RHALS 2023 Education Sessions
Tuesday, August 1st
KEYNOTE: Homelessness is a Housing Problem
9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Back by popular demand, housing scholar Gregg Colburn has returned to RHALS to update us on his book, Homelessness is a Housing Problem. This book seeks to explain regional variation in rates of homelessness across the United States. Despite common misperceptions, rates of drug use, mental illness, and poverty do not explain why Seattle has five times the homelessness of Chicago. Rather, housing market conditions best explain variation in rates of homelessness. This session will help you gain a deeper understanding of the wide-ranging impacts of housing market conditions and policy.
Dr. Gregg Colburn
Gregg Colburn, Real Estate Professor at the University of Washington’s College of Built Environments, and co-author of Homelessness is a Housing Problem, is focused on researching housing policy, housing markets, housing affordability and homelessness. Gregg spent 17 years in the private sector prior to pursuing academia and is actively engaging in a range of community efforts to address the housing crisis in the Puget Sound region. He holds a B.A. in Economics and Management from Albion College, an M.S.W. from the University of Minnesota, a M.B.A. from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management and Ph.D. in Public Affairs/Philosophy from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
Power Up! Exploring the Trend and Legality of Alternative Modes of Transportation
10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
As alternative modes of transportation like electric vehicles and bicycles are being increasingly adopted by residents, they will become more prominent in our laws and leases. In this session you will learn about how to handle shared bicycles and bicycle areas, electric vehicle parking spots, and “right to charge” laws.
Drew Hamrick
Drew Hamrick, Partner with Tschetter Hamrick and Sulzer, has practiced landlord-tenant law in Colorado for over 30 years. He is also General Counsel and SVP of Government Affairs for the Colorado Apartment Association. Drew is the author of the Colorado Legal Handbook and Lease and has provided several revisions to Colorado's Eviction Statutes. He holds a degree from the University of Denver, School of Business and a J.D. from the University of Denver - Sturm College of Law.
Chris Walker
Chris Walker, Managing Partner at Clark & Walker, P.C., dedicates his practice to representing rental housing property owners and property management firms. Applying his business acumen to client matters, he achieves results through risk management or resolution of complex litigation matters. Chris is licensed to practice law in Arizona, U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona and Nevada. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from Arizona State University and a J.D. in Business and Transactional Law from Washburn University School of Law.
Record Sealing & Expungement
1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Recent local legislation regarding record sealing and expungement leads to operational considerations when performing background checks and reporting eviction matters.
Brett Waller
Brett Waller, General Counsel to HNN Communities, manages compliance with local, state and federal laws affecting residential property management operations. He helped create the first statewide landlord mitigation fund, providing compensation to housing providers for damage and loss resulting from the use of rental premises. Brett drafted legislation to expand this access to COVID relief and assist housing providers and survivors of domestic violence with securing safe housing; returning over $40 million in lost revenue to housing providers. Brett holds a B.S. in Political Science from Santa Clara University and a J.D. from St. Mary’s University of San Antonio.
Jay Harris
Jay Harris, Partner with Hudson Cook, advises rental property management operators and vendors on resident screening law compliance and is an advocate for the consumer reporting industry in public record sealing legislation, including Clean Slate. He has dedicated his practice to specializing in property management and consumer reporting compliance and litigation. Jay also served as general counsel to debt collection and resident screening firms, and Regulatory Counsel to the NAA/NMHC Joint Legislative Program. He holds a B.A. in Philosophy, International Studies from John Hopkins University and a J.D. in Law from George Mason University – Antonin Scalia Law School.
Noah Tabor
Noah J. Tabor is the Government Relations Counsel for Fredrikson & Byron P.A. Noah’s in-house government relations and lobbying background includes a deep understanding of complex areas of healthcare, insurance and government procurements. Prior to joining Fredrikson, he served as the regional government relations manager for Medica Health Plan and led their state government relations efforts in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri.
Balancing Act - Premises Liability Claims While Doing Business
2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
What do law firms, affiliate offices, and on-site management have in common? All are subject to premises liability claims. This session discusses employment regulations, potential negligence claims, and insurance requirements.
