ChangeMakers

An Affordable Housing Community Solutions Podcast

Hosted by Quadel President Katie Goar in Partnership with ForbesBooks Radio
Every Tuesday, 2pm EST

We need more affordable housing in the U.S.—that much we can agree on. But, how do we get there?

Join Quadel President Katie Goar each week as she talks with finance experts, policy makers, thought leaders, and community organizers to discuss how to create more affordable housing—and more opportunity—for people across the country.

Interested in economic development? Government funding? Why affordable housing makes good economic policy or how it benefits communities? Subscribe and listen each Tuesday on ForbesBooks Radio or wherever you get your podcasts.

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About Katie Goar, QUadel President

Katie Goar has worked at Quadel since 2007 and has spent the last five years as its president bringing a special focus to customer service.

She holds more than 24 years of affordable housing experience, having held a mayor-appointed position in city government, a top-level management role within a public housing authority and provided portfolio oversight for 60,000 multifamily units before leading Quadel, a nationwide consulting and training organization based in Washington D.C. As president, she oversees company performance, project management and client relations of Quadel’s subsidiary offices in Phoenix, Memphis, Raleigh, Indianapolis, and Baltimore.

For more than eight years, Katie also taught classes in public management, public organization and public policy at Indiana University-Purdue University. She holds a B.A. in Political Science/Spanish from Anderson University and an M.P.A in public administration and policy analysis from Indiana University.

Latest Podcast

In this episode, Katie sits down with Sarah Kahn, President and CEO of Housing Forward, to explore the impactful work being done to combat homelessness in Dallas and Collin counties. Sarah shares her journey into the field, driven by a deep-seated commitment to social equity and sustainable housing solutions. As the head of the lead agency for the homeless response system, she discusses Housing Forward’s role in coordinating effective, data-driven strategies across the region. Listen in as Sarah highlights the success of their unified approach, which has already led to a 24% reduction in unsheltered homelessness despite national rates rising. She offers insight into critical interventions, such as housing-based solutions and community-focused partnerships, that have proven transformative. Sarah also dives into the structural components of their success, including shared goals, coordinated funding, and the power of public-private collaboration. For listeners passionate about social change, this episode provides an inspiring roadmap for impactful action and meaningful progress.

Sarah Kahn
Part 2: In part two of this inspiring conversation, Katie continues her discussion with Sarah Kahn, President and CEO of Housing Forward, about their transformative work in combating homelessness. Sarah shares insights into how Housing Forward addresses family homelessness, the critical role of supportive resources like furnished homes, and the importance of housing stability for families.
Listen to the Episode - Part 1
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Katie looks back at her inspiring conversation with ChangeMaker Jennifer Keogh, Vice President of Operations and Affordable Housing at Progress Residential. With over 20 years of leadership in affordable housing, Jennifer brought a wealth of experience and insight to the discussion. Formerly Deputy Executive Director at the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority and Chair of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), she now oversaw operations at one of the nation’s largest single-family rental providers, driving initiatives to make rental living more accessible and affordable for families across the country. Last spring, Jennifer shared her career journey and discussed Progress Residential’s innovative approaches to increasing housing accessibility. She reflected on her leadership during her time in Minneapolis amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the civil unrest following George Floyd’s death, opening up about the challenges and lessons learned while serving the community’s most vulnerable residents through those difficult times. Katie also invited Jennifer to share her vision for the future, including Progress Residential’s plans to reshape the single-family rental market through affordable housing initiatives, sustainable building practices, and community-focused programs.

Best Of Jennifer Keogh

VP of Operations & Affordable Housing, Progress Residential

Katie looks back at her inspiring conversation with ChangeMaker Jennifer Keogh, Vice President of Operations and Affordable Housing at Progress Residential. With over 20 years of leadership in affordable housing, Jennifer brought a wealth of experience and insight to the discussion. Formerly Deputy Executive Director at the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority and Chair of the National Association of Housing and…
Listen to the Episode - Part 1
Katie revisits her inspiring conversation with Grace Ruiz-Stepter, Director of the Housing and Community Development Department for the City of Anaheim. With over 20 years of experience managing housing programs at federal and local levels, Grace was a passionate leader dedicated to expanding affordable housing access and fostering community development. Before her current role, she held key leadership positions at the Housing Authority of Los Angeles County, where she managed initiatives that empowered communities through her advocacy and strategic vision. In this episode, recorded in last winter, Katie and Grace explored Grace’s journey to leadership, her vision for equitable, affordable housing, and the innovative strategies she was implementing in Anaheim. Grace opened up about the challenges driving her commitment and shared valuable advice for changemakers aiming to make a difference in their communities. Grace also provided insights into Anaheim’s current housing challenges, including the “silver tsunami” of aging Baby Boomers who will need accessible, affordable senior housing. Drawing from her experience in both LA and Anaheim, she compared housing affordability challenges and highlighted how her department was addressing these issues to support Anaheim’s most vulnerable seniors. Tune in for a powerful discussion that will leave you inspired to create change in your own community, driven by Grace’s seasoned leadership and dedication to building a better future through housing advocacy

