Douglas M. Bibby is President of the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), a national organization of more than 1,100 member firms involved in the multifamily housing industry. Under his leadership NMHC represents the industry on Capitol Hill and before the regulatory agencies, promotes research and the exchange of information, and advocates for rental housing across a broad spectrum of issues. Prior to joining NMHC, Bibby spent 16 years as a senior officer of Fannie Mae, where he served on the company’s Management Committee throughout his tenure. He was part of the top management team that is credited with the remarkable turnaround at Fannie Mae in the book Good to Great.
Bibby began his career with the worldwide communications firm J. Walter Thompson where he served a variety of clients both domestically and internationally over his 12-year career with the company. At the time of his departure from J. Walter Thompson, he was Senior Vice President and General Manager of the firm’s Washington, D.C. operations. Bibby has been active in the non-profit community of Washington, D.C. for the past 30 years.
Bibby graduated from Denison University with a B.A. degree and was honored with the university’s Alumni Citation Award in 2004. He also holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
Deborah D. Lee is Vice President, Administration, with responsibility for NMHC’s internal operations, information systems, office management, and human resources. Deborah has over 18 years of management experience in operations and office management. For seven years previous to her present position at NMHC she served as Executive Assistant to the President and as Senior Director of Human Resources with primary responsibility for the support of the office of the President and support of the Senior Vice President of Finance and Operations. Prior to joining NMHC, Deborah was employed with CTA Incorporated, where she served as a Senior Administrative Assistant to the Program Manager on-site at the headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, DC. Deborah also worked as an Assistant Director of an early education franchise, with responsibility for feasibility studies for the acquisition of real estate to be used primarily for the establishment of early childhood education centers. Deborah attended University of Maryland University College, Adelphi, Maryland; State University of New York at New Paltz; and Montgomery College, Rockville, Maryland.
Kim Duty
Senior Vice President, Public Affairs and Industry Initiatives
Kimberly Duty is Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Industry Initiatives for the National Multifamily Housing Council. She has lead responsibility for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategic communications program for the Council and for directing the association’s industry technology initiative.
She oversees and directs three broad initiatives: NMHC's member information/content strategy, including digital/web communications; public affairs and public relations; and special industry initiatives, most importantly the association’s work to create an ecosystem that encourages industry innovation in areas such as PropTech, FinTech and ConstructionTech.
Prior to joining NMHC, Kim served as Assistant Director of the National Association of Home Builders' Multifamily Council where she managed the Council's legislative and regulatory issues and directed the group's communications and public relations program.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (Phi Beta Kappa) in International Relations from The College of William & Mary. Following graduation, she spent 18 months in Berlin, Germany working at the Berlin Public Affairs Office during the fall of the Berlin wall. Kim also holds a Masters in Public Policy from Georgetown University. She is an active member of the Urban Land Institute and Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), including serving as a past president of the Denver CREW chapter.
Rick Haughey is Vice President, Industry Technology Initiatives. He works to create an ecosystem that fosters technology-facilitated innovation in the apartment sector by providing educational resources, creating networking opportunities to share best practices, convening experts, and implementing member-driven initiatives that move the industry forward. Rick works closely with four member committees focused on Technology, Telecom, Marketing and Innovation and run by industry leaders who guide the NMHC program of work in these areas. Working with the NMHC Director of Programming and NMHC colleagues, he executes the annual OPTECH Conference and Trade Show. Prior to joining NMHC, Rick spent many years at the Urban Land Institute, where he was Director of Multifamily Development and authored numerous publications. Rick served as Senior Fellow at the National Housing Conference, and has worked as a planner at the town, county and regional levels and as a market analyst. Rick holds a Master of Science in Real Estate from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Planning from the University of Maryland.
Jim Lapides is a Vice President at the National Multifamily Housing Council, where he leads multidisciplinary initiatives designed to elevate the industry and its issues among policymakers, the media and the broader real estate sector. He is also responsible for the Council’s nationwide efforts on rent control and serves as a spokesperson for the industry.
Before joining NMHC, he held positions at the American Society of Landscape Architects and the National Association of Home Builders, and worked with Department of Defense, the Department of Transportation and AARP while at FleishmanHillard. He holds a B.A. from Denison University and a M.A. from Johns Hopkins University.
