The SAHMA Exchange

SAHMA
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  • Updated Biweekly

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.

  1. Sep 28

    Jeffrey Wirrick's Story

    The SAHMA Exchange: A Conversation with Jeffrey Wirrick What keeps someone in affordable housing for 35 years? For Jeffrey Wirrick, Chief Operating Officer of National Housing Compliance, it started with an unexpected first job out of college and grew into a career dedicated to affordable housing, compliance and service. In this episode, Jeff joins The SAHMA Exchange to reflect on what he’s learned throughout his career and where he believes the industry needs to go next. In this episode, we discuss: How an accounting major found his way into affordable housing — and never leftJeff’s path to National Housing Compliance and his work with the Performance-Based Contract Administration programWhy compliance is about much more than checking boxesThe role compliance plays in keeping affordable housing properties sustainable for decadesWhy the housing crisis persists after decades of attentionThe impact of regulation, limited resources and the increasing difficulty of developing affordable housingWhy passing housing legislation is only the beginning — and implementation mattersThe challenge of recruiting the next generation of affordable housing professionalsWhat younger employees are looking for from employers, including competitive pay, flexibility, workplace culture and a voice within their organizationsHow affordable housing organizations can compete for talentWhy developing future leaders requires understanding generational differencesThe role purpose, service and a “heart for the work” continue to play in attracting and retaining people in affordable housingAbout Our Guest Jeffrey Wirrick is Chief Operating Officer of National Housing Compliance and has more than 35 years of experience in the affordable housing industry. He oversees NHC’s Asset Management Division and works across areas including management and occupancy reviews, contract renewals, physical inspections, compliance, quality assurance and risk management. Before joining NHC, Jeff spent 11 years with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. He is also a longtime industry trainer and speaker, has participated in national housing work groups and steering committees, and serves on SAHMA’s Regulatory Committee. The SAHMA Exchange is a podcast where policy, property management and people meet.

    Jeffrey Wirrick's Story

  2. Sep 14

    Leadership Lessons

    What does good leadership really look like in affordable housing? Sondra Wimbs and Michael Johnson have spent decades answering that question—not just as executives, but as longtime SAHMA members, past SAHMA presidents, mentors and now facilitators for the SAHMA Leadership Academy. In this episode, they join The SAHMA Exchange to share what their careers taught them about developing people, building relationships and becoming better leaders. In this episode: • How Sondra and Michael found their way into affordable housing—and why they stayed• The role SAHMA played in their professional and leadership development• Why leadership is a learned skill, not something you’re simply born with• What it really means to influence others• How to recognize leadership potential—even when someone doesn’t have a leadership title• Why listening can sometimes be more valuable than fixing• How collaboration and different perspectives lead to better decisions• Leading with emotional intelligence, empathy and kindness• Why emerging leaders need both technical knowledge and people skills• The role AI can—and can’t—play in leadership and decision-making• Why relationships will continue to matter as technology changes the industry• Practical ways to strengthen your leadership skills• The value of setting goals and practicing leadership every day Resource Mentioned: Emotional Intelligence Michael recommended Daniel Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ as a resource for leaders who want to better understand and develop the people side of leadership. The book explores why qualities such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy and social skills can play such an important role in how we work with and influence others. SAHMA Leadership Academy The SAHMA Leadership Academy is designed to help affordable housing professionals strengthen their leadership skills and prepare for greater responsibility within their organizations and the industry. Sondra and Michael currently serve as Leadership Academy facilitators, helping participants develop and, as they emphasized during the episode, “practice, practice, practice” the skills that effective leadership requires. Learn more about the SAHMA Leadership Academy at www.sahma.org/leadership-academy

    Leadership Lessons

  3. Aug 24

    Live from Biloxi! Cocktails & Compliance 2026

    In this episode: Where HOTMA implementation stands and what affordable housing professionals should be watching Legislative developments and their potential impact on affordable housing RAD conversions and opportunities for expanding affordable housing Why more conventional operators are entering the affordable housing space — and the compliance challenges that can follow The increasing complexity of layered funding and why training is critical Updates and challenges surrounding HUD Secure Systems, EIV and NSPIRE Why electronic documents can improve both efficiency and resident data security Practical ways organizations can begin moving away from paper files How affordable housing organizations are beginning to use AI and automation Protecting resident PII when using AI and other technology Why AI should complement — not replace — human judgment and affordable housing expertise Using technology to identify anomalies, streamline compliance processes and give staff valuable time back The importance of starting small when adopting new technology What affordable housing professionals want AI to do next Featured in this episode: Moderator: Rue Fox, Affordable Industry Principal, ResMan Panelists: Sara Hinson, Senior Vice President of Platform Operations and Business Unit Management, Inhabit Corbin DuMont, Senior Project Manager, ResMan Jenny DeSilva, CEO & President, DeSilva Housing Group Recorded live at: 2026 SAHMA Leadership Affordable Housing Conference & Trade Show Biloxi, Mississippi

    Live from Biloxi! Cocktails & Compliance 2026

  4. Aug 10

    Glenda Leduc's Story

    Episode Highlights How Glenda unexpectedly found her calling in affordable housing Why affordable housing is, first and foremost, about people Breaking down the stigma surrounding affordable housing What it means to be "the light of the community" Real-world examples of resident engagement and community partnerships Why resident services are essential to helping people thrive The importance of connection—for residents and housing professionals alike How SAHMA's education and networking strengthen affordable housing teams A resident story that perfectly illustrates why affordable housing matters Guest Glenda Leduc, President, Mansermar Management About This Episode This episode was recorded live at the 2025 SAHMA Leadership Conference. Connect with SAHMA Visit sahma.org to learn more about SAHMA's educational programs, conferences, advocacy efforts, and member resources.

