10:00 - 11:00 AM
NYE BC Panel 1: Breaking Barriers – Innovative Approaches to Housing Stability and Ending Homelessness
Speakers:
Emily Cooper – Director of Housing, Homelessness, and Health Policy Team, MassHealth; Chief Housing Officer, Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE)
Emily Cooper is the Chief Housing Officer at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA). Emily is a nationally recognized expert with over 20 years of experience helping organizations to access and better utilize housing programs to meet the needs of special populations. At EOEA, she is responsible for helping to design agency policy around preserving and expanding housing opportunities for EOEA consumers so that they may age in the community. As part of this, Emily works collaboratively across the various departments that fall under Health and Human Services as well as with State and local housing agencies. Prior to joining EOEA, Emily was the Director of Housing Practice for the Technical Assistance Collaborative (TAC), a national nonprofit supportive housing consulting firm where she was a principal consultant for TAC’s federal homeless contracts, providing trainings and workshops to homeless providers and Continuum of Care planning groups.
Joyce Tavon – Chief Executive Officer, Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance (MHSA)
Joyce Tavon has dedicated her career of 30+ years to the mission of reducing and ending homelessness, especially through housing solutions. She brings a background in planning, program development, and public policy and systems change. Joyce returned to MHSA in 2018 in senior leadership and assumed the role of CEO in spring of 2023. She previously worked at MHSA when it was first formed, leaving to become founding executive director of HomeStart. Other prior experience includes leadership roles with Father Bill’s & MainSpring and the South Shore Network to End Homelessness, as well as years of consulting in fundraising, technical assistance, strategy, and assisting communities with their HUD Continuum of Care planning and applications for funding.
Katie Cahill-Holloway – Acting Director for Supportive Housing, Boston Mayor’s Office of Housing
The Supportive Housing Division provides funding for housing and supportive services for homeless populations, those at risk of homelessness, and housing for people with HIV/AIDS. Katie Cahill-Holloway is the Interim Director of the Supportive Housing Division.
The Mayor's Office of Housing (MOH) is responsible for: housing the homeless, developing affordable housing, and managing the City’s real estate. We also work to ensure that renters and homeowners can find, maintain, and stay in their homes. The department develops and implements the City's housing creation and homelessness prevention plans. The department also collaborates with local and national partners to find new solutions and build more affordable housing for all, particularly those with lower income.
Lyndia Downie – President and Executive Director, Pine Street Inn
Lyndia Downie is president and executive director of the Pine Street Inn, which provides permanent supportive housing, job training and placement, emergency shelter, and street outreach to more than 1,600 homeless men and women each day. The Inn is one of the largest agencies serving homeless people and developing affordable housing targeted at homeless individuals in New England.
With a keen understanding of the complex causes of homelessness and proven methods to combat it, Lyndia continues to successfully involve and build partnerships with social service agencies, state legislators, and business leaders in the fight to end homelessness.
Matthew Aronson – Senior Consultant, National Clearinghouse on Homeless Youth and Families at GEARS, Inc. and Chair at BAY-CASH
Matt has dedicated his life to preventing and ending youth and young adult (YYA) homelessness. He is the founder of a private consulting firm that leads community efforts around the country to prevent and end YYA homelessness, increase authentic YYA partnership, and accelerate the adoption of innovative practices that will move the field forward. He is the Chair of BAY-CASH, a Direct Cash Transfer (DCT) "Plus" Program that will test whether regular modest cash payments with targeted supportive services are effective in ending homelessness for 18 to 24 year olds in Greater Boston. Matt is also a contributing partner in Chapin Hall’s National Opportunities Project, the former Director of the National Clearinghouse on Homeless Youth and Families, a teacher and senior advisor to the Head of School at the Windham Woods School, and a board member with BISCHI, a foundation working to address food insecurity in the region. Matt spent over 7 years as the subject matter expert in YYA homelessness for the Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs at HUD, has spent most of his career working in direct service to young people as a school teacher, trainer, sports coach, facilitator, and nonprofit director, is a returned Peace Corps volunteer from Ukraine, earned his MPP from the Harvard Kennedy School and has a BA in political economy from Williams College.