Sarah Yaussi is Vice President, Business Strategy, with primary responsibility for managing NMHC’s business information and marketing strategy. This includes producing print, digital and interactive content for the website, member communications, research publications, trade press outlets and industry conferences. Prior to joining NMHC, Sarah served as editor of Big Builder magazine, a Hanley Wood publication for senior executives at the largest public and private home builders. Sarah holds B.A. in English from Colgate University and a Masters in Journalism from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.
Colin Dunn is Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, with primary responsibility for the Council’s advocacy communications, stakeholder outreach, media relations and member communications. Before joining NMHC, he held positions of increasing responsibility at Porter Novelli, JDA Frontline and Deloitte, developing and executing communications strategy across a variety of industries and issue areas such as biopharmaceuticals, financial services, international trade and agrichemicals. His public affairs, advocacy and media relations work has earned awards from the Holmes Report and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). He holds a B.A. in Political Science and International Relations from American University.
Alison Johnson Is Director, Programming, with responsibility to organize and implement high-level educational content for NMHC meetings. With experience in finance and nonprofit management, Alison is a practiced program manager having conducted research and knowledge sharing initiatives in a variety of subject matters, including urbanization, leadership, and community building. Alison earned a Master of Urban Planning from the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New York University and a B.A. in Political and Economic Philosophy from Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, WV.
Racquel Madlala is Associate Director, Communications and Marketing, with the primary responsibility of planning and supporting NMHC’s digital publishing, marketing and communications initiatives. Prior to joining NMHC, Racquel assisted with communications at various small-business development agencies in Durban, South Africa and provided services to USAID on health promotion communications and leadership development. Racquel completed her undergraduate degree in Communications from the University of Maryland and holds a Master of Science degree in Strategic Communications from Purdue University.
Joslyn Hatfield-Eng is the Senior Manager of Policy Communications, with primary responsibility for the Council’s advocacy communications. Before joining NMHC, she held various media-related positions – including a role as a Web Producer for U.S. News & World Report. Joslyn holds a B.A. in Political Science and Journalism from Adrian College – a private, liberal arts college located in Southeast Michigan.
Jessica Cheng is the Web Manager for NMHC, with the primary responsibility of developing, managing and maintaining NMHC’s website and digital initiatives. Prior to joining NMHC, Jessica managed the day-to-day website operations of the American College of Cardiology, a non-profit medical association with more than 52,000 members dedicated to transforming cardiovascular care and to improve heart health. She has also worked for Inside Mortgage Finance, a Bethesda, MD-based company providing B2B news and statistics on the residential mortgage business. Jessica holds a BSJ from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism along with a second major in Classics.
Conor Ellis is Marketing Associate with the responsibility of supporting NMHC’s digital marketing and branding initiatives. Prior to working at NMHC, Conor interned at the Grand Rapids Pride Center and Social Driver Digital Agency, supporting internal digital marketing efforts, graphic design, and community outreach. Conor graduated from Aquinas College with a BA in Business Administration and a minor in Art History.
Cindy Vosper Chetti is Senior Vice President for Government Affairs, with responsibility for implementing strategy for all legislative and regulatory issues of interest to the National Multi Housing Council and National Apartment Association Joint Legislative Program. For the previous 10 years, Chetti was the lead housing policy expert for the House Financial Services Committee, working as a member of the Senior Professional Staff for the Committee’s Republicans. Prior to that, she served six years with the House Financial Services Committee's Financial Services and Consumer Credit subcommittee. Chetti began her career working for former Congresswoman Marge Roukema (R-NJ), rising from a legislative assistant to Chief of Staff. Chetti holds a B.S. from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University.
Eileen C. Lee, Ph.D., is Vice President for Energy and Environmental Policy, with responsibility for representing the interests of the multifamily industry before Congress and federal agencies on a variety of issues related to energy and environmental quality. Prior to joining the Council, Eileen served as Staff Director of the Environment Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science degrees from Villanova University and received a Ph.D. in microbiology from The Catholic University of America. Eileen served as a National Research Council Fellow and a Congressional Science Fellow and has received an appointment from the Governor of Virginia to the Citizens’ Advisory Council on Furnishing and Interpreting the Executive Mansion.
