Shenae J. Draughn
Hamden,CT
Summary
With over 20 years of experience in real estate development, specializing in affordable housing and managing complex projects with diverse funding sources such as tax credits, private debt, state grants, and HUD mixed finance. Oversaw the development of over $850 million worth of real estate projects in New Haven, CT. Results-oriented executive focused on streamlining operations, increasing profits, and expanding market share. Successfully implemented strategic plans attracting millions in investment. Versatile business leader excelling in driving change.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Interim President
Housing Authority of the City of New Haven (HANH)
10.2024 - Current
- With the assistance of senior staff, develops and monitors the overall annual goals and objectives for the Agency inclusive of the Housing Authority, Glendower Group and 360 Management Group and each of the Administrative areas
- Oversight of a $152million operating budget
- Provides the lead point of contact and serves on the Board, as appropriate, of any affiliated or subsidiary non-profit entities whose mission is to support the Agency in the delivery of resident services and programs or to support housing redevelopment opportunities and property management using HANH resources
- Identifies new resources and programs appropriate for the Agency's use and develops strategies to obtain these resources
- Ensures on-going compliance with agency's Moving to Work agreement
- Plans and implements organizational changes
- Directs the agency's talent recruitment, management and retention programs
- Periodically reviews Agency Personnel Policy to assure that it is in conformance with current law and industry practices
- Serves as the Contracting Officer will full authority to approve and sign purchase orders; signs all construction contracts and professional service contracts after Commissioner approval
- Works with the Senior Team on the development of annual operating and program budgets
- Develops agency priorities for collective bargaining efforts and sets the overall parameters for negotiations
- Oversees the activities of the Agency's General Counsel and manages non-routine legal service requirements
- Acts as Secretary to the Board of Commissioners and prepares meeting agendas and meeting minutes
- Coordinates the Board's sub-committee meetings
- Prepares docket item and provides the Board of Commissioners with all relevant performance data and budget/accounting information on a consolidated and project basis
- Acts as the Agency's primary liaison to City Hall, the City's Board of Alders, state and federal government agencies and legislators
- Represents the agency on external committees, partnerships and collaboratives
- Forges new coalitions that advance housing affordability
- Attends meetings with private and public entities to represent the Agency
- Takes an active role in housing development activities and coordination with City of New Haven community-based initiatives that relate to agency's programs
- Oversees all communications and public relations initiatives.
- Engaged in meetings with resident groups.
- Reviews annual performance reviews and approves merit and salary increases
Executive Vice President
Housing Authority of the City of New Haven (HANH)
04.2021
- Managed $124 million budget.
- Supervised daily operations and managed staff of ECC.
- Managed construction and redevelopment projects for ECC's housing communities.
- Guaranteed adherence to program requirements.
- Directed budgetary planning processes.
- Managed procurement operations.
- Established policies and procedures to support ECC's mission.
- Supervised operational activities for The Glendower Group in real estate development.
- Cultivated relationships with public and community entities.
- Engaged actively with community organizations.
- Supervised budget preparation and fiscal management.
- Conducted successful union negotiations resulting in mutually beneficial agreements.
Senior Vice President
The Glendower Group, Inc.
01.2016 - 04.2021
- Oversaw the master planning for redevelopment of the aging housing stock of the Housing Authority
- Boosted market presence for The Glendower Group, Inc., the instrumentality of the Housing Authority.
- Negotiated company interests in development decisions with government officials, contractors, investors and banks.
- Guaranteed punctual start and completion of development initiatives.
- Ensured relocation plans aligned with URA and state regulations.
- Ensured compliance with investors and program requirements, including CHFA, HUD, CT Department of Housing, City of New Haven, Office of Policy and Management
- Secured consultancy and contractor agreements.
- Led property and asset management operations.
- Managed design team for significant redevelopment projects.
- Updated annual MTW Plan and Report.
Director of Special Projects
Housing Authority of the City of New Haven (HANH)
06.2014 - 12.2015
- Guided daily division operations.
- Formulated a comprehensive strategy for long-term growth.
- Assessed staff performance against division goals.
- Evaluated project feasibility and provided recommendations.
- Acted as liaison to funding agencies, lenders, and stakeholders.
- Supported the Deputy Executive Director in handling workflow.
- Supported Deputy Executive Director with city-wide development plans representation.