NYE A Panel 2: Greening Housing: Infrastructure, Resilience, and Climate Action
Speakers:
Alexander Meeks – Principal at HR&A Advisors (Inclusive economic development, decarbonization, and climate change adaptation in cities)
Alex Meeks is a principal at HR&A Advisors, a consulting firm that specializes in economic development, public policy, and urban planning. He recently managed an equitable housing energy efficiency needs assessment and policy roadmap project for Washington State, and he has contributed to building decarbonization policy design work in New York City as well. He is currently focused on multiple site reuse planning projects that reimagine complex industrial sites into opportunities for green infrastructure deployment and green jobs creation. Alex currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. He holds a masters in urban planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a Sustainability Certificate from the MIT Sloan School of Business, and a Bachelors from Yale University.
Sanjay Seth – Former Chief of Staff, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency New England
Sanjay Seth is the fromer Chief of Staff & Senior Advisor for Climate and Equity at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 1, where he led policy, planning, and implementation strategies focused on climate change, environmental justice, and federal infrastructure programs. Previously, he was the Climate Resilience Program Manager for the City of Boston, overseeing Climate Ready Boston, a multi-billion-dollar initiative to prepare the city for climate impacts. He also worked with New York City on climate adaptation investments. At Harvard, Sanjay founded the Climate Leaders Program and co-founded Harvard Alumni for Climate and the Environment, a 2,000-member nonprofit. He has been a fellow of New Urban Progress, the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, and a research analyst at the Regional Plan Association. Originally from Bismarck, North Dakota, he holds dual master’s degrees from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design and Kennedy School of Government and a B.A. from Goldsmiths, University of London.
Amy Whitesides – Landscape Architect, Practitioner, and Educator, Harvard Graduate School of Design
Amy is a registered landscape architect, practitioner, and educator. Prior to her role as Design Critic in Landscape Architecture she spent 10 years in the Boston office of Stoss Landscape Urbanism where she was most recently the Director of Resilience. In this role, she focused on waterfront design and planning efforts for resilient public open space in Boston, including Climate Ready East Boston and Charlestown, the Blueway concept for the New England Aquarium, the Vision Plan and Resilience Plan for Moakley Park, Boston’s Urban Forest Plan, and Master Planning and Design efforts for Suffolk Downs and the Edison Power Plant in South Boston. Her projects at Stoss have been recognized with numerous awards, including an American Society of Landscape Architecture Honor Award, World Landscape Architecture Award of Excellence, APA Sustainability & Resiliency Award, and multiple Boston Society of Landscape Architecture awards of Merit.
11:10 AM - 12:10 PM
NYE BC Keynote Panel
Speakers:
Gina McLaughlin – Senior Advisor to the Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities
Gina McLaughlin currently serves as the Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. Working on various important strategic initiatives, Gina oversees all policy development and implementation, data and research development and cross-secretariat and intergovernmental affairs and provides strategic consultation. Prior to this role, Gina’s decade long career in public service included work in the Massachusetts Legislature and for former Governor Baker as Chief of Staff and Undersecretary for the then secretariat of Housing and Economic Development. Gina also represented the Commonwealth as a Bradford Fellow and attended the Harvard Kennedy School graduating with a Mid-Career Masters in Public Administration in 2022.
Adrianne Todman – Former United States Acting Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Adrianne Todman is a seasoned housing policy expert and public servant who served as the Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from 2024 to 2025, following the resignation of Secretary Marcia Fudge. Before stepping into this role, she was the Deputy Secretary of HUD from 2021 to 2025, where she played a key role in advancing federal housing initiatives and expanding affordable housing access. Prior to her tenure at HUD, Todman was the CEO of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), leading nationwide advocacy for public housing authorities. She also served as the Executive Director of the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA), implementing innovative housing solutions for underserved communities. A Smith College graduate, Todman has received numerous accolades, including HousingWire’s "Woman of Influence" award. She remains a leading voice in affordable housing and urban development policy.
Erin Joyce – Mayor of Braintree, Massachusetts
Erin Joyce is the Mayor of Braintree, Massachusetts, bringing a strong background in civic leadership, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement. A longtime advocate for transparency and data-driven decision-making, she previously served as Chair of the Braintree Planning Board, a member of the Braintree Master Plan Steering Committee, and the Charter Review Commission, tackling complex challenges facing the town. A local business owner, Erin is committed to strong fiscal management and responsible governance. She has also been a dedicated voice for families and education, serving as Co-President of the Braintree PTO Council and Hollis Elementary School PTO, advocating for public schools and youth programs. Erin and her husband, Michael, are raising their three sons in Braintree, where she actively participates in Braintree Youth Soccer and various community initiatives. As Mayor, she is focused on building a more transparent, inclusive, and well-managed town government to keep Braintree strong.
