2015 Annual Conference & Exhibition
SUNDAY, MAY 17
2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Hotel Lobby
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
EXHIBIT HALL VIEWING
Grand I/Osterville
Please become acquainted with our vendors and the products and services they offer your agency.
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
RECEPTION
Grand I/Osterville
Co-Sponsored by:
MassNAHRO Insurance Group, Inc.
MMDT
7:00 PM
DINNER & KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Bass River
Keynote Address
Speaker: Senate President Pro Tempore Marc Pacheco of Taunton, Lead Sponsor LHA Reform Bill
9:00 PM
COFFEE & COOKIES
Lobby Coffee Bar
Sponsored by: Execu-Tech Consultants
MONDAY, MAY 18
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
8:00 AM
BREAKFAST
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Bass River
Grand Ballroom Foyer
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
1. Plenary Session: Managing Change – The Future of Local Housing Authorities Grand II Speakers will address the major changes associated with the implementation locally of Chapter 235, the perception
and implications nationally of the initiatives in Massachusetts, and the prospects for future preservation and
revitalization of locally governed public housing.
Moderator: Colleen Doherty, President, MassNAHRO and Executive Director, Taunton H.A.
Presenters: Jeffrey A. Lines, President, TAG Associates, Nationally known public housing and MassNAHRO
Consultant; Thomas Connelly, Executive Director, MassNAHRO; Steve Merritt, Senior VP, National NAHRO
10:30 AM– 12:00 PM
EXHIBIT HALL VIEWING
Grand I/Osterville
Please visit with our vendors while you enjoy fresh coffee or soda.
REFRESHMENT BREAK
Sponsored by: Southeastern Massachusetts Executive Directors Association (SMEDA)
10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
SILENT AUCTION
Grand Ballroom Foyer
All proceeds benefit the MassNAHRO Past Presidents Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Bidding will close Tuesday, May 19, at 6:30 PM.
10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
2. Yardsticks and Helping Hands: How Performance Monitoring and Regional Capital Assistance Will Impact
Your Housing Authority Grand II DHCD Directors will give a detailed presentation on the soon-to-launch Performance Monitoring and Regional Capital
Assistance Team (RCAT) Programs. They’ll cover scopes, benchmarks, timelines, and next steps before opening up
the floor for questions.
Presenters: Steve Carvalho, Associate Director, Division of Housing & Rental Assistance; Sarah Glassman,
Deputy Associate Director, Division of Housing and Rental Assistance; Amy Stitely, Director of Bureau of
Housing Development & Construction; and Laura Taylor, Director, and Mirna Concepcion DeRodriguez,
Assistant Director, Bureau of Housing Management
3. Open Meeting Law
Centerville
A review of the revised Open Meeting Law and the obligations it imposes upon public bodies, including changes to
the timing of notice, substantive notice requirements, as well as the content, maintenance and disclosure of
minutes. Bring your Open Meeting Law questions!
Presenter: Tom McEnaney, Esq, Kopelman & Paige, PC
12:15 PM
LUNCH
Bass River
Presentation of Longevity Awards, Board Member Certification Awards &
Massachusetts Public Housing Administrator (MPHA) Certification Awards
Guest Speakers: Rep. Kevin G. Honan, House Chair,
Joint Committee on Housing, Massachusetts House of Representatives;
Undersecretary Chrystal Kornegay, Department of Housing and Community Development
2:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Centerville
4. Crime Prevention – Security, Violence, Drugs and Guns in Public Housing
Dealing with criminal activity, including drugs, guns, and violence, presents a major challenge to Housing
Authorities. Having the tools to both prevent and respond to these challenges is essential to the mission of
providing safe, decent, and affordable housing. This session will provide an overview of the legal and practical
approaches available to Housing Authorities to both prevent such activity, and to respond and remove offending
residents and visitors. We will review the security, intelligence and infrastructure monitoring through the use of IP
camera solutions, video management systems and the program of crime prevention through environmental design.
We will then discuss the legal options available, including the effective use of G.L. c.139, § 19 and G.L. c. 121B, §
32C, as well as proven techniques to significantly reduce criminal activity.
Moderator: Dan Ouellette, Executive Director, Salisbury H.A.
Presenters: Lieutenant John M. Grennon (Ret.), Security Consultant, Lan-TEL; Jeffrey C, Turk, Esq., Turk &
Quijano, LLP
5. Is Your Board Good, Bad, or Indifferent? Tips to Improve the Effectiveness of Your LHA Board Orleans
This session will provide an in depth presentation as to the collective role and legal responsibilities of your LHA
Board, as well as the responsibilities of each individual member of the Board. Discussion will focus on the Board’s
responsibility for various functions of the LHA including, but not limited to, governance, the hiring of an executive
director, evaluation of the executive director, approval of policy, oversight of the LHA, relationships of the board with
the executive director, residents, local officials, etc. Members’ responsibilities with regard to the Open Meeting Law
and the State Ethics Law will also be discussed.