Travis Sheets
Travis Sheets, VP and General Counsel for BH Management Services, LLC, oversees the legal, risk management, due diligence and investor relations functions at BH. His experience in corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions and securities law have assisted in executing large acquisitions. His background includes serving as VP and Deputy General Counsel at American Equity Investment Life Holding Company and Senior Counsel at HNI Corporation. While in private practice, he worked with the law firms Smith Anderson and Latham & Watkins. Travis holds a B.A. in Business Administration and Economics from Austin College and a J.D. from Harvard Law School.
Tabitha Elligan
Tabitha Elligan, Associate Attorney at Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC, brings a wealth of knowledge to her role, helping others in the legal community. She has served as a prosecutor and practiced civil litigation in the Atlanta area. Tabitha worked as an Admission Advisor for Emory Law, recruiting students across the nation to attend her alma mater. In addition to a passion for law, Tabitha is the Chief Executive Officer of her own non-profit organization, “Just Put It On My Tab.” Tabitha holds a B.A. in Political Science from Hampton University and a J.D. from Emory University School of Law.
Anthony Mingione
Anthony Mingione, Partner at Blank Rome LLP, is devoted to labor and employment law, offering solutions to workplace problems and litigating disputes. He advises clients on workplace policies and procedures, counseling them regarding the Fair Labor Standards Act and similar state wage and hour laws, while protecting trade secrets. Anthony served as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Erminie Conley, a presiding judge of the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey. He holds a BS ILR in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University and a J.D. in Law from William & Mary Law School.
Preemption: From Proposals to Passage
2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
It’s much easier to stop a bad policy at the local level if the state has already made it illegal. In this session you will learn how to proactively push for state preemptions of local laws like rent control, notice to vacate, and landlord-tenant issues to best ensure industry stability across the state.
Amanda White
Amanda White, VP of Government Relations and Research for the Florida Apartment Association, has 15 years of experience working with officials and stakeholders. She implements comprehensive government relations strategies to accomplish public policy objectives, directs research initiatives and represents the Florida apartment industry in meetings with elected officials and interviews with the media. Having worked with Congress on Capitol Hill on policy and communications, Amanda also served as the PR and Communications Director for the Apartment Association of Greater Orlando. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Hillsdale College and an M.A. in Governmental Studies from Johns Hopkins University.
Kyle Jackson
Kyle Jackson, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Texas Apartment Association (TAA), coordinates related legislative activities with the Texas Legislature, while also directing TAA PAC fundraising and political contributions, and volunteer legislative engagement. Prior to working with TAA, he was the Vice President of Lilly & Company, LLC, Texas’ premier political fundraising & consulting firm, and spent three Legislative Sessions in the Texas Capitol working on policy issues. Kyle holds a B.A. in Government from the University of Texas at Austin.
Patricia Baumer
Patricia Baumer is the Director of Government Affairs for the Greater Boston Real Estate Board. In addition to representing the NAA affiliate in Massachusetts, Trish also represents the local chapter or BOMA International and the National Association of REALTORS. Trish has over twenty years of experience lobbying on Beacon Hill with the majority of her career spent working on real estate issues both at Boston City hall at the Massachusetts State House.
Remedies for Nonpayment Issues Post-Pandemic
4 p.m. – 5 p.m.
What to do when rent's past due? Does your local area have funding available to operators or tenants? How do you navigate the stipulations and requirements along the way?
Gene Eckel
Gene Eckel, Attorney at Spencer Fane LLP, has practiced law for 23 years with permits in Nebraska (NE), Iowa, the U.S. District Court for NE and the U.S. Supreme Court. His focus on landlord-tenant law, fair housing litigation and commercial real estate makes him an ideal board member for two NE associations. Gene serves as a member of the Legislative and Affordable Housing Committees for NAA and NAA’s lease attorney for NE. Gene holds a B.A. in English Language and Literature from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a J.D. from Creighton University School of Law.