12:15 - 12:45 PM
NYE BC Fireside Chat: Roles of the Private Sector in Housing Solutions
Speakers:
Ali Merali – Head of Strategic Initiatives, Tricon Residential; Former Senior Associate, Obama Administration
Ali Merali is responsible for managing Tricon Residential’s strategic initiatives and operational priorities. Ali works closely with leadership teams from across the organization to ensure seamless cross-functional collaboration, effective communication, and informed decision-making. Prior to joining Tricon, Ali was Chief of Staff and Head of Special Projects at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health. In this role, he was instrumental in implementing strategic projects to support Ontario’s COVID-19 response strategy. Before that, Ali was the Chief of Staff at Starwood Hotels & Resorts, where he oversaw global strategic initiatives related to Starwood’s digital, marketing, and customer experience efforts. He played a critical role in integrating the Starwood and Marriott teams after Marriott’s acquisition of Starwood. Prior to Starwood, Ali held various strategic and operational roles on President Obama’s 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns, and with the Obama administration. Ali has a Bachelor of Science degree in Real Estate Finance from Cornell University and a Master in Public Policy from Harvard University.
1:00 - 2:00 PM
NYE BC Panel 3: Building Smarter – Modular Construction & Housing Tech
Speakers:
Ivan Rupnik – Associate Professor at Northeastern University and Founder of MOD X
Ivan Rupnik holds a BArch from Louisiana State University and Master of Architecture with distinction from Harvard GSD. From 2005 until 2007, Ivan was the Principal Instructor of the Architectural Program of Harvard GSD’s Career Discovery program, and from 2005 to 2006 he was an Assistant Professor at Syracuse University’s School of Architecture. Ivan is the coauthor of Project Zagreb: Transition as Condition, Strategy, Practice (Actar, 2007), the author of A Peripheral Moment: Experiments in Architectural Agency (Actar, 2010), and is also editing “Home Work: Contemporary Housing Delivery Systems” (2011). Since 2007, Ivan has served as an urban design and planning consultant to the University of Zagreb’s Spatial Planning and Development Office.
Lesli Gooch – Chief Executive Officer at the Manufactured Housing Institute
Dr. Lesli Gooch, CEO of the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI), is a nationally recognized leader in affordable housing policy and a three-time honoree on HousingWire’s Women of Influence list. She has been instrumental in reshaping the public and political perception of manufactured housing, advocating for its role in addressing the national housing shortage. Under her leadership, manufactured homes are increasingly recognized for their quality, energy efficiency, and affordability, helping millions achieve homeownership. She successfully secured federal support for land-lease communities, expanded financing options through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and played a key role in passing the Manufactured Housing Affordability and Efficiency Act of 2023, reaffirming HUD’s regulatory authority. As the nation faces a housing crisis, Gooch continues to champion policy advancements that protect and expand access to manufactured homes, ensuring they remain a viable, sustainable, and affordable housing solution for American families.
Mike Tweden – Vice President – Sales and Business Development, Champion Homes
Mike Tweden is the Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Skyline Champion, the nation’s largest publicly traded, factory-built housing company. With deep expertise in modular and manufactured housing, Tweden plays a critical role in expanding Skyline Champion’s market presence and advancing affordable housing solutions. Under his leadership, the company has pioneered modular home designs, enhanced buyer experiences through virtual technology, and streamlined zoning challenges to increase access to factory-built homes. He spearheaded the formation of Champion Construction, a full-service entity focused on on-site build completion, making Skyline Champion a turnkey homebuilding provider. Tweden has been a vocal advocate for zoning reform, working with policymakers to dispel misconceptions about modular housing. He continues to drive efficiency, innovation, and affordability, ensuring Skyline Champion remains at the forefront of the factory-built housing industry. His vision supports the company’s mission to provide high-quality, accessible housing nationwide.