Executive Project Manager
Housing Authority of the City of New Haven (HANH)
06.2009 - 05.2014
- Planned, directed, and coordinated real estate development activities
- Managed the full scope of real estate development projects, feasibility analyses, control of related expenditures, tax credits, construction and permanent financing
- Provided input on project design and adhered to project schedule
- Ensured that new construction projects are completed in accordance to the financing, final plans and specifications
- Managed and worked with construction teams to ensure that developments were completed timely and, in a cost, efficient manner
- Monthly reporting to funding agencies and the Federal Government
- Supervised the work of professional, technical and clerical employees
Deputy Executive Director
Mutual Housing Association of South-Central CT., Inc
07.2008 - 05.2009
- Assumed management responsibility for assigned services and activities for the Real Estate Development, Property Management, and Community Development divisions
- Managed and participated in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for assigned programs; recommended, developed and administered policies and procedures
- Monitored and evaluated the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommended, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels
- Planned, directed, coordinated and reviewed the work plan for housing and special projects staff; assigned work activities, projects and programs; reviewed and evaluated work products, methods and procedures; met with staff to identify and resolve problems
- Identified affordable housing needs; promoted the development and implementation of affordable housing measures; supervised and directed all related real estate transactions
- Oversaw and performed financial analysis and cash flow projections of projects
- Negotiated and supervised the preparation of agreements with funders and consultants
- Selected, trained, motivated and evaluated housing and special projects personnel; provided and/or coordinated staff training; worked with employees to correct deficiencies; implemented discipline and termination procedures
- Oversaw and participated in the development and administration of the division's annual budget; participated in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitored and approved expenditures
Director of Real Estate Development & Property Management
Mutual Housing Association of South-Central CT., Inc
10.2005 - 06.2008
- Identified sites for developments
- Contacted and negotiated property acquisitions with owners when appropriate
- Collaborated with the Real Estate Development Committee to plan and recommend new projects to the Board of Directors
- Made initial assessments of project feasibility including but not limited to local approvals, development and/or rehabilitation costs and long-term operational feasibility
- Coordinated funding applications to the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), local governments (HOME & CDBG), foundations, and conventional lenders, for acquisition, pre-development, and construction/rehabilitation
- Prepared project financial data for public and private lenders, including development budgets and operating projections which demonstrated economic feasibility and subsidy requirements
- Carried out due diligence evaluation of proposed projects
- Oversaw local government review and approval process for identified developments
- Conducted the bidding process and negotiated contracts for architectural, engineering, and construction services
- Coordinated and oversaw the development process from construction to completion
- Organized inspections and administered the payment process during construction
- Coordinated development activities with MHA's Asset Management and Community Organizing teams
- Oversaw property management operations
- Carried out other duties as required furthering MHA's mission
Housing Development Specialist
Mutual Housing Association of South-Central CT., Inc
05.2004 - 09.2005
- Coordinated all external communication from MHA with partners, funders, prospective donors, friends and media
- Coordinated all funding relationships with foundations, corporations, and government agencies
- Worked in collaboration with other staff to develop and maintain MHA's website
- Assisted in making initial assessments of project feasibility
- Prepared development budgets and financial pro formas
- Coordinated development projects
Education
Master of Science - Management
Albertus Magnus
New Haven, CTBachelor's Degree - Law and Real Estate Studies
Temple University
Philadelphia, PASkills
- Leadership team building
- Organizational leadership
- Strategic planning
- Operational excellence
- Negotiation
- Strategic visioning
- Financial management
- Policy development
Affiliations
- Town of Hamden Planning and Zoning Commission
- Cornell Scott Hill Health Center, Board of Directors
- Cornell Scott Hill Health Center, Budget and Finance Committee
- Cornell Scott Hill Health Center, Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement Committee
- CT Voices, Board of Directors
- CT Voices, Board Chair of the Finance Committee
Timeline
Interim President
Housing Authority of the City of New Haven (HANH)
10.2024 - Current
Executive Vice President
Housing Authority of the City of New Haven (HANH)
04.2021
Senior Vice President
The Glendower Group, Inc.
01.2016 - 04.2021
Director of Special Projects
Housing Authority of the City of New Haven (HANH)
06.2014 - 12.2015
Executive Project Manager
Housing Authority of the City of New Haven (HANH)
06.2009 - 05.2014
Deputy Executive Director
Mutual Housing Association of South-Central CT., Inc
07.2008 - 05.2009
Director of Real Estate Development & Property Management
Mutual Housing Association of South-Central CT., Inc
10.2005 - 06.2008
Housing Development Specialist
Mutual Housing Association of South-Central CT., Inc
05.2004 - 09.2005
Master of Science - Management
Albertus Magnus
Bachelor's Degree - Law and Real Estate Studies
Temple University
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