David Barhydt
David Barhydt, founder of the Law Offices of David K. Barhydt, has represented rental housing industry clients for 34 years. His practice centers on landlord-tenant law in the Chicagoland area. David serves on the CAA’s Legislative Committee and is involved with legislative developments. He functions as counsel for NAA Click & Lease in Illinois, is a presenter of landlord-tenant law and is called upon to extrapolate local economic data based on the volume of evictions filed. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a J.D. in Law from Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology.
Laura Boggioni
Laura Boggioni, Attorney for Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit (KSN), has practiced law for 14 years with experience in assisting property managers and owners with issues including evictions, subsidized housing, litigation and local ordinances. Laura is well-versed in landlord-tenant laws, especially in Chicago and Cook County Residential Landlord Tenant Ordinances (RLTOs). She also worked at the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA), handling lease compliance, addressing Housing Choice Voucher Program matters and representing CHA in eviction proceedings. Laura received her B.S. in Criminal Justice from Indiana University – Purdue University and a J.D. from The University of Toledo College of Law.
Michael Mini
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.
Wednesday, August 2nd
KEYNOTE: Strategies to Make Housing More Abundant and Affordable
9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
For more than a decade, the US has failed to build enough homes to keep up with demand. Rapidly rising housing costs are increasing financial stress on Americans across the country—and making housing affordability an increasingly salient political issue. Solving these problems will require data-driven solutions to address housing supply at the federal, state, and local level. There is growing appetite to address the affordability issue but industry leaders must ensure they advocate for the right policies.
Dr. Jenny Schuetz
Jenny Schuetz, Senior Fellow at Brookings Metro, is an expert in urban economics, housing policy and author of Fixer Upper: How to Repair America’s Broken Housing Systems. Their recent research includes how statewide zoning reform could improve housing affordability, rethinking homeownership incentives to narrow the racial wealth gap and more. Prior to Brookings, Jenny served as a principal economist on the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. They have appeared in numerous publications like the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and the PBS NewsHour. Jenny received a B.A. in Economics and Political and Social Thought from the University of Virginia, a Master’s in City Planning from M.I.T. and a Ph.D. in Public Policy from Harvard University.
Junk Fees: What Are They & Strategies to Avoid Negative Perceptions
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
The White House's initiative to crack down on junk fees has reached the rental housing industry and HUD has called on housing providers to reduce hidden and add-on fees charged to residents. Learn how the industry is responding and how operators can best address this issue in their business practices and leasing operations.
Christopher Loebsack
Christopher Loebsack, founder and Managing Principal of Loebsack & Brownlee, PLLC, brings 27 years of experience to his role. Focused on eviction services, he primarily represents national property management firms, and serves as a Certified Mediator. His past and current member history includes the Apartment Association of North Carolina Board, the Wilmington Apartment Association Board, the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association Board and he has served as a former member and current Chair of the Clemson University Humanities Advancement Board. Chris holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from Clemson University and a J.D. in Law from Duke University School of Law.
Nicole Upano
Nicole Upano, AVP, Housing Policy & Regulatory Affairs for the National Apartment Association, leads NAA in conducting research and analyses on industry policy concerns and develops communications in support of the apartment industry’s advocacy initiatives at all levels of government. She is a subject matter expert specializing in fair housing, landlord-tenant and property operations issues. She earned a B.A. in Political Science and Studio Art from Indiana University Bloomington.
Typical Eviction Defenses
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Be prepared for every eviction proceeding. This session discusses the most common affirmative defenses and responses to them.
Donna Ashton
Donna Ashton, founder and Managing Shareholder of Ashton Turner LaGatta, P.C., specializes in the landlord-tenant related matters of large and small property management firms and real estate owners. As an Assistant District Attorney, she worked on trial advocacy, prosecuting misdemeanors and felonies in the District and Superior Courts. Donna’s resume also includes being an instructor for the National Institute of Trial Attorneys in Boston and a presenter for the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education program regarding courtroom advocacy in housing. She holds a B.A. in Economics from Union College and a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School.