Moderator: Kelley Cronin, Executive Director, Acton H.A.
Presenters: Jeffrey L. Driscoll, Esq. and Jonathan L. Driscoll, Esq., Driscoll & Driscoll, PC
6. Public Housing Portal
Grand II Over the past year, DHCD and MassIT have partnered to create the Public Housing Portal, software for an online
application and centralized database for state-aided public housing applicants. The presentation will show the
interface for both applicants and housing authorities and discuss how this system will change (or not) the work flow
for housing authorities in processing applicants, filling units, and updating waitlists. We will also address regulatory
and policy changes and lay out anticipated next steps for pilot and roll-out. The presentation will be followed by time
for questions. Demos will be available in the DHCD Resource Room.
Moderator: Brian Costello, Executive Director, Watertown H.A.
Presenters: Luella Wong, Technology Team Leader, MassIT; Juliana Gamble, Manager of Special Initiatives
and Chris DeVore, Assistant Director, Bureau of Housing Management, DHCD
3:15 PM - 4:30 PM
7. Upcoming Accounting Topics: GASB 68 & Agreed Upon Procedures
Orleans
This session will discuss two emerging accounting and auditing issues that will affect local housing authorities
beginning in 2015 - DHCD’s Agreed Upon Procedures requirement and GASB 68: Accounting and Financial
Reporting for Pensions. Learn what you can expect and what you need to do to prepare.
Moderator: Connie Desbiens, Executive Director, Dartmouth H.A.
Panelists: Gary L. DePace, CPA; Michael Guyder, CPA
8. Bio-Hazard Safety: How to Keep Safe Upon Entering a Death or Bio-hazardous Scene
Centerville
Attendees will examine response protection methods involving meth labs, Sick or "hoarding" houses, bed bugs,
scabies, hepatitis, HIV, MRSA, tuberculosis, CJD or “mad cow” disease, feces, and ebola. Every situation you
encounter has the potential to be harmful to you, your co-workers and your family! Hear stories and lessons learned
of people who have been exposed throughout the years while on the job and how you can mitigate your risk. You will
see real scenes that 24 Trauma has cleaned up, and learn safety precautions you should be taking when faced with
brain tissue, blood, and other harmful elements.
Moderator: Karen Rudd, Executive Director, Bridgewater H.A.
Presenters: Mike Wiseman, Owner, and Kerry Gilmore, Director of Sales and Marketing, 24 Trauma
9. Navigating the Updated Salary Guidelines for New Executive Directors
Grand II
This workshop will outline how the guideline components and factors interact, use of the calculation worksheet, new
salary ranges, state/federal budget prorations, and possibility of eligibility for locally approved revisions.
Moderator: Thomas J. Connelly, Executive Director, MassNAHRO
Presenter: Paul J. Johnson, Jr., Principal, Professional Housing Associates, and creator of the Salary
Guidelines
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
EXHIBIT HALL VIEWING
Grand I/Osterville
Please become acquainted with our vendors who feature the latest products
and services available to the housing industry.
4:30 PM
MassNAHRO Ins. Group, Inc. Annual Meeting
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
RECEPTION
Barnstable II
Grand I/Osterville
Co-Sponsored by: MassNAHRO Insurance Group, Inc.
Driscoll & Driscoll, PC
7:00 PM
9:00 PM
DINNER & ANNUAL ELECTION
Bass River
Annual Awards presentations by MassNAHRO President Colleen Doherty
COFFEE & COOKIES
Lobby Coffee Bar
Sponsored by: Execu-Tech Consultants
TUESDAY, MAY 19
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
BREAKFAST
Bass River
8:30 AM
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Grand Ballroom Foyer
9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
SILENT AUCTION – Place Your Bid
Grand Ballroom Foyer
All proceeds benefit the MassNAHRO Past Presidents Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Bidding will close Tuesday, May 19, at 6:30 PM.
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
10. Housing Authority Employees and Board Members and the Campaign Finance Law
Grand I
Can public employees support candidates? Can a candidate campaign on housing authority property? These and
other questions will be answered by the Massachusetts of Office of Campaign and Political Finance, which will
review the impact of the state’s campaign finance law on housing authority employees.
Moderator: Jennifer Polito, Operations Manager, MassNAHRO
Presenter: Michael Sullivan, Director, Office of Campaign Finance
11. Best Practices in LHA Collaborations, Interagency Agreements and Peer Mentors Grand II
62 LHAs either participate in a consortium or share an Executive Director. Come hear what LHAs have learned
through experience with interagency collaborations - benefits and pitfalls to be avoided, fiscal and governance
aspects, and the successful use of peer intervention in crisis situations.
Moderator: Leila Botsford, Executive Director, Mashpee H.A.
