https://simplecast.com The SAHMA Exchange The SAHMA Exchange is where policy, people, and property management meet. Produced by the Southeastern Affordable Housing Management Association, this podcast explores the real issues facing multifamily affordable housing professionals across the Southeast. Each episode features conversations with SAHMA members and industry experts, along with clear, practical discussions on compliance, regulations, insurance, operations, and emerging trends. Whether you’re managing day-to-day challenges or planning for the future, The SAHMA Exchange offers insight you can use — grounded in experience, informed by policy, and shaped by the people doing the work. 2026 The SAHMA Exchange en Mon, 11 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000 Mon, 11 May 2026 04:00:18 +0000 https://the-sahma-exchange.simplecast.com The SAHMA Exchange https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/0591cd30-9880-4080-8eae-35451736e24e/bec54623-9d39-4047-add3-f25ed313ba89/3000x3000/the-20sahma-20exchange-20cover-20art.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://the-sahma-exchange.simplecast.com episodic The SAHMA Exchange is where policy, people, and property management meet. Produced by the Southeastern Affordable Housing Management Association, this podcast explores the real issues facing multifamily affordable housing professionals across the Southeast. Each episode features conversations with SAHMA members and industry experts, along with clear, practical discussions on compliance, regulations, insurance, operations, and emerging trends. Whether you’re managing day-to-day challenges or planning for the future, The SAHMA Exchange offers insight you can use — grounded in experience, informed by policy, and shaped by the people doing the work. SAHMA false https://feeds.simplecast.com/IBZn4xyx affordable housing, multifamily housing SAHMA renee@rootedred.com efd5a61e-6c7a-4f22-98b1-959f4313447a Senior Housing with Ron & Eric Key Topics Covered
  • What “home” means to today’s senior residents
  • Needs vs. wants in senior housing communities
  • When safety, independence, and dignity conflict
  • Real-world decision-making at the property level
  • Staff pressures: resident satisfaction vs. liability
  • Fair Housing and regulatory challenges
  • The role of family communication
  • Technology and AI in senior housing
  • What dignity really looks like in practice
  • Advice for property managers and service coordinators

Stats Referenced in This Episode

Featured Guests

Eric Kager
Executive Vice President
Benchmark Management Corporation

Ron Budynas
Chief Operating Officer
Wesley Living

]]> Mon, 11 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000 renee@rootedred.com (Eric Kager, Ron Budynas) https://the-sahma-exchange.simplecast.com/episodes/senior-housing-with-ron-eric-tzGkOtMd Key Topics Covered
  • What “home” means to today’s senior residents
  • Needs vs. wants in senior housing communities
  • When safety, independence, and dignity conflict
  • Real-world decision-making at the property level
  • Staff pressures: resident satisfaction vs. liability
  • Fair Housing and regulatory challenges
  • The role of family communication
  • Technology and AI in senior housing
  • What dignity really looks like in practice
  • Advice for property managers and service coordinators

Stats Referenced in This Episode

Featured Guests

Eric Kager
Executive Vice President
Benchmark Management Corporation

Ron Budynas
Chief Operating Officer
Wesley Living

]]> Senior Housing with Ron & Eric Eric Kager, Ron Budynas 00:39:32 What does it really mean to create a “home” in senior housing? In this episode of The SAHMA Exchange, we explore the balance between safety, independence, and dignity in affordable senior housing communities. We are joined by Eric Kager (Benchmark Management Corporation) and Ron Budynas (Wesley Living) for a candid conversation on how these priorities play out in real life, from resident expectations and staff decision-making to family dynamics and regulatory pressures. With more than 2 million older adults living in federally assisted housing and nearly 1 in 3 seniors cost-burdened, the stakes are only rising. This episode offers practical insights for property managers, service coordinators, and housing leaders navigating these complex, everyday decisions, where policy meets people, and dignity matters most. What does it really mean to create a “home” in senior housing? In this episode of The SAHMA Exchange, we explore the balance between safety, independence, and dignity in affordable senior housing communities. We are joined by Eric Kager (Benchmark Management Corporation) and Ron Budynas (Wesley Living) for a candid conversation on how these priorities play out in real life, from resident expectations and staff decision-making to family dynamics and regulatory pressures. With more than 2 million older adults living in federally assisted housing and nearly 1 in 3 seniors cost-burdened, the stakes are only rising. This episode offers practical insights for property managers, service coordinators, and housing leaders navigating these complex, everyday decisions, where policy meets people, and dignity matters most. resident dignity, safety independence dignity, affordable senior housing, property management senior housing, aging in place, senior housing false full 8 2b3a24fe-0686-4803-b16d-c8a7154e11ce Michelle Cutillo's Story In this episode, Michelle Cutillo shares her journey into affordable housing, the moment that defined her career, and how her work in compliance continues to impact residents and communities. The conversation also highlights the importance of professional development, industry collaboration, and advocacy through organizations like SAHMA.

