Thank you to everyone who joined us at our inaugural housing conference. It's hard to say what the highlight was, but some memorable moments were the cocktail cruise on San Diego Bay, the inspiring and moving acceptance speeches made by the recipients of this year's NMA Housing Awards, and seeing industry faces both familiar and new engaged in spirited discussion. Here are a few thoughts from the housing professionals who attended:
"It was the best housing conference I have been to. I don't say that lightly, as I have been in housing for 17 years and have been to a few of them. I definitely left better equipped than when I arrived! Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!" —Steve Sapp, Executive Director, Marion Housing Authority
"The NMA Housing Conference was so worth the wait. Great speakers, three tracks of vital housing industry information to choose from, and a needed reminder of why we do what we do. I am looking forward to the next one." —Vivian Garcia, Housing Administrator, City of South Gate
"The NMA Housing Conference was great! I went home and told everyone at the Illinois Association of Housing Authorities Annual Meeting what a fine conference it was. You had very good presenters, the accommodations were spectacular, and the price was right!" —Housing Authority of the City of Marion
NMA's Terry Provance, Nan McKay, and Sammie Szabo presenting a legislative forecast for 2014
NMA's Ray Adair and Ron Urlaub leading the conference's financial strategy track
To view more photos from the conference, go here if you're using Firefox or Chrome. If you're using Internet Explorer, go here to view the photos on our Facebook page.
I'd also like to extend a warm thank-you to our sponsors, GoSection8 and Yardi, who helped make the conference a truly special event.
Of course, all we can talk about right now is the government shutdown, but I'll mention a few other items:
- You've been asking for an LIHTC class, and we heard you. Fundamentals of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Management is now open for enrollment, with upcoming classes in Chicago, Orlando, and New Orleans. Read the agenda here.
- Our calendar of classes for the first quarter of 2014 has just been released. Visit the online seminar calendar here.
- Finally, our annual NMA Customer Satisfaction Survey is now open for your feedback. I encourage you to take the survey — it's quite brief, and it's an invaluable tool to help us better serve your needs in the future.
John McKay has been with NMA since 1998, and has served as chief executive officer of the company since 2007. Prior to his appointment as CEO, he was vice president of operations, spearheading the creation of the new consulting and technology services departments. This initiative introduced the first fully functional NMA Performance Portal to the affordable housing market.
Mr. McKay brings his knowledge of housing regulations and industry best practices into his role as project executive on many of NMA’s contracts with large housing authority clients and HUD. He has assessed, analyzed, and provided feedback to some of the country’s most well-run private and public organizations.
