2023-2024 Board of Directors Candidates

Meghan Cano, Community Housing Resource Partners (incumbent)

Statement of Interest:

For the past three years, I have had the privilege to serve my first term on the Board of Directors. During this time, I was given the opportunity to serve as the co-chair for the Education Committee, one of the organization’s major revenue drivers and a key component to maintaining connection between the current membership. It was a distinct honor to lead this committee with my co-chair to being named the first “Committee of the Year” at our 2022 Texas Housing Conference. Serving on the Board is perhaps one of the most meaningful way to give back to our industry as TAAHP is one of the largest advocacy organization for our industry nationwide. As a professional in the social service sector of our industry, I believe my work in gathering people, galvanizing support for our industry and planning gatherings, I bring key elements and skills needed by the Board of Directors to serve our members much in the same way my organization serves our residents. I sincerely look forward, and appreciate your consideration in advance, to serving our industry and organization for another three years. I look forward to being given the opportunity to take our Education Committee, materials, partnerships and development for employees in our sector to a whole new level.

Biography:

Mrs. Cano serves as the President and CEO of CHR Partners, Inc. a national nonprofit organization developing affordable housing and providing critical support services. Over her 10 years of service, Mrs. Cano increased the organizations portfolio by more than 200% and documented services to more than 15,000 individuals throughout the State of Texas. Before this, Mrs. Cano served as AVP of Contract Management and Quality Assurance for Haven for Hope as well as many other roles. During her time at Haven, she was one of the instrumental staff involved in the creation of the Homeless and Housing Services Program in the State of Texas; the first homeless grant program to be funded with general revenue in the amount of $20M dollars.

In 2010, Mrs. Cano completed time with the White House Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation; responsible for engaging and promoting public-private partnerships on a national level to serve our nation’s growing needs. Mrs. Cano has brought this approach to a community driven/designed process to CHR Partners and her many other projects and has seen firsthand how “service enriched housing” can generate sustainability and self-sufficiency for families and communities.

In 2019, Mrs. Cano was named the San Antonio Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Woman of the Year and one of the top 100 National Rising Stars for the National Business Journal. Most importantly, she is the proud mother of two beautiful boys, Jackson (11) and Maxwell (8).

Tracey Fine, National Church Residences

Statement of Interest:

I am dedicated to developing and providing quality affordable senior housing with services. I have been a key member of National Church Residences’ development team and am dedicated to Texas (selected home for her husband and two boys). I am interested in working with TAAHP to elevate the needs of so many in Texas for an affordable home. My tenacity with local funders and the push I have provided on legislation further help elevate TAAHP’s mission. I am a next generation leader and want to make sure we leave the world a better place for our children.

Biography:

Tracey Fine grew up in Houston, TX, and after clambering to experience a different part of the country, went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she earned a BA in Economics. With an interest in Community Development, Tracey began her affordable housing career nearly 20 years ago at the National Equity Fund in Chicago, learning the ropes of low-income housing tax credits through underwriting and sourcing transactions for the Midwest originations team. After taking a 2 year break to welcome twin boys in 2010, Mrs. Fine returned to affordable housing working for US Bank in affordable housing debt for two years in Chicago. After 13 years of Chicago winters, it was time to return back to Texas. Tracey moved to Austin in 2014 to start the National Church Residences Texas Development office. Since starting with NCR nearly 9 years ago, Tracey has had 16 successfully funded LIHTC applications in both 9% and 4% and became a specialist in affordable housing preservation. Tracey has also had success at the Legislature with a key win several sessions ago that opened the doors for N^^’s HUD properties to be eligible for the At-Risk set aside. Tracey is able to provide a unique affordable housing professional perspective after working in equity, debt and development. When Tracey is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, walking the Austin hills and seeking beautiful places to hike and travel.

Steve LeClere, Monarch Private Capital

Statement of Interest:

I think he would be a great addition to TAAHP’s Board of Directors. As chair of the State Tax Credits subcommittee charged with developing TAAHP’s legislative strategy to get a state tax credit bill passed in the 88th legislature, I served to provide guidance and insight to TAAHP’s Government Affairs Committee as we navigated the bill through the legislative process. Now that the bill has passed and is awaiting Governor Abbot’s signature, I believe it will be very helpful to continue my engagement and offer insight to the Board in this role. I am a problem solver and believe I will be very helpful to the board and to the members.

Biography:

Steve LeClere is a Partner, LIHTC for Monarch Private Capital. In this role, Steve assists in the management and overall strategy of Monarch’s investments in LIHTC Development and advising on transaction financial structures and execution.

In addition, he focuses on legislative efforts to create and improve state LIHTC programs. Steve has 15 years of experience in affordable housing finance and development. Prior to joining Monarch, he was a Consulting Principal with Tidwell Group, a national CPA firm specializing in real estate and affordable housing finance, where he specialized in advising developers on strategies for optimizing debt and equity structures, resolving compliance and disposition issues, valuing partnership interests, and navigating the impacts of state and federal legislation impacting affordable housing developments. Steve also worked with a nonprofit affordable housing developer where he was responsible for developments in the Southeast and Texas. In addition, he has spent over seven years in the acquisitions department of a national LIHTC syndication firm where he was responsible for sourcing, evaluating, structuring, and closing LIHTC investments. Steve earned a JD from Indiana University and a BS in economics from Penn State University. He is a member of the several affordable housing organizations and is an active supporter of the Central Texas Food
Bank and Dripping Springs Youth Sports.