Key Takeaways

  • Affordable housing careers often begin unexpectedly—but become long-term, purpose-driven work
  • Compliance plays a critical role in preserving and expanding access to housing
  • Professional development and community are essential in a complex, evolving industry
  • Breaking stigma requires collective effort across the industry
  • Behind every policy and process are real people and life-changing outcomes

Key Industry Insights & Statistics

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000 renee@rootedred.com (Michelle Cutillo) https://the-sahma-exchange.simplecast.com/episodes/michelle-cutillos-story-4rnzbba7 In this episode, Michelle Cutillo shares her journey into affordable housing, the moment that defined her career, and how her work in compliance continues to impact residents and communities. The conversation also highlights the importance of professional development, industry collaboration, and advocacy through organizations like SAHMA.

Key Takeaways

  • Affordable housing careers often begin unexpectedly—but become long-term, purpose-driven work
  • Compliance plays a critical role in preserving and expanding access to housing
  • Professional development and community are essential in a complex, evolving industry
  • Breaking stigma requires collective effort across the industry
  • Behind every policy and process are real people and life-changing outcomes

Key Industry Insights & Statistics

]]> Michelle Cutillo's Story Michelle Cutillo 00:13:38 How do people find their way into affordable housing and what makes them stay? In this episode of The SAHMA Exchange: Where policy, people, and property management meet, we sit down with Michelle Cutillo, Vice President of Compliance at WRH Realty Services, to talk about her journey into the industry and the moments that shaped her career. Michelle shares how a first-day experience—helping a single mother transition from a domestic violence shelter into stable housing—became the defining moment that led her to a lifelong career in affordable housing. From there, she reflects on her evolution into compliance and how supporting properties ultimately supports residents and expands access to housing. We also explore the role of SAHMA in building community, making professional development engaging, and empowering professionals to grow, connect, and advocate. With the U.S. facing a shortage of more than 7 million affordable and available rental homes, this conversation is a reminder that behind every regulation, certification, and compliance review, there are real lives and real impact. How do people find their way into affordable housing and what makes them stay? In this episode of The SAHMA Exchange: Where policy, people, and property management meet, we sit down with Michelle Cutillo, Vice President of Compliance at WRH Realty Services, to talk about her journey into the industry and the moments that shaped her career. Michelle shares how a first-day experience—helping a single mother transition from a domestic violence shelter into stable housing—became the defining moment that led her to a lifelong career in affordable housing. From there, she reflects on her evolution into compliance and how supporting properties ultimately supports residents and expands access to housing. We also explore the role of SAHMA in building community, making professional development engaging, and empowering professionals to grow, connect, and advocate. With the U.S. facing a shortage of more than 7 million affordable and available rental homes, this conversation is a reminder that behind every regulation, certification, and compliance review, there are real lives and real impact. affordable housing, property management, housing advocacy, housing compliance, multifamily housing, southeastern affordable housing management association, housing industry careers, affordable housing compliance, resident services, affordable housing professionals false full 7 5bfaf8a1-e5cf-4429-986d-0e45a4948c53 Fair Housing with Christine, Vickie and Mary
  • Mayor Adams Announces Largest Civil Rights Settlement in City History, Protecting New Yorkers from Housing Discrimination | NYC.gov | Aug. 22, 2024
  • Violence Against Women Act | HUD
  • Certified Professional of Occupancy (CPO) | SAHMA
  • Fair Housing Compliance Certification (FHC) | SAHMA
  • Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) | HUD
  • Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHA) | HUD
  • HUD Rescinds Disparate Impact Regulations | Nixon Peabody | Jan. 21, 2026
  • HUD Announces Key Fair Housing Updates | National Apartment Association
  • Fair Housing Institute
  • Housing Discrimination Under the Fair Housing Act | HUD
  • Mrs. Murphy Exemption: Exemptions to the Fair Housing Act | Housing Equality Center
    • ]]>     Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000 renee@rootedred.com (Christine Ramos, Vickie Bell, Mary Ross) https://the-sahma-exchange.simplecast.com/episodes/fair-housing-with-christine-vickie-and-mary-9KnovOjG
  • Mayor Adams Announces Largest Civil Rights Settlement in City History, Protecting New Yorkers from Housing Discrimination | NYC.gov | Aug. 22, 2024
  • Violence Against Women Act | HUD
  • Certified Professional of Occupancy (CPO) | SAHMA
  • Fair Housing Compliance Certification (FHC) | SAHMA
  • Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) | HUD
  • Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHA) | HUD
  • HUD Rescinds Disparate Impact Regulations | Nixon Peabody | Jan. 21, 2026
  • HUD Announces Key Fair Housing Updates | National Apartment Association
  • Fair Housing Institute
  • Housing Discrimination Under the Fair Housing Act | HUD
  • Mrs. Murphy Exemption: Exemptions to the Fair Housing Act | Housing Equality Center
