CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Jennica Huff
Jennica Huff
Ms. Jennica Huff, CEO of BCNI, has over 20 years of experience in community development, housing and urban planning. Most recently she worked for The Community Builders, Inc., holding the position of Senior Project Manager. She has independently developed and managed a pipeline of development projects from initial procurement and permitting to stabilized operations. Her financial oversight experience is extensive, taking projects from concept to completion with initial financing, conversion and permanent financing using a multitude of funding mechanisms including State and Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, State and Federal Historic Tax Credits, New Markets Tax Credits and Brownfields Tax Credits. Additionally, she has worked with a variety of funding from NYS HCR, NYS OTDA, NYS DEC, NYS OMH, DASNY, HUD, among others. Ms. Huff has constructed multifamily rental to single family homeownership opportunities, retail spaces and community service facilities and coordinating service providers and other community stakeholders for comprehensive, meaningful redevelopment efforts.
Ms. Huff’s credentials include:
Certificate in Advanced Study in Philanthropy, Loyola University of Chicago
Bachelor of Arts in Urban & Regional Planning, Miami University of Ohio
Bachelor of Arts in Human Geography, Miami University of Ohio
Cities in the 21st Century Program, International Honors Program, Bard College
Ms. Huff’s development awards include:
Affordable Housing Finance Reader’s Choice Award for Best Green Development
NAHB Best in American Living for Affordable, Multifamily Housing
NAHB Best in Green for Multifamily Development
NYSAFAH Upstate Project of the Year Award
Preservation League of NY Excellence in Historic Preservation
HOUSING COUNSELING PROGRAM MANAGER
Alexandria Carver
Alexandria Carver
Alexandria T. Carver is the Housing Counseling Program Manager at Better Community Neighborhoods Inc. (BNCI) and has been working at the agency (formerly known as Better Neighborhoods, Inc.) since 2016. During her tenure, Mrs. Carver has overseen the expansion of the BCNI HUD Approved Housing Counseling Program. Mrs. Carver’s work has included Pre-Purchase Homebuyer Education, Foreclosure Prevention, Rental Counseling, Financial Coaching, and the creation of a Financial Confidence counseling agenda and education for BCNI.
Prior to joining the BCNI team, Mrs. Carver served as a Legislative Analyst for the New York State Assembly under the leadership of Assemblywoman Latrice Walker.
Mrs. Carver is currently a member of the City of Schenectady Home Ownership Made Easy Initiative and sits on the National Association of Real-estate Brokers (NAREB) Local Chapter Board (Albany Realist) where she serves as the Treasurer.
Mrs. Carver holds several certifications to include HUD Certified Housing Counselor and a Professional Certificate in Homeownership and Lending. Mrs. Carver is known for her passion and ability to grapple with complex issues related to housing sustainability.
Ms. Carver received a Bachelor’s Degree from Russell Sage College in Troy, NY.
HOUSING COUNSELOR
Lesley-Ann Nash
Lesley - Ann
Lesley-Ann Nash is a Housing Counselor for Better Community Neighborhoods Inc (BCNI).Lesley-Ann has a diverse background in customer service from her experience in the hospitality industry and healthcare insurance. Lesley-Ann is always looking for ways to improve her skills and knowledge to be able to assist others.
Prior to joining BCNI, Lesley-Ann launched her website for sauces and spices. She also graduated in July 2021 with her MBA. She also worked at Fidelis Care where she was instrumental in creating workflows for various teams and was the liaison.
She is beyond excited about helping people achieve their personal goals and creating ways to overcome hurdles. She’s enthusiastic about providing excellent service to others.
She specializes in learning new skills, and problem solving. She loves meeting new people and learning new perspectives on diverse topics. Lesley-Ann holds an MBA from University of Arizona and a Bachelor’s degree from Ashford University
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Deawattie Kumar
Deawattie Kumar
Deawattie Kumar is one of our part time Administrative Assistant. She brings over 12 years of Administrative Assistance experiences in corporate and not for profit sector. Deawattie oversee all of the administrative functions in the Property Management department. She is the person you will need to contact for all of your rental related matter such as showing of rental unit, rental collection and rental repairs and maintenance matter
Deawattie is a graduate of Hostos Community College with an associate degree in Gerontology ( study of the Aging process).