Scott Simpson – Partner at SMGB Law (Manufactured housing and modular construction law)
W. Scott Simpson is a seasoned dispute resolution specialist and founder of his firm in 2007. A former corporate general counsel, Scott is a Registered Mediator, Registered Appellate Mediator, and Commercial Arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association. He has conducted mediations in 26 states and has been actively involved in numerous arbitration cases. Committed to hands-on client service, Scott ensures that partners remain directly engaged in every case, a key factor in the firm’s continued success. Since 2002, he has taught dispute resolution at Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law, shaping future legal professionals. In 2015, his research on mediation behavior and blood glucose levels, co-authored with FSU Professor Roy Baumeister, was published in the Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal. Scott holds a B.A. from the University of Florida (1989) and a Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law (1993).
Teresa Payne – Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Manufactured Housing Programs, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Ms. Payne has been with the Department of Housing and Urban Development since 1996. She began her career at the Department as a Legal Honors Intern in the Office of General Counsel where she worked primarily in the RESPA enforcement and RESPA policy areas. As a staff attorney, Ms. Payne also served as co-counsel for the Department’s first successful administrative action against a landlord for violations of the Lead Based Paint Disclosure Rule. Ms. Payne served as the Director of Housing’s Office of Business Development where she was responsible for designing, creating and implementing a nationwide Account Liaison team. She was promoted to Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Regulatory Affairs and Manufactured Housing. Since 2018, she has served as the Administrator for the Office of Manufactured Housing Programs, overseeing the National Manufactured Housing Safety and Standards Act. The program regulates over 140 nationwide manufacturing plants, 33 State Administrative Agencies, 12 third party inspection agencies, and nationwide installation programs and dispute resolution programs. Ms. Payne obtained her law degree from George Mason University and her B.A. from the College of William and Mary.
NYE A Panel 4: Origins of the Housing Crisis
Speakers:
Chris Herbert – Managing Director, Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies
Chris Herbert is Managing Director of the Center. Dr. Herbert has extensive experience conducting research related to housing policy and urban development, both in the US and abroad. A key focus of his research has been on the financial and demographic dimensions of homeownership, and the implications for housing policy. Having previously worked at the Center in the 1990s, Chris rejoined the Center in 2010 from Abt Associates, to serve as the Director of Research. In this role, he led the team responsible for producing the Center’s annual State of the Nation’s Housing and its biennial America’s Rental Housing reports, essential resources for both public and private decision makers in the housing industry. Chris was named managing director of the Center in 2015, and oversees the Center’s diverse sponsored research programs, its local and national conferences and symposia, as well as its student fellowship programs, designed to help train and inspire the next generation of housing leaders. He is also a Lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Design in the Department of Urban Planning and Design. Dr. Herbert is co-editor of A Shared Future: Fostering Communities of Inclusion in an Era of Inequality (2018) and Homeownership Built to Last: Balancing Access, Affordability, and Risk After the Housing Crisis (Brookings Institution Press, 2014). He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Freddie Mac.
Amy Dain – Author of Exclusionary by Design, focused on exclusionary zoning practices in Massachusetts
Amy Dain is a consultant in public policy research and writing. She has worked in-house and as a consultant for a wide range of think tanks on topics related to housing and land use policy, as well as public management and the environment. Her reports include two landmark studies of zoning in Massachusetts, published in 2006 and 2019. Her articles have appeared in the Boston Globe, CommonWealth Magazine, and WBUR’s Cognoscenti, among other publications.
Katherine Einstein – Associate Professor at Boston University, specializing in the influence of NIMBY groups on housing development
Dr. Katherine Einstein is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of Undergraduate Studies at Boston University, where she also serves as Associate Director at the Initiative on Cities. She specializes in local politics, racial and ethnic politics, and American public policy. Her research includes misinformation in democracy, as explored in her book Do Facts Matter? (2015), and housing politics, detailed in Neighborhood Defenders: Participatory Politics and America’s Housing Crisis (2019). Her work has appeared in top academic journals, including the American Journal of Political Science and Urban Affairs Review. Dr. Einstein co-leads the Menino Survey of Mayors, a decade-long study of U.S. mayors, and her research has been supported by NSF, Russell Sage Foundation, and Rockefeller Foundation. She is a faculty affiliate at BU’s Hariri Institute and serves on the editorial boards of American Journal of Political Science and Urban Affairs Review.