Ryan Lunderby, Dominium

Statement of Interest:

A core value of my company is developing people, which has been at the forefront of my two years of service on the TAAHP Education Committee. Through my two decades in affordable housing in a dozen states, I hope to serve on the TAAHP board to continue supporting programming that shapes the next generation of real estate professionals, not only as business leaders, but as effective advocates. As a company with a national footprint, I hope to bring Dominium’s experiences and best practices from across the country to enhance TAAHP’s leadership in seeking more housing
opportunities for our neighbors and communities.

Biography:

As Senior Vice President and Project Partner, Ryan Lunderby is responsible for new project development, acquisition, and financing. Since joining Dominium in 2004, Lunderby has been involved in closing transaction on over 50 properties totaling more than 7,500 apartment units. Most recently, Lunderby has played an integral role in Dominium’s growth into new markets through new construction of affordable communities, acquisitions of Year 15 tax credit properties, and acquisitions of general partner interests from various financial institutions.

Lunderby holds a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Finance from St. Cloud State University. He is a member of the St. Cloud State Real Estate Alumni Association and is a founding contributor to the Dominium Foundation, which contributes to important housing and social service organizations in the communities where Dominium operates.

Brad McMurray, Prospera Housing Community Services

Statement of Interest:

I have served in many facets of the Texas affordable housing industry including project-based Section 8 Assistant Property Manager, selling and flipping single family homes in a for profit business, LIHTC Planner for TDHCA, Development Coordinator for a small nonprofit housing provider, VP of an affordable housing consulting firm, Director of Development for a Public Housing Authority, Executive Director of a small nonprofit housing provider, and now the VP of Property development for a large nonprofit housing provider. Prospera has been very successful in the 9% and 4% programs providing me a true understanding of what it takes to secure a site, receive an award, close a transaction, complete construction, lease-up and successfully operate affordable developments. This varied background and successful development experience combined with my sincere appreciation of the importance of the trusted working relationship TAAHP has worked so hard to create and now enjoys with TDHCA leadership and staff, along with the crucial importance of preserving this relationship and the LIHTC Programs themselves, uniquely qualifies me to serve on the TAAHP Board in both the Developer and Nonprofit/Government capacities and will be my primary focus as a Board member.

While I have worked extensively in the nonprofit sector, I understand that “nonprofit” is an IRS status and not a business plan, so I am acutely aware of the need to make a “profit” whomever it may enrich and am sensitive to the fiscal realities of our industry, as well as the needs of strictly profit motivated developers.

Biography:

Mr. McMurray serves as the Vice President of Property Development for Prospera Housing Community Services, a 501(c)3 affordable housing provider created in 1993. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and a Master of Science in Community and Regional Planning, Concentration in Land Use and Development from The University of Texas at Austin. He brings over 25 years of experience in government, non-profit, and business leadership positions with the Texas affordable housing industry and has administered the development or preservation of over 5,500 units of public, affordable, and market housing with total development costs of more than $825 Million utilizing 9% and 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Tax Exempt Bonds, HOPE VI, RHF Capital Funding, HOME, CDBG, NHTF, 221d4 FHA, FHLB, TIF/TIRZ, and Conventional funding sources. He is also a licensed Texas Real Estate Broker since 1992 and enjoys serving in Kairos Prison Ministry at the Torres unit in Hondo, TX. He has been married to his lovely wife LouAnn for 30 years and they have 3 adult children.

Kathryn Saar, The Brownstone Group

Statement of Interest:

The Affordable Housing industry is currently facing some of the most difficult economic conditions it has seen in recent memory, which is having a profound effect on housing providers’ ability to close transactions and put units on the ground. Having worked in both the public and private sectors, I have a nuanced understanding of the complete life-cycle of affordable housing developments, from the initial policy decisions that steer site selection, through all facets of financing development, to the long-term operations of properties and the challenges that come with aging housing stock. I have enjoyed contributing to the QAP Committee since 2021 would be honored to join the Board to represent the important work we do as an industry.

Biography:

Kathryn Saar has spent more than 15 years in the affordable housing industry and has broad experience in both the public and private sectors. She joined the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs in 2009 at the inception of the TCAP and Exchange programs. After managing a portfolio of Multifamily HOME loans, Kathryn moved into the newly formed Asset Management division where she coordinated project management of TCAP and Exchange deals, underwrote Cost Certifications, and helped create many of the tools and processes for the new division. In her final role at TDHCA, she managed the 9% Tax Credit program for the 2014 and 2015 cycles. In 2015, Kathryn began consulting for the Brownstone Group, and joined their development team in 2020. Since entering the private sector, Kathryn has procured 9% LIHTC allocations generating more than $161MM in tax credit equity, and more than $241MM in associated financing, successfully producing more than 1,400 units. She has extensive experience with various funding sources, including Fannie, Freddie and HUD loans, USDA loans, Mixed Finance, RAD conversions, HOME and CDBG funding, and Historic Tax Credits, both State and Federal. Kathryn manages developments from initial concept, through construction, lease-up, and long-term property operations. She was part of an executive team that started Brownstone Residential, LLC, which currently manages more than 3,100 units across Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, where she currently serves in an advisory capacity.