Lisa E. Blackwell is Vice President, Housing Policy and has primary responsibility for federal level housing issues for the NMHC/National Apartment Association Joint Legislative Program. Lisa has more than 25 years of government affairs and real estate experience. Before joining the Council, Lisa was the Managing Director of Government Affairs for the American Institute of Architects, where she developed legislative strategies on behalf of the nation's architects. Prior to that, she spent nine years with the National Association of Realtors working on a variety of housing issues. She also lobbied on behalf of Cornell University and worked for two members of Congress from New York State. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the State University of New York College at Fredonia.
Paula Cino
Vice President, Construction, Development and Land Use Policy
Paula M. Cino is Vice President, Construction, Development and Land Use Policy, with primary responsibility for federal policy issues related to building design and construction including building codes, fair housing, sustainability, infrastructure and regulatory compliance. Before joining NMHC, Paula served as a national security investigator and earned a Juris Doctorate from Tulane School of Law. Paula also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and Law and Society from American University and is a member of the Maryland State Bar.
Matthew M. Berger is Vice President of Tax and Vice President of Student Housing. In his tax role, Matthew represents the interests of the multifamily industry before Congress and federal agencies on tax issues. Matthew also co-leads NMHC’s student housing efforts to ensure the industry’s information, networking and advocacy needs are represented. Prior to coming to NMHC, Matthew worked on the staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship under the leadership of former Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-ME). Before his time on the Hill, Matthew was National Tax Manager for Deloitte Tax LLP in Washington, DC, where he covered the formulation of tax policy in Congress. Matthew graduated from Stanford University.
Dave Borsos is Vice President, Capital Markets and has primary responsibility for managing and guiding NMHC’s multifamily finance policy as it relates to federal legislative and regulatory issues impacting housing finance reform, the Federal Housing Administration and the regulation of financial markets. Dave has over 30 years of experience in real estate capital markets, banking and the sustainable energy markets. Before joining the Council, Dave ran DJB Enterprises whose primary focus was advisory services focused on the financial and energy markets for new business opportunities from inception through execution. He also spent 16 years at Freddie Mac in a variety of leadership roles within their Capital Markets groups focused both on the single and multifamily markets. Dave holds a BS in Chemical Engineering and an MBA in Finance from the University of Maryland.
Lisa Costello is Vice President of Political Affairs, with primary responsibility for directing and overseeing the operations of the NMHC Political Action Committee. Lisa utilizes her extensive experience in Washington to strengthen the political and advocacy efforts of NMHC’s government affairs department. Moving to DC from New Hampshire, she began her career on Capitol Hill working for her hometown Member of Congress. She later transitioned into the private sector, as a government affairs executive with several influential associations including The Independent Insurance Agents of America and US Telecom Association. Prior to joining NMHC, Lisa spent 13 years with the American Hotel & Lodging Association, where she advocated on an array of federal issues, oversaw PAC operations for the industry-leading HotelPAC and advised member companies on legislative and regulatory compliance issues.
Kevin Donnelly is Vice President for Government Affairs, with responsibility for representing the interests of the multifamily industry before Congress and federal agencies. Prior to joining the Council, Kevin served as a Legislative Representative for the National Association of Realtors. Kevin also spent over seven years on Capitol Hill as senior staff for two members of the House, first for Rep. Steve Rothman (NJ) and finally for Rep. Phil Hare (IL). Kevin has a wide array of public policy experience and has served in numerous capacities on a variety of political campaigns throughout his career. Kevin completed his undergraduate studies at Rutgers University, has done post-baccalaureate work at National Defense University, and completed his Masters in Public Management at Johns Hopkins University.
Kimble Ratliff is Vice President of Government Affairs for NMHC. He is responsible for a variety of housing policy and finance-related issues including reform of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, HUD’s multifamily and affordable housing programs, appropriations, and immigration reform. He joined NMHC from the Committee on Financial Services in Congress where he was a member of the Housing Subcommittee professional staff during the financial crisis and consideration of Dodd-Frank. He previously worked for a Dallas based private equity firm and for A.I.G. in their Global Investments Group. Kimble holds a BA in Public Policy from Southern Methodist University and a Masters in Real Estate Finance from Georgetown University.