Best of Grace Ruiz-Stepter

Director, Housing and Community Development, City of Anaheim

Katie revisits her inspiring conversation with Grace Ruiz-Stepter, Director of the Housing and Community Development Department for the City of Anaheim. With over 20 years of experience managing housing programs at federal and local levels, Grace was a passionate leader dedicated to expanding affordable housing access and fostering community development. Before her current role, she held key leadership positions at…
Listen to the Episode - Part 1
Katie welcomes ChangeMaker Ali Solis, the Managing Principal at Solis Strategic Solutions (S3) and a leading advocate in housing policy. Ali shares her inspiring journey from private sector beginnings to a pivotal role in national housing initiatives, including the ACTION Campaign. She delves into the challenges of manufactured housing, the importance of public-private partnerships, and her work to advance sustainable, affordable housing solutions nationwide. Ali reflects on the power of storytelling in building awareness around housing issues and offers valuable insights for emerging leaders and advocates. From local communities to federal policymakers, she emphasizes the need for collaboration and innovation to address America’s housing crisis. Join Katie and Ali for a conversation that shines a light on impactful strategies and stories, offering hope and practical advice for those committed to making a difference in housing.

Ali Solis

Managing Principal, Solis Strategic Solutions (S3)

Katie welcomes ChangeMaker Ali Solis, the Managing Principal at Solis Strategic Solutions (S3) and a leading advocate in housing policy. Ali shares her inspiring journey from private sector beginnings to a pivotal role in national housing initiatives, including the ACTION Campaign. She delves into the challenges of manufactured housing, the importance of public-private partnerships, and her work to advance sustainable,…
Listen to the Episode - Part 1
In this episode, Katie is join by ChangeMaker, Tess Hembree, Executive Director of the Council of State Community Development Agencies (COSCDA). Tess is a seasoned advocate for state-level community development and affordable housing. From her early days as a temp worker to her current leadership role, Tess shares her inspiring journey and valuable insights. Listeners will delve into the challenges and triumphs of state-level community development, exploring the importance of strong partnerships and advocacy. Join us to uncover the passion and dedication that drives Tess’s work, including her experiences at NAHRO and how they have shaped her career.

Tess Hembree

Executive Director of the Council of State Community Development Agencies

Part 1: In this episode, Katie is join by ChangeMaker, Tess Hembree, Executive Director of the Council of State Community Development Agencies (COSCDA). Tess is a seasoned advocate for state-level community development and affordable housing. From her early days as a temp worker to her current leadership role, Tess shares her inspiring journey and valuable insights. Listeners will delve into…
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Katie Goar speaks with Marion McFadden, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development at HUD. Marion shares her journey, beginning with her unexpected involvement in disaster recovery after 9/11, and reflects on how this shaped her passion for community resilience. She discusses the evolving role of HUD in addressing the growing frequency and severity of disasters, highlighting the importance of resilient infrastructure and smart rebuilding practices. Marion also explains the complex process behind disaster recovery funding and the steps HUD is taking to streamline the application process for faster, more efficient relief. She emphasizes the need to prioritize vulnerable populations and ensure that recovery efforts are equitable and inclusive. This insightful conversation sheds light on the critical role of public service in supporting communities in their most challenging times​.

