BOARD of DIRECTORS
Our board of directors is comprised of outstanding community members who care deeply about creating affordable housing within the Greater Houston area. Their guidance and assistance help us define and implement the strategic goals of our organization.
We are grateful for these members who have donated their time, resources and their affiliations to further our mission.
Gary Chiles, PhD
CHAIRMAN
William Hixon
Jim Lemming
Shannon Hunter
Wendell E. Phillips III
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
William T. Haley III
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Bill has been involved in multifamily finance for more than 20 years. He has participated in the financing of more than $1B in affordable properties during that time, including participants using Low Income Housing Tax Credits, Tax Exempt Bonds, HAP contracts, Section 8 vouchers, Hope VI, and other state and Federal programs. He has capital relationships with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, HUD/FHA, LIHTC Syndicators, as well as local and regional CRA Banking groups. Bill is responsible for the execution and delivery of new developments, acquisitions, developing new management opportunities, and overseeing the operations and financial management of the organization.
He has served on the Freddie Mac Affordable Housing Advisory Council and been a presenter at TAAHP education sessions for affordable housing development professionals.
Bill graduated in 1993 from Rice University with a degree in Managerial Studies and Political Science. Bill enjoys spending time with his family, coaching and participating in his children’s activities.
Linda Holder
VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Linda Holder has been actively involved in management and development of affordable housing for 35 years. She has dutifully served our mission since 1983 and oversees the management of our portfolio. Her experience ranges from HUD financing to the administration of HUD project based section 8, 202 PRAC, Section 811, and HOPWA. Linda is involved in major housing programs ranging from Federal, state and local levels along with preserving the company’s partnership with HUD and City housing departments. Linda’s work also extends to property budgeting, contract renewals and Onesite software system. She has served multiple terms as an AHMA East Texas Board member and was the sole manager at Heights House, a 150-unit senior housing community. Her endless dedication to residents and desire for decent, safe and dignified housing in her native city of Houston is an inspiration to staff and helps exemplify our company principles.
In 2013 she helped secure a $10MM CDBG grant for the flagship senior property, Heights Tower, and oversaw the entire rehabilitation of the 223-unit property, greatly improving the lives of its current residents.
Linda holds a Texas Real Estate license and is a National Affordable Housing Professional (NAHP). Linda enjoys spending time with her family, is an avid reader and regularly advocates for criminal justice reform.
Lisa O'Neal
CONTROLLER
Lisa has over 25 year of experience in business operations and financial management. She joined us as Controller in 2009. She is responsible for the accounting operations of the company, including cash management, the production of periodic financial reports and maintenance of the accounting records and budgeting. Lisa also creates budgets and comprehensive controls designed to mitigate risk, improve the accuracy of the company's reported financial results, and ensure that reported results comply with generally accepted accounting principles. She also manages the company’s human resource functions and safety program.
Lisa earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Business and Marketing at Southeast Missouri State University and a Masters of Marketing at the University of Memphis. She has worked in a variety of industries, including marketing and design, healthcare and insurance. She is an active community volunteer, an avid reader and enjoys boating and kayaking.
Avonda R. Biggs
REGIONAL PROPERTY DIRECTOR
With over 16 years of property management experience, Avonda Biggs is responsible for ensuring our communities meet financial and operational objectives. She also oversees compliance procedures for federal and state housing programs, including HUD 202 with Section 8 Assistance, Section 811, 202 PRAC, HOPWA and HOME funds. Avonda began her career with the Housing Corporation of Greater Houston in 2004, and then served as a Regional Supervisor in the tax credit industry for six of eight years while employed with RichSmith Management. Avonda holds an Associate’s degree from McNeese State University and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Management at Grand Canyon University online. In her free time, Avonda loves to craft and create memories with her family.
Renee Risher
DIRECTOR of ACCOUNTING
As Director of Accounting, Renee is responsible for maintaining the overall integrity of financial records for our portfolio of 15+ residential properties and two corporate entities. Her on-going responsibilities include full-cycle bookkeeping and accounting, internal support with accounting related issues, and month-end procedures. She is responsible for the performance of cash and accrual management functions, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting using established accounting principles. Renee also provides management support for operations, budgeting and strategic planning.
Renee holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Houston and is currently pursuing a Masters in Accounting from the University of Houston. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and cooking.
Orain Penson
CORPORATE FACILITIES DIRECTOR
Orain plans, oversees, and manages maintenance and safety operations for all of our multi-unit residential properties. He works closely with the Regional Property Manager, property managers, and on-site maintenance staff to protect and preserve our property assets. His duties include monitoring all buildings for potential safety or general maintenance concerns, developing fiscally responsible maintenance budgets, recommending capital improvements, and coordinating and supervising major renovation and refurbishment projects. In addition to supervising daily maintenance activities, Orain provides on-going direction, guidance and training to maintenance personnel, including but not limited to job safety and preventative maintenance.
Lynnette Williams
FINANCIAL SUPPORT OFFICER
Lynnette Williams has over 10 year experience in marketing, non-profit and business administration. She has served as Office Manager for us since 2012. Ms. Williams primarily supports our controller and all of our accounting and cash management functions. She also manages office operations and procedures, payroll preparation, invoice review, filing systems, as well as office supply and equipment procurement. Her work helps improve day to day operations through correspondence and meeting coordination, assistance to office visitors and coordination with IT and other departments. Prior to joining us she worked at Child Care Counsel of Greater Houston as a Case Manager Liaison, where she worked collectively with low income and homeless individuals to provide them with housing assistance.
Lynnette currently holds a Bachelors in Marketing from Tennessee State University. In her leisure, she enjoys spending time with her family and is a passionate physical fitness competitor with a knack for baking sweet treats.