Julianne Goodfellow is Vice President, Government Affairs, with primary responsibility for data privacy, technology, property operations and regulatory reform from both an industry and federal policy perspective. In addition to her federal government affairs work, Julianne spearheads strategic initiatives including NMHC’s Diversity & Inclusion Initiative, a comprehensive effort to advance diversity and inclusion for the multifamily housing industry. Prior to joining NMHC, Julianne served as legislative assistant and district representative to Congressman Bill Delahunt. She also served as legislative director for a Massachusetts state representative. Julianne holds a Bachelor of Arts from the College of the Holy Cross.
Kevin Cameron is the Director of NMHC PAC with primary responsibility for carrying out the day-to-day PAC operations, compliance needs, and helping to craft the overall strategic plan for the PAC. Prior to joining the Council, Kevin served as Rep. John Larson’s (CT) Political Director, tasked with overseeing the Congressman’s overarching political and fundraising strategies. Kevin holds a B.A. in Political Science and Public Policy from the George Washington University.
Daria Dudzinski assists with the team's array of projects, grassroots outreach, political communications, and PAC ventures. She also administers the NMHC cybersecurity alert system. Daria joined the team after interning with NMHC's Government Affairs and Communications departments. Before NMHC, she gained hands-on industry experience through an internship with a D.C. residential trust. Daria graduated with honors from American University. She holds a B.A. in Public Relations and Strategic Communications with a focus in Political Science and public affairs leadership strategy.
Deanita Davis, CMP, is Vice President of Meetings, with primary responsibility for administering, coordinating, and managing all aspects of NMHC's meetings. Deanita has over 20 years of experience planning and managing a variety of events and conferences. Prior to joining NMHC, she was the Conference & Meetings Director at Sister Cities International. Deanita holds a Bachelor of Arts from The American University and Master of Tourism Administration from The George Washington University.
Susan Yuk is Senior Director, Membership and Database, with primary responsibility for managing NMHC's databases and data integration. Previously, Susan has worked at the Heart Rhythm Society and National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. Susan holds a B.A. in International Affairs from The George Washington University.
Melissa Rowan, CMP, is Senior Director, Sponsorships and Exhibits with primary responsibility for coordinating, implementing and managing all aspects of NMHC meetings and sponsorships. Melissa has over 6 years of experience planning and managing a variety of events, conferences, and trade shows. Melissa has a B.A. in Communications from Marymount University.
LaFayette Flowers is Membership Manager, with responsibility for coordinating and administering membership services including meetings, and database maintenance. Prior to joining NMHC, La Fayette was employed by Pitney Bowes Management Services as a site representative. La Fayette has also worked as an intern at the United States Department of Energy where he received a superior achievement award for developing a classification system for the Defense Nuclear Facility Safety Board.
Nathalie Rollins is Manager, Membership and Database, with primary responsibility for managing and providing quality membership customer service as well as database management & reporting. Previously, Nathalie has worked with several membership organizations in both the higher education and medical device industries. Nathalie has over 17 years of experience as a database manager and administrator. Nathalie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Sarita de la Torre is Manager of Meetings, with primary responsibility for coordinating and implementing all aspects of NMHC meetings. Sarita has over two years of experience in planning logistics for a variety of events and conference. Sarita holds a B.B.A. in Business Management from Loyola University Maryland.
LeVoniann (Toni) Sampson is Membership and Administrative Associate, with responsibility for providing membership and meeting customer service. Her previous experience includes more than 26 years with Bell Atlantic and AT&T as a customer service assistant and instructor, and serving as a receptionist with two major Washington, D.C. law firms.
Kenny Emson is Chief Operating Officer, with principal responsibility for NMHC’s internal operations and finance functions including accounting, NMHC meetings, membership, human resources, information systems, and office management. Prior to joining NMHC, Kenny served as Chief Development Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region, a philanthropic nonprofit that pools $350 million in charitable donations to make grants that benefit both Washington-area and national charities. During his time there, Kenny helped the foundation grow from $50 million in assets to $350 million and saw the staff grow from 10 to 26. Kenny is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from The George Washington University.
