, Development, Land Use and Counsel with the National Multifamily Housing Council, has 18 years of rental housing industry experience. She is a federal advocate for construction, development, energy and environmental policy and regulatory compliance. Paula also champions the development of national building codes and standards, serves on numerous code and standard committees and is a member of the Maryland State Bar. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology, Law and Society from American University and a J.D. from Tulane University Law School.

Ted Papadopoulos, Partner & Founding Member of AMPS Law, PC, has 16 years of experience representing management companies and property owners in landlord-tenant relations, including the development states of new properties, acquisitions for existing properties and new management takeovers. He advises clients on how to avoid litigation and associated expense(s). Ted’s resume includes Law Clerk for the Boston Red Sox, Attorney at Marcus, Errico, Emmer & Brooks, PC, Massachusetts Counsel to NAA and Chair of the Real Estate Bar Association for Massachusetts. Ted holds a B.A. in Government from Cornell University and a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School.

Jason Simon, Vice President of Government Affairs at the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas, one of the largest associations in the nation with 700k apartments across 11 counties, where his 23 years of experience help him oversee all advocacy efforts. His resume includes internships for a U.S. Congressman and a U.S. Senator, Campaign Manager for a Congressman, congressional district office staff, Legislative Advocacy and Media Director and Account Supervisor at Hill and Knowlton Strategies. Jason holds a B.S. in Political Science and Government from Texas Wesleyan University and a J.D. from The University of Tulsa College of Law.

Seth Turner, Senior Manager of Grassroots Advocacy and Engagement at NAA, has 30 years of government relations and advocacy experience. He develops strategies for NAA to benchmark and grow their advocacy network and fortify relationships with policymakers in the rental housing industry. As the Congressional Management Foundation’s first Citizen Engagement Director, he educated professionals – representing associations, nonprofits and companies – about data-driven tactics that persuade policymakers. Seth also rebuilt and led government relations for Goodwill Industries International as a Senior Director. He holds a B.A. in History from California State University, Chico.

Katie Spillers, Eviction Services Manager-Upstate at Loebsack & Brownlee, PLLC, has 22 years of rental housing experience as a leasing professional. She served on the Board of Directors for the Upper State Apartment Association (USAA) and the South Carolina Apartment Association (SCAA). Katie’s advocacy includes SCAA Legislative Committee Chair, USAA’s Legislative Advocate, NAA Board of Directors as NAAPAC Ambassador Committee Chair, USAA Leadership Lyceum Graduate and Delegate for Region 4. She holds numerous excellence awards, including USAA’s 2017 Community Manager of the Year, USAA’s 2018 Philanthropy Award, USAA’s 2021 Excellence Award and NAA’s 2022 Advocate of the Year.

Patricia Baumer, Director of Government at the Greater Boston Real Estate Board, which encompasses five divisions including local chapters/associations of NAA, National Association of REALTORS® and Buildings Owners & Managers Association International. With 27 years of experience, she is also a veteran of both the Massachusetts House and Senate. As a lobbyist for the Massachusetts Association of Realtors, Patricia led a successful turnaround of the Realtors Political Action Committee and other local grassroots campaigns. She holds a B.A. from Saint Anselm College and an M.S. in Political Science and Government from Suffolk University.

Tabitha Elligan, Litigation Managing Attorney for Brownlee, Whitlow, & Praet, PLLC in Atlanta, brings 9 years of experience and passion for helping others in the legal community to her role. Her professional resume includes admissions advisor, assistant solicitor general and associate attorney. Tabitha is also CEO and Founder of Just Put It On My Tab, Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps recent law school graduates prepare and pay to retake the Bar Exam. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Hampton University and a J.D., Juris Doctor from Emory University School of Law.

Brian Dorwin, Principal and Chair of Landlord Representation Group at Offit Kurman, brings 13 years of experience to practicing civil and administrative litigation, focused on real estate law, including residential and commercial landlord-tenant law, Fair Housing Act Compliance and regulatory compliance. His career includes housing construction litigation, discrimination defense, subsidized housing lease-ups and compliance and alternative dispute resolution. Brian also assists owners of commercial and residential properties in business licensing and matters of code compliance. He holds a B.S in Environmental Policy & Planning from Virginia Tech and a J.D., Doctor of Law, from Wake Forest University School of Law. 
 

Kristen Wills, Associate Attorney for Brownlee, Whitlow & Praet, PLLC, has 9 years of experience, including a stint as a Congressional Intern to her role. As an associate attorney and staff attorney, she focuses on utilities and energy, criminal and workers’ compensation. Kristen was also a member of the Moot Court Board and a student advocate for the Juvenile and Trademark Law Clinics in graduate school. She holds a B.A. in Pre-Law, a minor in Philosophy from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and a Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University.

Eric Jones, MSF, Vice President of Government Affairs at DC – Commercial Apartment & Office Building Association of Metropolitan Washington (AOBA), brings two decades of experience to his role as a political strategist advising businesses, campaigns, candidates and non-government organizations. His resume includes an Associate Directorship for the Associated Builders and Contractors, a former Congressional Staffer, Consultant to the DNC and At-Large DC City Council Candidate. He holds a B.A. in Business Administration/Marketing from Morehouse College, an M.S. in Finance from the New England College of Business and Finance and a graduate of the McKinsey & Co Black Executive Leadership Program. 