    • ]]>     Fair Housing with Christine, Vickie and Mary Christine Ramos, Vickie Bell, Mary Ross 00:49:07 April is Fair Housing Month, and in this episode of The SAHMA Exchange, we’re taking a closer look at the history, impact, and ongoing importance of the Fair Housing Act. Joined by industry leaders Mary Ross (Ross Business Development), Vickie Bell (Navigate Affordable Housing Partners), and Christine Ramos (North Tampa Housing Development Corp.), we explore how Fair Housing has shaped the multifamily and affordable housing landscape, from its roots in the civil rights movement to its role in today’s operations. This conversation goes beyond compliance. We discuss the seven federally protected classes, the real risks of getting it wrong, and how Fair Housing influences everything from marketing and leasing practices to the resident experience. We also examine how evolving guidance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is impacting day-to-day operations across the industry. Most importantly, we reflect on what Fair Housing means on a human level, and why it continues to matter in the communities we serve. April is Fair Housing Month, and in this episode of The SAHMA Exchange, we’re taking a closer look at the history, impact, and ongoing importance of the Fair Housing Act. Joined by industry leaders Mary Ross (Ross Business Development), Vickie Bell (Navigate Affordable Housing Partners), and Christine Ramos (North Tampa Housing Development Corp.), we explore how Fair Housing has shaped the multifamily and affordable housing landscape, from its roots in the civil rights movement to its role in today’s operations. This conversation goes beyond compliance. We discuss the seven federally protected classes, the real risks of getting it wrong, and how Fair Housing influences everything from marketing and leasing practices to the resident experience. We also examine how evolving guidance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is impacting day-to-day operations across the industry. Most importantly, we reflect on what Fair Housing means on a human level, and why it continues to matter in the communities we serve. fair housing training, affordable housing, property management, fair housing act, real estate compliance, multifamily housing, housing policy, hud compliance false full 6     bbaa7006-74a8-4eef-a570-4dde73ddbe7d Brian Harris' Story Mon, 23 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000 renee@rootedred.com (Brian Harris) https://the-sahma-exchange.simplecast.com/episodes/brian-harris-story-a_k3UESJ Brian Harris' Story Brian Harris 00:19:24 In this episode of The SAHMA Exchange, we sit down with Brian Harris, President and CEO of Wesley Living, for a powerful conversation that bridges personal experience and professional leadership. With more than 30 years in affordable housing, Brian shares his journey across public housing, project-based rental assistance, LIHTC, and HOME programs, serving seniors, families, individuals with special needs, and those facing chronic mental illness. But what makes this conversation especially meaningful is Brian’s story. Having grown up in affordable housing himself, he brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, one rooted in dignity, opportunity, and service. We explore the impact of mentorship, the importance of supporting independence for senior residents, and how affordable housing can shape lives across generations. Brian also shares his thoughts on breaking stigma, the universal need for housing, and why preserving affordable housing in this country is more critical than ever. About Our Guest Brian Harris is the President and CEO of Wesley Living, based in Cordova, Tennessee. With over three decades of experience in affordable housing, his work spans public housing, LIHTC, HOME, and project-based rental assistance programs. Brian has led significant growth in housing agencies, expanding funding sources, increasing organizational footprint, and serving as a trusted advisor to both housing authorities and HUD field offices. His leadership is deeply influenced by his own lived experience growing up in affordable housing. In this episode of The SAHMA Exchange, we sit down with Brian Harris, President and CEO of Wesley Living, for a powerful conversation that bridges personal experience and professional leadership. With more than 30 years in affordable housing, Brian shares his journey across public housing, project-based rental assistance, LIHTC, and HOME programs, serving seniors, families, individuals with special needs, and those facing chronic mental illness. But what makes this conversation especially meaningful is Brian’s story. Having grown up in affordable housing himself, he brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, one rooted in dignity, opportunity, and service. We explore the impact of mentorship, the importance of supporting independence for senior residents, and how affordable housing can shape lives across generations. Brian also shares his thoughts on breaking stigma, the universal need for housing, and why preserving affordable housing in this country is more critical than ever. About Our Guest Brian Harris is the President and CEO of Wesley Living, based in Cordova, Tennessee. With over three decades of experience in affordable housing, his work spans public housing, LIHTC, HOME, and project-based rental assistance programs. Brian has led significant growth in housing agencies, expanding funding sources, increasing organizational footprint, and serving as a trusted advisor to both housing authorities and HUD field offices. His leadership is deeply influenced by his own lived experience growing up in affordable housing. affordable housing, service-driven leadership, leadership, housing equity, sahma, southeastern affordable housing management association, senior housing, wesley living false full 5 f335841b-5f3f-4677-a724-5b7651ff1f12 Burnout with Dana & Jamie Correction: Dana Patterson is referred to as the CEO of Alco Management. She is actually the COO. 

