Today in the NMA "Meet the Team" interview series, we sit down with senior associate trainer Betty Turner. With longstanding expertise in subjects including transition to asset management, supervision, and working with commissioners, Ms. Turner frequently trains popular NMA classes such as Public Housing Management, Public Housing Specialist, Supervision and Management, and Hearing Officer Workshop.
Tell us about your work experience.
I have over 25 years of experience in the affordable housing industry and have worked in both public housing and Section 8.
How did you get your start in the industry?
I ended up in the industry because I needed a job! I had no clue what a housing authority was about — in fact, I didn't know the government was even involved in housing!
How many years have you been at NMA?
Nine years. Ten years this September.
Education credentials and professional organizations?
B.S. in business administration, and some graduate school. I'm semi-retired now, so I don't do a lot with professional organizations anymore.
What’s one topic you’re most passionate about in the affordable housing industry?
Public housing management. You have an opportunity to work with the whole family in a very meaningful way.
What's your favorite part about your job?
I love training, especially when I see the class participants really getting it!
Describe your typical work day?
Up at 5:30 a.m., in the training room by 6:45 a.m., no lunch, out of the training room about 6 p.m.
Tell us about a successful project that you had a part in.
A collaboration with the social services department in assisting kids aging out of foster care with eligibility for family unification Section 8 vouchers.
Hobbies outside of work?
Movies! There's just something magical about sitting in a large, dark room full of strangers eating popcorn.
NMA senior associate trainer Betty Turner honed her creative team-building skills over more than three decades as executive director of both large and medium-sized PHAs.
