The Three Cs of Small Agencies Webinar Series: Capacity
Join the NAHRO Small Agency Advisory Committee for a webinar focused on building capacity in two ways. First, Sean Gilbert, Executive Director of Tennessee Valley Housing Services, will discuss using strategic planning as a first step in pursuing agency goals. Second, Lashun Bland, Senior Director of Operations of the Lonoke County Housing Authority, will discuss maximizing the impact of each PHA staff member. Both will present actionable examples that attendees can use to increase their own capacity. Find the bios of each speaker below.
Lashun Bland:
Lashun Bland works as the Senior Director of Operations for the Lonoke County Housing Authority. Ms. Bland has seven (7) years of experience in the housing industry. As Senior Director of Operations, Ms. Bland has effectively and cooperatively worked with all staff to ensure all programs are aligned with the housing authority’s mission and both short and long-term goals. She is knowledgeable in HUD/LIHTC and Affordable Housing.
In Ms. Bland’s tenure with the Lonoke County Housing Authority, she has successfully completed an array of certifications within the industry, including HCCP, HCM-R, CSEC-HCV, CSO- HCV, and CSEC-PH. Ms. Bland holds a BS in Accounting, MBA, and is currently working on her Dissertation toward a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA).
Ms. Bland works closely with the Executive Director in the expansion of services in the forms of new developments, existing unit rehabilitation, and maintaining a competitive advantage in each community.
Ms. Bland is an advocate for professional development and ensures that all staff members continue to develop their knowledge in all areas of operations. Her industry-level experience and educational background continue to provide strength in the housing authority’s mission to provide affordable housing for low-income families.
Sean Gilbert:
Sean is the Executive Director of the Tennessee Valley Housing Services (TVHS) where he directs day to day operations of a staff that operates or subsidizes over 1100 units of affordable housing.
He was the Senior Vice President of Housing for Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) for seven (7) years prior to joining MHA in 2020. Mr. Gilbert directed the management, maintenance and renovation of KCDC’s Housing and Section 8 Departments. He managed more than 3600 affordable housing apartments and over 3800 Housing Choice Vouchers.
He served as Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Pikeville, KY for 18.5 years prior to joining KCDC. Mr. Gilbert directed day to day operations of a staff that operated or subsidized over 900 units of affordable housing. Multiple LIHTC properties were developed in an effort to expand affordable housing options to Pikeville’s residents.