Presenters: Peter Proulx, Executive Director, Leominster, Fitchburg, Sterling & Lunenburg H.A.s; Connie
Desbiens, Executive Director, Dartmouth & Swansea H.A.; Candace Loewen, Millis and Medfield H.A.s
12. Safety at Work: Managing Your Workers’ Compensation Claims
Osterville
Whenever an employee is injured at work, the best outcome is to have them properly treated and returned back to
their job as quickly as possible. The longer an injured employee remains out of work, the harder it is to get them
back to work, and the more expensive the claim will be. Is your housing authority taking the correct actions to
support a prompt return to work? Do you understand the claims process? Do you know what benefits are payable
to your employees under your workers' compensation insurance policy? This session will teach you how to
effectively participate in the management of your worker's compensation claims, and ultimately reduce your claims
costs. Presented by the MassNAHRO Insurance Group, Inc.
Moderator: Lisa Audette, Executive Director, Franklin H.A.
Presenter: David Matosky, Certified Risk Manager, CMS Associates, Inc.
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
REFRESHMENT BREAK
Grand Ballroom Foyer
Sponsored by: North Shore Executive Director Associates (NSHEDA)
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM
13. HUD Public Housing and Section 8 Management Update Grand II
This popular session will address the latest in HUD regulations, reporting requirements, program changes and
funding reductions as they impact the administration of federal public housing and Section 8 HCV. The potential
local impact of the changes Congress continues to seek in key HUD programs will be discussed. This session is a
must for PHA administrators. Time will be provided for Q&A.
Moderator: Matthew Mainville, Executive Director, Holyoke H.A.
Presenters: Marilyn O’Sullivan, Director, HUD New England Office of Public Housing; Robert Cwieka, Deputy
Director, HUD New England Office of Public Housing
14. Employment Law Topics – A Helping Hand
Grand I This workshop will cover some of the topics every executive director needs to know when it comes to personnel
matters. Regional Attorneys Pat Grace and Karen Ahlers will offer suggestions for attracting, interviewing,
training and retaining qualified and talented personnel. Even with your best efforts on training, evaluation and
development, performance may go awry. Pat and Karen will give you useful tools and practices for these situations,
including properly documenting employee files. Privacy and confidentiality and civil service rules will be discussed.
Sample documents will be provided.
Moderator: Joanne Toomey. Executive Director, Dedham H.A.
Presenters: Karen Ahlers, Regional Attorney for Central Massachusetts and Pat Grace, Regional Attorney for
Southeastern Mass, Cape and Islands
15. LHA and the Role of the Inspector General Osterville
This presentation will discuss the mission and history of the Office of the Inspector General, the multi-faceted role
the Office has in the prevention and detection of fraud, waste and abuse, the Office’s contribution to “housing
reform,” and what LHAs can expect if they need our assistance or if an LHA is the subject of an investigation.
Moderator: Peter Proulx, Executive Director, Leominster H.A.
Panelists: Glenn Cunha, Inspector General; Neil Cohen, Deputy Director, Audit Oversight & Investigations;
Joyce McEntee-Emmett, Director, MCPPO Program - Office of the Inspector General
12:15 PM
PAST PRESIDENTS LUNCHEON
Bass River
Presentation of 2015 Past Presidents Memorial Scholarships
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
16. Board Member Roundtable – Changing Policies and Programs Ostervile
This interactive session is designed to foster the exchange of information and experiences on issues, innovations
and solutions by those charged with overseeing and setting policy for LHAs. With so many changes underway,
discussion and questions are encouraged. Training opportunities and mandates will be addressed as well.
Discussion Leaders: Catherine Luna, Board Member, Dedham H.A.; Karen Ahlers, Regional Attorney for
Central Massachusetts and Pat Grace, Regional Attorney for Southeastern Mass, Cape and Islands; Rick
Leco, Board Member, North Attleboro H.A.; Donna Brown-Rego, Board Member, Dedham H.A.
17. Addressing Small Authority Roundtable – Local Changes, Challenges and Concerts in LHA Administration Grand
I
This popular forum will cover diverse topics including the impact of the changes underway, strategies for coping with
local capacity, oversight issues, local problem solving, and other topics as needed.
Discussion Leaders: Tom Connelly, MassNAHRO; Leila Botsford, MassNAHRO VP for Small LHAs, Connie
Desbiens, Chair, MassNAHRO Professional Development Committee; and Colleen Doherty, Chair, MassNAHRO
Housing Committee; Lisa Audette, Executive Director, Franklin H.A.
5:30 – 7:00 PM
RECEPTION
Hyannisport
Silent Auction to benefit the Past Presidents Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Bidding will close at 6:30 PM.
7:00 PM
9:00 PM
DINNER BUFFET
Bass River
COFFEE & COOKIES
Lobby Coffee Bar
Sponsored by: Execu-Tech Consultants
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Wrap Up Roundtable
BREAKFAST
Bass River
Cape Cod
This interactive session provides delegates with an issues recap and information on specific topics as determined by
the audience. It provides a chance to render conference feedback and raise issues and items for future sessions.
Questions and comments are encouraged.
Facilitators: Tom Connelly and Members of the MassNAHRO Leadership