ADOH Welcomes New Team Members

Melanie Brewer, Risk Assessment Officer

Melanie Brewer joined the Department on October 19 as the Risk Assessment Officer with the Rental Division. Melanie brings a wealth of knowledge in the development and asset management of Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties including direct experience in underwriting standards. Prior to joining the Department, Melanie served as a Project Coordinator with Travois, Inc. where she assisted tribal clients with LIHTC project applications. Melanie received a Juris Doctor degree and Tribal Lawyer Certificate from the University of Kansas, School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies from Park University.
 

Devon Mingey, Community Development & Revitalization Program Specialist

Devon Mingey joined the Department on October 19 as a Community Development & Revitalization (CD&R) Specialist with the CD&R Division. Prior to joining the Department, Devon served in the role of Community Development Program Specialist for Delaware County Office of Housing and Community Development in Pennsylvania where she oversaw the project contracting, environmental review and labor standards for Community Development Block Grant public facilities improvement grants. Devon holds a Bachelor of Science in Community Development from Temple University.
 

Brian Norman,  Legislative Liaison

Brian Norman joined the Department on September 28 as the agency’s Legislative Liaison. Brian has served in a wide variety of roles in the Legislative/Political field, most recently as a Freelance Political Consultant advising clients on public policy issues and targeted communication strategies. Brian holds a Juris Doctor degree from ASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Communication from Louisiana State University.
 

Kinari Patel, Special Needs Administrator

Kinari Patel joined the Department on August 24 as the Special Needs Administrator for the Special Needs Division. Kinari is an experienced project management professional with an extensive background in programs combating homelessness. Prior to joining the Department, Kinari served with Maricopa County on the Human Services Homelessness Team where she co-led the Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care. Kinari holds a Master of Social Work degree from University of Southern California; a Juris Doctor degree from Catholic University, Columbus School of Law; and, a Bachelor of Science Engineering degree from Princeton University.

Karen Garcia, Compliance Officer

Karen Garcia joined the Department on September 21 as a Compliance Officer with the Section 8 & Compliance Division. Prior to joining the Department, Karen worked for two large Property Management companies that oversee projects in the Arizona Department of Housing’s portfolio. Karen brings experience in resident file review, income eligibility requirements, unit inspections and customer service. Karen earned an Associates in Arts degree in Sociology, Human Resources from Phoenix College.

Ayeshah Thomas, Section 8/Compliance Program Specialist

Ayeshah Thomas joined the Department on July 27 as Program Specialist for the Section 8 & Compliance Division. Ayeshah has certifications as a Certified Occupancy Specialist and Tax Credit Specialist and has previous experience working for an Arizona PBCA Project. Prior to joining the Department, Ayeshah worked as a property manager for Cornerstone Residential where she was responsible for all day-to-day operations of the property.

Robin Burton, Section 8/Compliance Program Specialist

Robin Burton joined the Department on July 13 as a Program Specialist for the Section 8 & Compliance Division. Robin has served in the affordable housing and property management industry for 15 years and brings valuable experience in Housing Choice Vouchers, Management and Occupancy Reviews, and other Section 8 and affordable housing programs. Robin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Lourdes University in Ohio.

Benjamin Ronquillo, Finance & Accounting Administrator

Benjamin “Ben” Ronquillo joined the Department on August 10 as the Finance & Accounting Administrator. Ben is an experienced finance and accounting leader in both public and private sectors, with over 20 years of experience. His most recent position was with the Peoria Unified School District. He has worked for Liberty Utilities Western Region, the City of Litchfield Park, JP Morgan Chase Bank, Grand Canyon University, and US Airways in various finance positions. Ben holds a B.S. in Accountancy from Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business, and an MBA from Western International University. He is an Association of Government Accountants Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), and is Yellow Belt Lean Six Sigma Certified.

Promotion

Juan Bello, Compliance & PBCA Administrator

Juan Bello has been promoted to the role of Compliance & PBCA Administrator. Juan has taken on added roles beyond his previous one of overseeing Compliance activities and staff who monitor rental projects financed with the Department’s resources. Juan will begin also supervising additional staff who work in the Project Based Rental Assistance area and will add new duties in that area.

Housing Matters | Fall 2020