    Show Notes / Links

    Sensory Stickers

    Tennessee SAHMA | May 20-21 | Nashville | Link

    Research & Data Referenced in This Episode

    Managers experience higher stress and burnout than non-managers
    Gallup research shows managers report higher levels of stress and burnout than the employees they supervise.

    83% of U.S. workers report work-related stress
    The American Institute of Stress estimates that 83% of U.S. workers experience work-related stress, highlighting the widespread nature of workplace pressure.

    Burned-out employees are 2.6× more likely to seek another job
    Gallup research found that employees who frequently experience burnout are 2.6 times more likely to be actively seeking a new job.

    Employee disengagement costs hundreds of billions globally
    Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report estimates that declining employee engagement costs the global economy hundreds of billions of dollars annually in lost productivity.

    ]]>     Mon, 9 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000 renee@rootedred.com (Dana Patterson, Jamie Kennedy) https://the-sahma-exchange.simplecast.com/episodes/burnout-with-dana-jamie-U8tR8lGF Correction: Dana Patterson is referred to as the CEO of Alco Management. She is actually the COO. 

    Show Notes / Links

    Sensory Stickers

    Tennessee SAHMA | May 20-21 | Nashville | Link

    Research & Data Referenced in This Episode

    Managers experience higher stress and burnout than non-managers
    Gallup research shows managers report higher levels of stress and burnout than the employees they supervise.

    83% of U.S. workers report work-related stress
    The American Institute of Stress estimates that 83% of U.S. workers experience work-related stress, highlighting the widespread nature of workplace pressure.

    Burned-out employees are 2.6× more likely to seek another job
    Gallup research found that employees who frequently experience burnout are 2.6 times more likely to be actively seeking a new job.