Camisha Simmons, Simmons Legal, PLLC

Statement of Interest:

I believe my diverse background, legal skill set and experience makes me a great candidate to serve on the Board to assist TAAHP with its initiatives and developing fresh ideas to help move the organization forward.

Biography:

Camisha L. Simmons is the founder and managing member/principal of Simmons Legal PLLC, a certified woman-owned, minority-owned and veteran-owned law practice based in Dallas, Texas. She founded the firm after practicing in New York and Dallas as an attorney with several large global law firms.

She has significant experience representing non-profit companies, for-profit companies, and political subdivisions in, among other legal matters, affordable housing real estate matters, general corporate matters, corporate restructuring, creditors’ rights, and litigation. She has worked on numerous affordable housing transactions in Dallas, Texas. She is licensed to practice law in both Texas and New York.

She has been selected by The National Black Lawyers for inclusion in its list of the top 100 African American attorneys in Texas. In 2018, she was recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Dallas by the Texas Diversity Council. In 2013, Texas Lawyer named Camisha to its inaugural list of Texas’s 25 Legal Leaders on the Rise. She has also been named a Texas Super Lawyer, Texas Rising Star, New York Metro Super Lawyer, and New York Metro Rising Star by Super Lawyers®, a Thomson Reuters rating service, and a Top 40 Under 40 attorney by the National Black Lawyers.

She holds a J.D., magna cum laude and an M.B.A. from Texas Tech University, an M.Ed. from the University of Maryland, College Park and a B.B.A. from Campbell University. Prior to her legal career, she served on active duty in the United States Army.

Nick Walsh, The NRP Group

Statement of Interest:

When I moved to Texas, my second week on the job as a new affordable housing developer was the TAAHP conference. Talk about an initiation! I was blown away and hoped that someday I could contribute to the organization.

NRP has a storied history with TAAHP as an organization—two past presidents have come from our firm. My goal is to continue that legacy of industry leadership.

In the past couple of years, I have had the opportunity to get deeply involved with TAAHP, especially with the legislative efforts. I am deeply grateful to Jay Johnson who first appointed me to a subcommittee, and of course Debra Guerrero who has guided me every step of the way.

As a “young” person (still in my 20s!), I think I bring an entirely new perspective to the board. We need to continue to grow and adapt as an organization, and appeal to the next generation of housing leaders. After viewing this legislative session up close, I’m confident that TAAHP has gained the clout to be a positive force for change in Texas. We are the 600-pound gorilla, and I want to continue to fight that fight. Same as my commitment to the committees I have served on, I won’t be afraid to dive into the issues and get the hard work done on the board.

Biography:

Nick Walsh serves as Vice President of Development with the NRP Group, a vertically integrated, best-in- class developer, builder, and manager of multifamily housing. He is responsible for sourcing and entitling new projects, comprising everything from origination to the start of construction. Additionally,
Walsh works to build and foster relationships with public partners, government agencies and housing authorities.

Based in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Walsh develops affordable and mixed-income housing across the state of Texas with a primary focus on the DFW market. Since joining NRP in 2019, he has overseen the development of over 2,500 units at a total development cost of nearly $500 million.

Walsh graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Ross School of Business.

Hector Zuniga, KeyBank Real Estate Capital (incumbent)

Statement of Interest:

A long-time advocate for affordable housing and present member of the TAAHP Board of Directors, I take great pride in providing insight to my fellow affordable housing professionals. As Co-Chair of the Conference Committee and member of the Membership, Finance and Scholarship Committees, I
feel that there is more to do to accomplish some of the goals we have set internally and hope to have the privilege to help complete our tasks. And while serving on the board is not a requirement to serve on these committees, I have learned in the past two years that being part of the board of directors makes the job significantly more efficient by being able to participate and receive feedback directly from the other board of directors members and other committee chairpersons.

I bring diversity in terms of my current professional role, ethnicity, gender, and overall background, and trust that my own personal experiences add to the depth of TAAHP’s vision in collaboration to my fellow board members.

I truly feel the value I have added to the TAAHP Board, and the affordable housing in general, will encourage members of TAAHP to re-elect me and provide me with the privilege to serve again.

Biography:
A 12-year veteran of the Affordable Housing industry, I currently serve as V.P. and Senior Mortgage Banker for KeyBank’s Commercial Mortgage Group – Targeted Affordable Housing. I originate and arrange long-term debt specifically for rent-restricted and affordable multi-family housing across the country, with a focus on Texas. While I specialize in LIHTC executions, I also have extensive experience with the major housing financing programs available throughout the U.S.