Housing Visions - Making the Vision a Reality

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Operations Team

The Housing Visions Operations team is devoted to significantly improving the quality of housing and the quality of life in each targeted neighborhood. The Housing Visions Operations team strives to apply consistent resident selection criteria and continually promote resident participation to ensure sustainable revitalization of neighborhoods. Providing a long lasting positive change motivates the Operations team to continually strive for empowerment of the residents. It is with the dedication to this mission that similar efforts in other neighborhoods can be made possible to guarantee permanent availability of quality affordable housing for low-income families.

Rebecca Newman leads the Operations and Maintenance teams as Director of Operations and is responsible for sustaining the revitalization of the neighborhoods and ensuring regulatory compliance through the processes established within each team. The vast HUD project-based Section 8 program knowledge Rebecca has significantly improves her understanding of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program. While constantly evolving the teams' practices for efficiency and continued compliance, her years of experience in the affordable multi-family housing industry allow her to effectively analyze occupancy statistics, interpret funding program requirements, organize and aide marketing efforts, engage in neighborhood networking, provide assistance to managing agents outside our organization, and direct the initial rent up of new projects after the development and construction phases. Her ability to implement effective, consistent standard operating policies and procedures for the current projects, affirms Housing Visions’ reputation for developing, constructing, and managing quality projects. Rebecca attended Hobart & William Smith Colleges and earned a B.A. in Economics and a B.A. in Public Policy Law; she has also received the Assisted Housing Manager designation and proficiency certifications in Low Income Housing Tax Credit Compliance and the Housing Choice Voucher Program from Quadel Consulting.

As Senior Operations Manager, Tina Cardwell is responsible for overall resident selection, leasing, income certifications to ensure compliance with regulatory agencies, and the day to day operation of the satellite offices. Past experiences serving chemically dependent, mentally disabled, and developmentally disabled populations strengthen her ability to relate and communicate with the applicants and residents successfully; from their initial application throughout the term of their lease, Ms. Cardwell is their primary contact. Since being with Housing Visions for over four years, she is able to provide great customer service to the residents, assistance with local tenant organizations, and connections to local agencies. Tina has worked in residential settings within the Syracuse community for over 15 years and brings forth a great understanding for the importance of safe, quality housing for low-income individuals and families. Her drive to create a lasting relationship and atmosphere of empowerment for the residents is evident and allows for the Housing Visions’ mission to be a reality. Tina holds a B.S. from Syracuse University and has received the TaCCs designation from Quadel Consulting.

Dina Graziano, Operations Assistant
Dina started with Housing Visions in December 2009 as the Operations Assistant. Dina’s daily functions include and are not limited to Accounts Receivable, answering phones, greeting customers, mailing, work orders, helping residents with their questions and needs and reviewing applications for the Rome Canal Village. She has a background in Community Services teaching Parenting Skills and Life Skills along with helping people make a better life for themselves and their families. Dina has years of Customer Service experience and is looking forward to life long career with Housing Visions.

Kathy Alibrandi is the Resident Program Coordinator for all Housing Visions’ projects throughout Central New York. Kathy’s main responsibilities are creating cohesive neighborhoods and empowerment of the residents. She works with existing resident organizations and neighborhood watch groups while also being instrumental in start up in the areas that do not have organizations or groups. Through this position, Kathy offers a variety of programs that will aid in strengthening neighborhoods and developing tenants into potential home owners. Kathy’s diverse background in affordable multi-family housing management and neighborhood development has proven to be invaluable and allow for her to connect to the needs of the residents and neighborhoods; she holds an Associates Degree in Human Services from Herkimer Community College and has completed certifications through Quadel Consulting and NCHM.

Sarah Wollaber is the Operations Manager for our Utica office. Her primary responsibilities include the operation and presentation of the reception area as well as direct support to the Operations Manager. Specifically, she is the first point of contact in the office and handles an array of duties. Sarah always handles tenant and vendor requests with the utmost professionalism. Her pose and ability to keep calm in many situations is the result of her experience in the customer service industry. She is passionate about neighborhoods, building community as well as helping people and feels her role at Housing Visions allows her all these things. Sarah is an asset to the company and especially the tenants.

Jean Parker is the Operations Manager of our Oswego office. As an integral part of the Property Management team, Jean is responsible for processing applications, resident selection, leasing, annual and interim income certifications, inspections and marketing strategies. Jean brings with her many years of experience in property management, regulatory compliance, and customer relations. She is a life-long resident of Oswego and is proud to be a part of Housing Visions’ efforts to revitalize the 1950’s Hamilton Homes rental property. Jean maintains an open door policy to encourage residents and community members to share their ideas and concerns for building and maintaining a neighborhood which they can be proud to call home.

Mary Gehan is the Operations Assistant for our the Oswego office. Mary joined the company in June of 2008 and is excited to see the improvements Housing Visions has brought to the Oswego community. With her well rounded background in customer service and support, Mary is well suited for her role. As assistant to the Operations Manager, Mary is the first point of contact at the rental office and is responsible for creating a professional, welcoming environment by answering phones and greeting visitors with a smile. Her responsibilities include maintaining accounts receivable, rent collection, accepting and reviewing applications for residency, assisting the Operations Manager with resident selection, submitting work orders on behalf of the tenants, and supply ordering.

Shawana Thomas joined Housing Visions in February of 2009 as Assistant Operations Manager in our Syracuse office located at Maple Heights. Her primary responsibilites include the day to day clerical functions in support of the Operations Manager including, but not limited to, answering phones, opening mail, filing, supply ordering, accounts receivable, data entry and special projects. Shawana has diverse work experiences in a variety of industries that allow her to adapt and learn quickly. With strong customer service skills and her professional demeanor, she has been an asset to the daily operations of our Syracuse office.

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Marlena Cardwell joined the Syracuse Housing Visions Operations Team as Operations Assistant in July 2009. Alongside Shawana Thomas, Marlena works with the day to day functions of supporting and assisting the Operations Manager in tasks such as answering phones, filing, special projects, and more. She has a background in customer service and enjoys assisting others with questions or needs. Marlena has attended Elmira College and plans to continue schooling closer to home. She has a double major of Psychology and Criminal Justice and hopes to someday assist those who need help within the legal system. Marlena looks forward to learning new ways of helping individuals while she betters herself as a person though her experiences at Housing Visions.

Kendra Murphy is the Operations Manager for the Syracuse office. Kendra is responsible for overseeing the day to day operation of the site management office including marketing, leasing units, collecting rents and meeting the needs of tenants. She attended Lemoyne College and earned a B.A. In Sociology. Kendra has been working in the affordable housing industry since 2004 and has received certifications in Low Income Housing Tax Credit and USDA Rural Development compliance as well as Fair Housing / ADA training.