Lisa Alexander – Professor of Law & Faculty Director, Housing & Property Rights Programs Initiative on Land, Housing & Property Rights at Boston College Law School
Dr. Lisa T. Alexander is a Professor of Law at Boston College Law School, where she serves as Faculty Director for Housing and Property Rights Programs within the Initiative on Land, Housing & Property Rights. Her research focuses on U.S. housing law, equitable property rights, and urban development, with recent studies on tiny houses and housing market efficiency. Previously, she was Co-Founder and Co-Director of Texas A&M’s Program in Real Estate and Community Development Law and held a joint appointment in Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning. She also served as a Professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School from 2006 to 2017. A Texas A&M Presidential Impact Fellow, Alexander has published extensively in leading legal journals, including the Harvard Law & Policy Review and Yale Law Journal Forum. She earned her B.A. from Wesleyan University and J.D. from Columbia University, and has held prestigious fellowships in civil rights and public affairs.
2:30 - 3:30 PM
NYE A Panel 5: Global Lessons – Housing Affordability Around the World
Speakers:
Dilli Matenge – CEO of Botswana Housing Corporation
Nkaelang Matenge is the Chief Executive Officer of the Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC), a state-owned enterprise responsible for housing, office, and infrastructure development in alignment with Botswana’s Vision 2036 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He leads strategy execution, stakeholder engagement, and organizational performance to support national development priorities. With over 32 years of experience in the building industry, Matenge has been with BHC for 11 years, previously serving as Deputy CEO – Operations. Before joining BHC, he was the Owner-Manager of Dilli Matenge Architects and Co-Director at Planarch Architects-Botswana, working on housing and commercial projects in Botswana and South Africa. A Chartered Architect, he is a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) member, registered with SACAP (South Africa) and ARC (Botswana). He holds an Executive MBA from the University of Cape Town and began his career in the UK, specializing in housing for minority communities.
Sean Fraser – Former Canadian Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities
Sean Fraser is a dedicated public servant and lawyer who has represented Central Nova as a Member of Parliament since 2015. A member of the Liberal Party, he has served as Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (2021-2023) and Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities (2023-2024), where he played a key role in shaping Canada's housing and immigration policies. During his tenure, Fraser championed housing affordability and infrastructure development, launching initiatives like the Housing Accelerator Fund to build 750,000 new homes and announcing plans to unlock government land for affordable housing. His leadership in immigration policy helped increase Canada’s skilled workforce, strengthening the economy while ensuring sustainable population growth. A Nova Scotia native, Fraser holds degrees from St. Francis Xavier University, Dalhousie University, and Leiden University. His commitment to public service, economic development, and housing innovation has left a lasting impact on Canada’s communities.
Edward Golding – Former Head of the U.S. Federal Housing Administration
Prior to serving as the head of the Federal Housing Administration from 2015-2017, Ed Golding was a senior advisor in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In that role, he helped formulate policy on housing finance reform and the expansion of funding for the Housing Trust Fund. Golding was also an executive at the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) from 1989-2012, where he headed model development, strategy and investor relations and developed a national reputation for visionary leadership in housing finance policy. Most recently, Golding served as a Visiting Fellow in the Housing Finance Policy Center at the Urban Institute and as an Adjunct Professor of Finance at Columbia Business School. In addition, Golding has taught at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University, and the University of Florida. He earned an AB degree in applied mathematics from Harvard University in 1976 and a PhD in economics from Princeton University in 1982.
Bing Wang – Associate Professor in Practice of Real Estate and the Built Environment, Harvard Graduate School of Design
Dr. Bing Wang is an Associate Professor in Practice of Real Estate and the Built Environment at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design (GSD). She co-chairs the Real Estate Management: Design, Finance, and Leadership program, a joint initiative between Harvard GSD and Harvard Business School, as well as the Advanced Real Estate Development program for senior executives. An esteemed global scholar, Dr. Wang has lectured at Tsinghua University, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Ulster. Her research focuses on the intersection of real estate, capital markets, and urban development, with work published in over 30 academic books and journals. Beyond academia, she has led real estate investment and development projects worldwide, managing $1.1 billion in urban assets and master-planning 980 acres across the U.S., China, Germany, and beyond. As the founder of HyperBina Design Group, her work includes landmark projects in Shanghai, London, and Jerusalem.