Marion Mollegen McFadden

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, HUD

Part 1: Katie Goar speaks with Marion McFadden, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development at HUD. Marion shares her journey, beginning with her unexpected involvement in disaster recovery after 9/11, and reflects on how this shaped her passion for community resilience. She discusses the evolving role of HUD in addressing the growing frequency and severity of…
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Katie welcomes ChangeMaker Tyrone Roderick Williams, CEO of Fresno Housing, to explore the remarkable journey of an architect-turned-housing innovator who’s reshaping affordable housing in California’s Central Valley. Williams shares his “scenic route” from Prairie View A&M University to MIT and explains how his diverse experience in architecture, urban planning, and real estate development has prepared him for leading an organization serving nearly 50,000 residents. Drawing from his transformative work in Atlanta and Sacramento, Williams discusses how large-scale revitalization initiatives can serve as catalysts for community change. He introduces his “presentation ready” philosophy for property management, challenging industry norms and emphasizing the importance of dignity in affordable housing aesthetics. The conversation takes a deep dive into Fresno’s current housing crisis, revealing how the perfect storm of the Great Recession, COVID-19, and migration from coastal California has doubled housing values and increased rents by up to 60% in recent years. Williams outlines innovative solutions, from hotel conversions to partnerships with the California Housing Finance Agency, while facing a daunting 50,000-unit housing deficit. This episode offers valuable insights into how visionary leadership, combined with practical experience and a commitment to excellence, can address some of affordable housing’s most pressing challenges.

Tyrone Roderick Williams

Chief Executive Officer, Fresno Housing Authority

Part 1: Katie welcomes ChangeMaker Tyrone Roderick Williams, CEO of Fresno Housing, to explore the remarkable journey of an architect-turned-housing innovator who’s reshaping affordable housing in California’s Central Valley. Williams shares his “scenic route” from Prairie View A&M University to MIT and explains how his diverse experience in architecture, urban planning, and real estate development has prepared him for leading…
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In this episode of ChangeMakers, host Katie Goar sits down with Lisa Gutierrez, Senior Vice President and Director of Business Development for Affordable Housing at U.S. Bank. As a 2023 inductee into the California Housing Consortium’s Hall of Fame, Lisa shares invaluable insights from her 20-year career in affordable housing and commercial real estate.Lisa leads U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance’s national multi-fund investing team, which has provided nearly $33 billion in affordable housing financing nationwide. She discusses innovative financing solutions, including their groundbreaking Access Commitment initiative—a $250 million program supporting emerging developers of color. The conversation explores current challenges in affordable housing development, from rising construction costs to insurance concerns and the growing importance of resident services. Lisa also highlights promising trends in the industry, including new state tax credit programs and innovations in modular construction. Learn how major corporations, healthcare providers, and nonprofits are increasingly entering the affordable housing space to address critical housing needs across America. Join us for an enlightening discussion about transforming communities through creative financing and collaborative partnerships in affordable housing development.

Lisa Gutierrez

Director of Business Development for Affordable Housing, U.S. Bank

Part 1: In this episode of ChangeMakers, host Katie Goar sits down with Lisa Gutierrez, Senior Vice President and Director of Business Development for Affordable Housing at U.S. Bank. As a 2023 inductee into the California Housing Consortium’s Hall of Fame, Lisa shares invaluable insights from her 20-year career in affordable housing and commercial real estate.Lisa leads U.S. Bancorp Impact…
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Frank Woodruff Katie Goar

Frank Woodruff

Executive Director, Community Opportunity Alliance

Part 1: In this episode of ChangeMakers, Katies speaks with Frank Woodruff, Executive Director of the Community Opportunity Alliance, who shares his journey from a small Wisconsin tourist town to becoming a champion for community-based development. Frank discusses the “80-20 dilemma” in community development funding, where 80% of resources go to only 20% of organizations, and highlights the rising insurance…
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Mark Thiele NAHRO CEO

Best of Mark Thiele

Chief Executive Officer, NAHRO

In this encore presentation of Changemakers, Katie sits down with Mark Thiele, CEO of NARO, the largest and oldest industry organization representing over 3 million affordable housing units and 20,000 housing agencies. Mark looks back on his 23-year career, which spans roles at the Chicago and Houston Housing Authorities, as well as disaster recovery efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.…
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George Guy President of NAHRO

Best of George Guy

CEO/Executive Director, Fort Wayne Housing Authority

In an encore presentation of Changemakers, Katie sits down with George Guy, CEO and Executive Director of the Fort Wayne Housing Authority, who has spent over 25 years improving the lives of underserved communities. George shares his inspiring journey from growing up in public housing to becoming a national leader in affordable housing solutions.
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Making the Change Blog

Quadel and its employees work hard to be ChangeMakers in the affordable housing industry and in the communities in which we serve and reside. Read how Quadelians are making a difference in our monthly blog, Making the Change.

 

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