Betsy Feigin Befus
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Strategic Initiatives
Betsy Feigin Befus is Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Strategic Initiatives, with principal responsibility for developing legal strategies and providing guidance to advance organizational goals across NMHC’s functional areas. She also has primary responsibility for the Council’s legal advocacy and amicus brief program. Betsy leads NMHC’s Diversity & Inclusion Initiative, a comprehensive effort to advance diversity and inclusion for the multifamily housing industry. Prior to joining NMHC in 2001, Betsy served as Attorney Advisor with the U.S. Department of Labor, where she drafted legal decisions issued by the Department. Betsy is a member of the District of Columbia and Colorado Bars.
Dave Knerler
Senior Director, Technology
Dave Knerler is Senior Director of Technology, with responsibility for maintaining NMHC computer systems and network, including providing all end user support, managing all server systems, and the telephone/voicemail system. Dave served as IT Manager for Finet, one of the first mortgage brokerages in the country to use laptop computer technology for originating residential real estate loans by loan agents in the field. Dave managed IT for Rent Net through their expansion into Move.com, continuing on after a buyout by Homestore. Prior to relocating from California in 2008, he managed Information Technology for Yerba Beuna Center for the Arts in San Francisco and most recently served at the Studio Theatre in Washington DC where he was Director of Information Technology. Dave has over 20 years of IT experience, working the past eight years exclusively for non-profit organizations.
Myrra Bariring is Director of Accounting, with responsibility for cash disbursements, cash receipts and general accounting. Prior to joining NMHC, Myrra was the Accounting Manager for the American Public Transportation Association and prior to that, she spent sixteen years as the Accounting Manager for Pacific Scientific Instruments. Myrra brings 27 years of accounting experience to NMHC. Myrra received her BSC degree in Economics and Finance at the Polytechnic University in Manila, Philippines.
Candace Thomas is Senior Administrative Associate, with responsibility for assisting and providing administrative support to the President, executive office and assistance in the general operation of the Council. Prior to joining NMHC, Candace was Receptionist and Department Assistant for United HealthCare where she provided administrative and organizational support. Candace holds an Associate of Arts degree in General Studies from Trinity Washington University. Candace is currently working on completing her Bachelor’s degree.
Mark Obrinsky
Senior Vice President, Research and Chief Economist
Mark H. Obrinsky, Ph.D., is Senior Vice President for Research and Chief Economist. with principal responsibility for housing and economic research. Mark was formerly Director of Regulatory Policy at Fannie Mae. Previous positions at Fannie Mae included Director of Applied Portfolio Research and Senior Economist. Prior to joining Fannie Mae, Mark was Deputy Director of the Economics Department at the U.S. League of Savings Institutions. His academic experience includes seven years teaching Economics at the University of Delaware and Bradley University. His work on housing, mortgage finance, and economic theory has appeared in leading professional and industry publications. Mark holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (with honors) in Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania.
Caitlin Sugrue Walter, Ph.D., is Vice President of Research, with primary responsibility for conducting NMHC's research on apartment industry trends. Prior to working at the Council, Caitlin was an analyst at a real estate advisory firm. Caitlin has a B.A. and B.S. (Planning and Public Policy, Criminal Justice) from Rutgers University. She also holds an M.A. in Urban and Regional Planning and a Ph.D. in Planning, Governance and Globalization with a concentration on metropolitan economies and development from Virginia Tech.
Chris Bruen is Director of Research, with primary responsibility for aiding in and expanding upon NMHC’s research in housing and economics. Prior to joining the Council, Chris conducted research on the behavioral tendencies exhibited by option traders and served as a contributor to the Shanghai-based business publication, MorningWhistle.com, where he wrote on topics relating to Sino-American economic policy. Chris holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration (Summa Cum Laude) with a concentration in Finance and a Minor in Economics from The George Washington University.
Claire Gray is the Research Associate at NMHC, responsible for assisting with NMHC’s research on apartment industry trends. She joined the team after interning with NMHC’s Research Department. Prior to joining the Council, Claire gained hands-on experience as the finance intern at a small business management consulting firm. She holds a B.S. with majors in Finance and Economics from the George Washington University.