    Employee disengagement costs hundreds of billions globally
    Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report estimates that declining employee engagement costs the global economy hundreds of billions of dollars annually in lost productivity.

    ]]>     Burnout with Dana & Jamie Dana Patterson, Jamie Kennedy 00:49:24 Burnout is one of the biggest challenges facing today’s workplace, especially in people-centered industries like property management. In this episode, we sit down with Dana Patterson and Jamie Kennedy of Alco Management to talk about what it really takes to build a culture that supports employees before burnout takes hold. Alco is taking a proactive approach to employee engagement, investing in coaching and culture-building to help their teams navigate the pressures of the industry. Dana and Jamie share how leaders and employees alike can better identify emotions in moments of conflict, recognize the early warning signs of burnout, and create healthier responses in high-stress situations. We also explore Jamie’s “Take 5 Method,” a simple but powerful framework designed to help employees pause, process, and respond more intentionally. Along the way, they offer practical tips any management company can implement right away to support their teams and build a more sustainable workplace culture. If you’re looking for practical tools to help your team thrive, not just survive, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and actionable strategies. Burnout is one of the biggest challenges facing today’s workplace, especially in people-centered industries like property management. In this episode, we sit down with Dana Patterson and Jamie Kennedy of Alco Management to talk about what it really takes to build a culture that supports employees before burnout takes hold. Alco is taking a proactive approach to employee engagement, investing in coaching and culture-building to help their teams navigate the pressures of the industry. Dana and Jamie share how leaders and employees alike can better identify emotions in moments of conflict, recognize the early warning signs of burnout, and create healthier responses in high-stress situations. We also explore Jamie’s “Take 5 Method,” a simple but powerful framework designed to help employees pause, process, and respond more intentionally. Along the way, they offer practical tips any management company can implement right away to support their teams and build a more sustainable workplace culture. If you’re looking for practical tools to help your team thrive, not just survive, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and actionable strategies. workplace culture, workplace burnout, building a healthy workplace culture, property management, employee burnout prevention, burnout, leadership, multifamily housing, signs of burnout false full 4     ded028f5-54c7-44ff-bee3-42ff26cc7e7a Leiona Newell's Story References

    • 51% of extremely low-income renter householders are seniors or people with disabilities.
    • 40% are in the labor force, in school, or are single-adult caregivers (including caregivers of children or family members with disabilities).
    • Of extremely low-income renters in the labor force, 42% usually work full-time (40+ hours/week).
      • from the National Low Income Housing Coalition Website
    ]]>     Mon, 23 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000 renee@rootedred.com (Leiona Newell) https://the-sahma-exchange.simplecast.com/episodes/leiona-newells-story-Cr__HKx0 References