Deawattie is extremely passionate about providing exceptional customer services to the residents and work vendor to ensure a smooth and professional atmosphere for everyone.
HOUSING COUNSELOR
Doreen Colon
Doreen Colon
Doreen Colon is the Housing Specialist of Better Community Neighborhoods Inc. She is the newest member of the Housing Counseling Department. Ms. Colon brings 20 years of Customer Service experience in the Social Services and Health Insurance sector to BCNI.
Prior to Ms. Colon joining BCNI team, she worked for Maximus for 10 yrs. as a Lead Field Client Service Rep /Certified Application Counselor, while serving as a liaison for Schenectady County Department of Social Service.
Before joining Maximus in 2011, Ms. Colon worked for the Cardiology Associates of Schenectady as a Patient Financial Counselor where she implemented their Charity Care Program and assisted clients that were in financial hardship.
Ms. Colon is very passionate about helping people achieve their personal goals and creating pathways to overcome obstacles.
PROGRAM ASSISTANT
Alexandria Adams
Alexandria
Alexandria Adams is the Program Assistant at Better Community Neighborhood (BCNI) for
Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation. She works with both potential and existing applicants through out the process of owner-occupied rehabilitation within our home repair program. She also refers prospective clients to other organizations if necessary.
Ms. Adams communicates with homeowners and create plans for them to resolve their home repair concerns. She is involved in post purchase counseling and is currently in the process of becoming a HUD certified counselor. Alexandria graduated from the University at Albany (SUNY) with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration concentrated in Management and Finance. Prior to joining the BCNI team, Ms. Adams was completing property inspections and showings throughout the Capital Region. Her background is inclusive of content creation, property management, and administrative work. Ms. Adams has great communication skills and is passionate about helping and resonating with people in the community.
DIRECTOR OF PROPERTY OPERATIONS
Mitchell Grossman
Mitchell Grossman
Mitchell Grossman is Director of Property Operations at Better Community Neighborhoods, Inc. (BCNI) and has been working at the agency (formerly known as Better Neighborhoods, Inc) since 2016. During his tenure Mr. Grossman had been responsible for various departments which included Housing Counseling, Property Management, and the oversight of agency daily operations.
Prior to joining BCNI, Mr. Grossman was a full time Real Estate Broker with experience in residential and commercial sales, investments, and leases. Having developed a specialty in assisting nonprofits in their real estate needs, a move into the nonprofit field was inevitable. Mr. Grossman was previously the owner of a successful retail business related to the medical field.
Mr. Grossman remains a licensed Real Estate Broker and holds a Master’s Degree from Long Island University and a Bachelor’s Degree from the City University of New York.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Shawn Jahn
Shawn Jahn
INTAKE SPECIALIST
Michael R. Chille
Michael R. Chille
Michael R. Chille is the Intake Specialist for the Housing Counseling Department at
Better Community Neighborhoods, Inc. (BCNI) and received his Certificate to become a HUD
Certified Housing Counselor in November of 2021.
In his current role, Michael educates potential clients about the programs and services the
Housing Counseling Department offers and assists them with the application process for those
programs. Michael has also taken pride in having the opportunity to assist homeowners with
their applications for the New York State Homeowner’s Assistance Program.
Prior to joining BCNI back in September of 2021, Michael graduated Magna Cum Laude
from Marist College with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Paralegal Certificate.
During his time in college, Michael worked in the Corporation Counsel’s Office assisting the
office with their daunting task of clearing abandoned vacant buildings in the city.
Michael also worked as a tutor at Marist College. In his role as a tutor, he assisted students overcome
challenges they were facing in their Philosophy and Political Theory Classes.
Michael has also had many different customers service positions and has a passion for
helping others. Michael draws upon that passion and experience to help guide applicants through
the application process and ensure that applicants experience a high level of professionalism
while they are working with BCNI.
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