Cory Weiss
Cory Weiss, Partner at Ingram Yuzek Gainen Carroll & Bertolotti, LLP, remains focused on the landlord-tenant relationship, litigation and New York (NY) rent regulations. His case history comprises NY housing, supreme courts and the NY Appellate courts. Cory represents owners and developers regarding issues like tenant bankruptcies, lease disputes, Yellowstone injunctions, co-op/condo litigation and administrative matters before the NY State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, including overcharge complaints, deregulation challenges and MCI Applications; other matters include foreclosure and human rights proceedings. He holds a B.A. from the University of Buffalo and a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School.
Sandy Hoy
Sandy Hoy, General Counsel of the Texas Apartment Association, manages the association’s legal affairs involving work on legislative issues. During the last few years, she led efforts interacting with justice of the peace, tenant advocates and the Texas Supreme Court. Sandy’s work at the Capitol preceded her law school career, where she practiced oil and gas law prior to joining the association. Sandy holds a B.B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and a Doctor of Law (JD) from the University of Houston Law Center.
Fundraising and PACs
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Good policy can only be implemented if lawmakers get the message. Developing a robust fundraising strategy and using that money wisely is essential for industry advocates to ensure that their voice is heard through the noise.
Eric Jones
Eric Jones, VP of Government Affairs, DC-Commercial for the Apartment & Office Building of Metropolitan Washington (AOBA), has decades of experience in political and business strategy, campaigns, candidates and non-government organizations. He represents the AOBA before the executive and legislative branches of the District Government, community groups and civic associations. As a former Congressional Staffer and Democratic National Committee Consultant, he continues serving as a trainer/coach in campaign management and political strategy. Eric holds a B.A. in Business Administration/Marketing from Morehouse College and an M.S. in Finance and Banking from the New England College of Business and Finance.
Bradley Pepper
Bradley Pepper, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Houston Apartment Association has served as Director of Government Affairs for the Greater Houston Builders Association, the third largest builders association in the country. He also served as a Chief of Staff for a long serving member of the Texas Legislature for five years. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia.
No Class: Trends in Class Actions, and How to Avoid and Fight Them
1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
What is happening in residential rental Class Actions around the country, and an examination of how one residential rental issue gave rise to 25 Class Actions and how they were resolved.
Todd Whitlow
Todd Whitlow, partner and principal with Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC, brings 16 years of experience representing the rental housing industry and leads his firms’ property and community management divisions in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. This includes risk management and litigation services for housing providers, Fair Housing investigations and complaints and contract negotiations. Todd currently serves on NAAEI’s faculty and the NAAEI Curriculum Development Committee. He holds a B.A. in Industrial Relations from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a J.D. in Law from Campbell University, Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law.
Norman Praet
Norman Praet, Managing Partner of Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC, has spent his entire career representing real estate investors, property owners, property managers and the owners of small-to-midsize businesses. He is also very active in the North Carolina real estate investment community: sitting as General Counsel to the Board of Directors of the Apartment Association of North Carolina, the Triangle Apartment Association and the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association Education Foundation and serves as an NAA PAC Trustee. He holds a J.D. from Rutgers School of Law and a B.A. from Rutgers University.
The Public Speaking Mindset: Reinventing Your Approach for Government Affairs PR
3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Control the conversation or the conversation controls you. In this session, you will hear from experts in public communications and press relations on how to get people to hear the story you want told.
Zach Quimby
Zach Quimby, Public Affairs Manager at the National Apartment Association (NAA), currently manages advocacy social media, newsletter content and other public relations matters. He also worked in electoral politics in North Carolina, serving in communications management roles in local, state and congressional campaigns. Zach’s passion for communicating, constructing compelling narratives and connecting with people aided elected officials into office. He holds a B.A. in Politics and History from High Point University and an M.A. in Political Communication from American University.
Renters Bill of Rights
4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Renters Bill of Rights laws can vary in their scope, but they all carry operational consequences. What do housing providers need to know about this emerging issue and how can they shape the message around it?