    Glenda Leduc's Story

  5. Jul 27

    Property Management 101

    Episode Overview What does a property manager really do? If your answer is collecting rent or overseeing maintenance, you're only scratching the surface. Today's affordable housing property managers are business leaders, compliance experts, customer service professionals, maintenance coordinators, problem solvers, and trusted resources for residents—all while leading teams and navigating an increasingly complex industry. In this episode, Josh Johnson and Layne Hurst pull back the curtain on what the job truly requires and explain why the best property managers don't simply manage buildings—they serve people. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why property management is often misunderstood • How the role has evolved before and after the pandemic • Why leadership and a servant mindset matter more than ever • The biggest surprises new property managers face • What separates great property managers from those who struggle • Why understanding your community should come first • Common misconceptions from owners, vendors, and residents • How staffing shortages are changing the industry • Recruiting strategies for attracting the right talent • The growing importance of technology and automation • What continues to inspire long-time leaders in affordable housing Guests Josh Johnson Chief Operating Officer Winterwood Inc. Layne Hurst Senior Vice President Hayes Gibson Property Services

    Property Management 101

  6. Jul 13

    Reese Quick's Story

    In this episode: • How a red wagon launched Reese's affordable housing career • Getting his start in maintenance and learning the business from the ground up • Moving from maintenance technician to district manager • What a typical day looks like for the president of a management company • The secret to staying passionate about affordable housing after 50 years • The biggest change Reese has seen in the industry: technology • Why the people around him helped him adapt and succeed • How SAHMA has supported his career through networking, education, and problem solving • The biggest benefit of SAHMA membership • A career-defining moment: making children happy • The legacy Reese hopes to leave behind: being fair and being available • His advice for the next generation of affordable housing professionals

    Reese Quick's Story

  7. Jun 22

    Melissa Martinez's Story

    In this episode of The SAHMA Exchange, we talk with Melissa Martinez, Training Specialist with SPM, about her career journey, her passion for affordable housing, and the residents who have left a lasting impact on her life. Topics discussed include: • Getting started in affordable housing right out of high school • Melissa's role as a Training Specialist and helping teams succeed through Yardi training and best practices • How a job became a long-term career • The senior residents who inspired her passion for affordable housing • The story of Roger and the power of human connection • Why Melissa volunteers and stays involved with SAHMA • Common misconceptions about affordable housing • "Where will the seniors go?"—the importance of affordable housing in our communities • Building positive relationships between affordable housing communities and their neighbors • Advice for those considering a career in affordable housing The SAHMA Exchange is a podcast where policy, people, and property management meet.

    Melissa Martinez's Story

  8. Jun 8

    Advocacy with Larry & Glenda

    Guests: • Larry Keys, Vice President of Government Affairs, National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) • Glenda Leduc, President, Mansermar, Inc. and Mid-America Apartment Management Co., Inc. Episode Overview Affordable housing advocacy is often viewed as something that happens in Washington, D.C., but the reality is that every affordable housing professional has a role to play in shaping the future of the industry. In this episode, Larry Keys and Glenda Leduc discuss why advocacy matters, how public perception influences policy decisions, and why lawmakers need to hear directly from the people managing affordable housing communities every day. Key Discussion Topics The Challenges Facing Affordable Housing • Housing supply shortages • Preservation of existing affordable housing • Funding pressures • Resident outcomes and community impact Why Advocacy Matters • The importance of industry participation • The role of property management voices • Educating lawmakers on operational realities • Moving legislation across the finish line Policy vs. Reality • Federal and state regulatory challenges • Operational realities at the property level • Compliance complexities • The need for practical policymaking Public Perception and Misconceptions • Affordable housing stigma • Workforce housing realities • Seniors and housing affordability • Why storytelling matters Advocacy in Action • How real-world stories resonate with lawmakers • Larry's "People, Place, Purpose" framework • Practical ways to engage in advocacy • Why every housing professional's voice matters Memorable Quotes "Our job is to make it hard for lawmakers to look the other way." "We're not just dealing with buildings. We're dealing with lives." "If we're not telling the affordable housing story, someone else will." For more resources, educational opportunities and industry updates, visit SAHMA.org and subscribe to The SAHMA Exchange wherever you listen to podcasts.

    Advocacy with Larry & Glenda
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    SAHMA
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The SAHMA Exchange
  • Show Website
    The SAHMA Exchange