    • 51% of extremely low-income renter householders are seniors or people with disabilities.
    • 40% are in the labor force, in school, or are single-adult caregivers (including caregivers of children or family members with disabilities).
    • Of extremely low-income renters in the labor force, 42% usually work full-time (40+ hours/week).
      • from the National Low Income Housing Coalition Website
    ]]>     Leiona Newell's Story Leiona Newell 00:18:44 This week on The SAHMA Exchange, we sit down with Leiona Newell, Regional Property Manager at Westminster Company, for a candid and refreshing conversation about purpose in affordable housing. Leiona shares how she “accidentally” found her way into the industry and why she stayed. From filling unexpected staffing gaps to leading with empathy under pressure, she opens up about the real, behind-the-scenes challenges property management professionals face every day. We also tackle the stigma surrounding affordable housing and why it’s time to change the narrative. Most importantly, Leiona reminds us of the heart behind the work — the families, the communities, and the impact that goes far beyond compliance and checklists. If you’ve been buried in the minutia lately, this episode is a breath of fresh air and a chance to pause and remember why we do what we do. This week on The SAHMA Exchange, we sit down with Leiona Newell, Regional Property Manager at Westminster Company, for a candid and refreshing conversation about purpose in affordable housing. Leiona shares how she “accidentally” found her way into the industry and why she stayed. From filling unexpected staffing gaps to leading with empathy under pressure, she opens up about the real, behind-the-scenes challenges property management professionals face every day. We also tackle the stigma surrounding affordable housing and why it’s time to change the narrative. Most importantly, Leiona reminds us of the heart behind the work — the families, the communities, and the impact that goes far beyond compliance and checklists. If you’ve been buried in the minutia lately, this episode is a breath of fresh air and a chance to pause and remember why we do what we do. affordable housing, leiona newell, sahma podcast, sahma, sahma leadership false full 3     e838e1a1-8e0e-444d-a64b-15345af77dc8 Forecasting with Breana & Sonja Mon, 9 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0000 renee@rootedred.com (Breana Thomas, Sonja Horn) https://the-sahma-exchange.simplecast.com/episodes/forecasting-with-breana-sonja-_eoDNWuC Forecasting with Breana & Sonja Breana Thomas, Sonja Horn 00:41:01 In this episode of The SAHMA Exchange, where policy, people, and property management meet, we’re looking ahead to what 2026 may bring for the affordable housing industry. We’re joined by Sonja Horn, President of Dash Compliance, and Breana Thomas, Director of Policy, Procedures, and Training at Fairstead, for a candid and practical forecasting conversation. Together, we discuss what feels fundamentally different about this moment in the industry, the ongoing evolution of HOTMA, insurance pressures, staffing and recruitment challenges, and the growing role of technology and AI. We also touch on Southeast-specific considerations and close on a hopeful note - what’s working, what’s improving, and what we hope to look back on as progress by 2027. In this episode of The SAHMA Exchange, where policy, people, and property management meet, we’re looking ahead to what 2026 may bring for the affordable housing industry. We’re joined by Sonja Horn, President of Dash Compliance, and Breana Thomas, Director of Policy, Procedures, and Training at Fairstead, for a candid and practical forecasting conversation. Together, we discuss what feels fundamentally different about this moment in the industry, the ongoing evolution of HOTMA, insurance pressures, staffing and recruitment challenges, and the growing role of technology and AI. We also touch on Southeast-specific considerations and close on a hopeful note - what’s working, what’s improving, and what we hope to look back on as progress by 2027. staffing, affordable housing, hotma, southeast us housing, recruiting, insurance, sahma false full 2 a28fe34c-803d-49fe-aeb7-11880623ecae Dennis McWilliams' Story The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the Southeastern Affordable Housing Management Association (SAHMA).

    ]]>     Fri, 23 Jan 2026 20:58:08 +0000 renee@rootedred.com (Dennis McWilliams) https://the-sahma-exchange.simplecast.com/episodes/dennis-mcwilliams-story-rKMPF7XF The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the Southeastern Affordable Housing Management Association (SAHMA).

    ]]>     Dennis McWilliams' Story Dennis McWilliams 00:23:47 In this episode of The SAHMA Exchange, we sit down with Dennis McWilliams, immediate past president of SAHMA and a Regional Property Manager with The Michaels Organization, for a candid conversation about his journey in affordable housing. Dennis shares how he found his way into the industry almost by accident, the resident experiences that shaped his leadership style, and why affordable housing has become a career, and a calling, for him. We also talk about his love of travel, the lessons it’s taught him about people and community, and how those experiences inform his work today. The conversation closes with a look at the future of affordable housing and why workforce development, education, and professional growth remain critical priorities for SAHMA members and the industry as a whole. In this episode of The SAHMA Exchange, we sit down with Dennis McWilliams, immediate past president of SAHMA and a Regional Property Manager with The Michaels Organization, for a candid conversation about his journey in affordable housing. Dennis shares how he found his way into the industry almost by accident, the resident experiences that shaped his leadership style, and why affordable housing has become a career, and a calling, for him. We also talk about his love of travel, the lessons it’s taught him about people and community, and how those experiences inform his work today. The conversation closes with a look at the future of affordable housing and why workforce development, education, and professional growth remain critical priorities for SAHMA members and the industry as a whole. sahma exchange podcast, affordable housing leadership, resident-centered housing, multifamily affordable housing, workforce development, property management, southeastern affordable housing, sahma podcast, affordable housing education, dennis mcwillliams, regional property manager, the michaels organization, sahma leadership false full 1