Johnmichael Fernandez, Director of Local Government Affairs at the Florida Apartment Association, brings seven years of experience in government affairs and associations. He devises and executes strategies for various local affiliates, including the Apartment Association of Greater Orlando, First Coast Apartment Association and others. Johnmichael represents each affiliate association before elected officials with the specific policy goals tailored to the markets of the Sunshine State. He also worked interned in the office of U.S. Senator, Marco Rubio. Johnmichael holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Central Florida.

Jim Wilson, Ph.D., AVP for Political Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement at NAA, uses his 30 years of political affairs experience to manage NAA’s political action committee (NAAPAC) and grassroots advocacy. He also oversees NAA’s partnership and engagement with external stakeholders who share an interest in similar policy concerns and directs efforts to increase affiliate advocacy on behalf of the rental housing industry. Jim’s resume includes the American Medical Association and the Federal Election Commission’s Information Division. He holds a B.A. in American Studies from Georgetown University, M.A. and Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Communication both from the University of Pittsburgh.

Joe Riter, Senior Manager, Public Policy at NAA, has 12 years of government affairs experience. He works as an issues expert on topics like resident screening, renters bill of rights and landlord-tenant policy. Joe lobbied for a multi-client contract in Connecticut and represented interests from real estate, housing and health care sectors to data privacy, gaming and human services nonprofits. His resume includes the public sector as Senior Advisor to Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman. Joe holds a B.A. in Government with a minor in French from Franklin & Marshall College and a J.D. from Quinnipiac University School of Law.

Theresa “Terry” Kitay, Shareholder at Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, possesses deep experience in the housing industry, specializing in advising in disability and accessibility issues including compliance with the Fair Housing Act and building code requirements for accessibility in design and construction of new rental housing. Her portfolio of clients includes leading residential housing providers to public housing authorities throughout the country. Terry is a California Certified Accessibility Specialist (CASp) and an Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner certified by the International Code Council. She was formerly a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Maitri Johnson, Senior Vice President at TransUnion, brings over 20 years of rental housing experience leading the tenant and employment background screening vertical. She is recognized as an executive, practitioner and speaker on subjects like fraud, rent payment reporting and the value of data driven solutions. Maitri serves on the CDIA Screening Council, the NAA Regulatory and Legislative Committee. Maitri also served on NAA’s Board of Directors Executive Committee, appointed as President of NAAEI and chaired the NAA Lease Advisory Committee. She holds a degree in English, Economics & Geography from the University of London.

Nicole Ryan, Director, Public Affairs at NAA, packs 12 year of communications, public affairs and media relations experience to her role in crafting NAA’s media strategy, developing the industry’s messaging and cultivating relationships with top national journalists. She works with NAA’s advocacy team to ensure a cohesive voice is carried to lawmakers on platforms like the New York Times, NPR, MSNBC, the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post. Under Nicole, NAA’s media placements yielded over $20 million in earned publicity value last year. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government from the University of California, Davis.

Sandy Hoy, Vice President & General Counsel of the Texas Apartment Association (TAA), manages their government and legal affairs. She leads efforts to work on the association’s education programs and TAA LEASE. Sandy also serves on the Landlord Tenant Subcommittee created by the Texas Supreme Court to address issues that face justice courts. As an Associate at Gieger, Laborde and Laperouse, she was a capitol staffer and campaign manager for Justice Guzman for the Texas Supreme Court. Sandy holds a B.B.A. in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin and a J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center.

Jennifer Owen, Shareholder of Higier Allen & Lautin, P.C., brings decades of rental housing legal experience when representing owners, developers and managers. Her clients’ issues include landlord/tenant relations involving drafting leases, determining applicable state laws nationwide, evictions, fair housing, code enforcement, vendor disputes and premises liability. As a founding member of the Legal Services Program of the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas, Jennifer is active with TAA, teaches the “Redbook” seminar statewide and contributes articles to the Rooflines Magazine. She holds a degree in Political Science and History from Transylvania University and a J.D. from Washington University in St. Louis.

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. 

Michael Mini, Executive VP of the Chicagoland Apartment Association, manages the association, works with the Board of Directors and is responsible for strategic promotion that achieves goals. Serving as the VP of Public Policy at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Michael’s legislative agenda advanced public policies, economic development and job creation. As the Chamber’s chief lobbyist, he managed public policy committees, the Chamber PAC and oversaw legislative and regulatory research and advocacy efforts. He also served as Government Affairs Director of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®. Michael holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Chip Ahlswede, Vice President of External Affairs at the Apartment Association of Orange County, has 27 years of government and public affairs experience. He develops and executes new strategies that achieve organizational goals and encourages teams to become leaders in rental housing industry relations, community engagement, public affairs and public policy advocates. He also founded Inserting Logic, a Los Angeles-based business consulting firm. Chip has helped businesses and organizations in over 30 states and 3 countries, and worked with congress in the U.S. House of Representatives. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Arizona State University.

Ryan Makinster, Director of Government Affairs for the Washington Multi-Family Housing Association, has 20 years of government relations experience. He advocates at state and local levels while supporting NAA’s federal program. Ryan’s resume includes representing the residential construction industry in Washington State, the craft brewing, distilling and sportfishing industries as a contract lobbyist and staffing for the Alaska House of Representatives and Senate. He’s served on the Brewers Guild of Alaska and Southeast Guides Organization and provided communications services for the Alaska Chamber and Anchorage Economic Development Corporation. Ryan holds a B.A. in Communications from Washington State University.