Patrick McCloud
Patrick McCloud, CEO of the Virginia Apartment Management Association (VAMA), oversees all of the association’s administrative and legislative coordination. With expertise in rental housing public relations and legislative interpretation, he has facilitated the passage of pro-industry legislation. Patrick’s prior projects include interning in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs, and PR and Government Affairs to help focus national attention on Tort Reform in publications like the Wall Street Journal. In addition to serving on NAA’s Board of Directors, and chairing NAA’s Association Executive Council and NAAEI’s Program Administration Committee, he holds a B.S. in Political Science from Bridgewater College.
Stephen Davis
Stephen Davis, Director of Government Affairs for the Atlanta and Georgia Apartment Associations, is focused on improving the local business climate for the rental housing industry by facilitating communication between association members, elected officials and community leaders. His nearly 16 years of government affairs experience includes being a congressional staffer in Washington, D.C., a federal government lobbyist and the Government Affairs Director for the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association. Stephen holds a M.A. in National Security and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War College and a B.A. in Political Science and History from The University of Alabama.
Karen McCay
Karen McCay, Managing Partner of Pahl & McCay, enlists decades of experience in market-rate and subsidized housing to practice real estate and contract law, emphasizing operational issues. She provides preventative and compliance counseling to clients including REITs, property owners, management companies, non-profits and housing authorities. Karen’s work with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on affordable housing issues, includes drafting an addendum to HUD Leases. She also conducts trainings in fair housing, preventing sexual harassment, disability accommodation, holds a B.S.B.A. in Finance from the University of Florida and a J.D. from the American University Washington College of Law.
Thursday, August 3rd
I Robot: Legal Implications of the Rise of AI and Machine Learning
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
The bots are taking over! AI has fundamentally changed how organizations do business. Business operators, large and small, have implemented some form of AI and machine learning into their daily operations. From smart communities to business policy-writing, AI and machine learning can do it all! But just because the technology is available, does it mean it should be used? This session will examine the legal implications of using AI and machine learning in your operations from the perspectives of data privacy, liabilities, intellectual privacy rights, technology data strategies, and more.
Angel Baltimore
Angel Baltimore, NAA’s SVP of Information Technology, brings a wealth of experience to her role, including a Forbes feature, a U.S. Congressional Banking & Financial Services Committee presentation and prominence in the State Department Federal Credit Union and the American Institute of Architects. Prior to NAA, she served as the VP of Digital Strategy and E-commerce for the American Pharmacists Association, resulting in a multi-million-dollar strategy. Angel has led strategies for enterprise technology, digital transformation, business intelligence, IT policy and major e-commerce platforms. She holds an MIS and Accounting from American University and a Business Intelligence Certificate from Villanova University.
Wynter L. Deagle
Wynter Deagle, Partner at Sheppard Mullin Ritcher & Hampton LLP, specializes in defending clients on consumer advertising, warranties, unfair business practices, data breaches and data collection, use, sharing and security practices. She has secured claims brought under numerous privacy, consumer protection and cybersecurity-related state and federal laws and regulations. Wynter also designs and implements global privacy and cybersecurity compliance programs that satisfy regulatory obligations while driving business value. Featured in Forbes and acknowledged by various prolific publications, Wynter holds a B.A. in Political Science and French from Roger Williams University, and a J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law.
Housing Affordability Program
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
There are resources available waiting for your association to take advantage of them. In this session, we will hear about NAA’s program to assist its affiliates in achieving their policy goals, see some examples of how it can be used, and understand the simple application process.
April Capone
Director, External Affairs and Affiliate Engagement,
Joe Goode
CEO, American Strategies
Robin Lee
Executive Director,
Federal Advocacy Update
11 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.
There has been no shortage of activity at the federal level when it comes to the rental housing industry. Hear from NAA’s leading policy experts about developments in Congress and the regulatory agencies.
Nicole Upano
AVP, Housing Policy & Regulatory Affairs, National Apartment Association
Greg Brown
SVP, Government Affairs, National Apartment Association
Seth Turner
Manager, Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement, National Apartment Association