NYE BC Panel 6: Pathways Forward – Charting Solutions for Affordable Housing
Speakers:
Elyse D. Cherry – Chief Executive Officer, BlueHub Capital
Elyse D. Cherry has been the CEO of BlueHub Capital since 1997, leading the organization to invest over $3 billion, leverage $15 billion, and finance affordable housing, health centers, schools, and community facilities nationwide. A pioneer in impact investing, she has spearheaded initiatives in foreclosure relief, job creation, energy efficiency, and financial access. A former partner at WilmerHale, Cherry specialized in real estate finance and affordable housing. She is a Wellesley College Trustee and serves on the Boards of Eastern Bank, The Boston Foundation, and ADA Forsyth Institute, where she led Forsyth’s successful 2023 merger with the ADA. Named one of Boston’s 50 Most Influential People, Cherry has received numerous accolades, including the Financial Times' Top 100 LGBT Executives and the White House Solar Champion of Change award. A nationally recognized speaker, she has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, PBS, and MSNBC.
Henry Santana – At-large Boston City Councilor
Henry Santana is a Boston City Councilor At-Large, dedicated to building a more accessible, equitable, and just city. Born in Bani, Dominican Republic, and raised in Mission Hill, he understands firsthand the challenges faced by immigrants and working-class families. A first-generation college graduate, he earned his B.A. in history and political science from Lasell University. With over 15 years of community service, Henry has been a leader in youth development and civic engagement. Before joining the City Council, he served as the inaugural director for Mayor Michelle Wu’s Office of Civic Organizing, working to eliminate barriers to civic participation. Previously, he was Director of Operations and Mission Hill/Fenway Liaison for Councilor Kenzie Bok, addressing residents’ needs during the pandemic. Committed to uplifting every Boston neighborhood, Henry fights for housing affordability, community resources, and inclusive governance, ensuring every resident has a voice in shaping the city’s future.
Jesse Kanson-Benanav – Executive Director, Abundant Housing MA
Jesse Kanson-Benanav is a housing advocate and urban planner with over 15 years of experience in real estate development, public policy, and community engagement. As Executive Director of Abundant Housing MA (AHMA), he works to advance affordable housing solutions across Massachusetts. Previously, Jesse was a Senior Project Manager at B’nai B’rith Housing New England, overseeing design, permitting, financing, and construction of new affordable housing developments. A dedicated community organizer, he founded ABC Cambridge, an advocacy group promoting smart-growth development. His leadership earned him recognition as a "Game Changer" by the Boston Globe Magazine in 2016. In 2019, he received the Housing Rising Star Award from Metro Housing, honoring his commitment to expanding housing access. Jesse holds a Master in City Planning from MIT and remains a leading voice in shaping policies that create equitable, sustainable, and inclusive communities across Greater Boston.
Matt Noyes – Policy Director, Citizens' Housing and Planning Association
Matt joined CHAPA in 2023. As Director of Public Policy, he is responsible for helping develop, direct, and implement the organization's public policy agenda. Previously, Matt worked for the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education as Director of Trustee and Government Relations, as well as for Youth Villages, Health Care For All, and the AIDS Housing Corporation. He began his career as a staff assistant and legislative correspondent for Congressman Henry Waxman of California. Born and raised in Massachusetts, Matt holds a Bachelor of Arts in history with a minor in peace and conflict studies from Holy Cross as well as a master's degree in history from UMass Amherst.
3:45 - 4:45 PM
NYE BC Panel 7: Next-Gen Solutions – Emerging Leaders Tackling the Housing Crisis
Speakers:
Amy Tomasso – Research Fellow, Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies
Amy Tomasso is an optimistic real estate developer, community builder, and thought leader on innovative tools for today's complex housing challenges. Currently pursuing her Master in Real Estate at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, Amy is focusing on mixed-use, workforce, and 'missing middle' housing solutions. She is also a Research Fellow at the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, proposing a policy framework to legalize small-scale housing in Massachusetts. Prior to graduate school, Amy led the State of Vermont’s missing middle initiatives as a planner at the VT Department of Housing and Community Development, and her writing on zoning reform and housing policy has been published nationally. Amy earned a BA. in Urban Studies from Stanford University, and an MFA in Creative Writing from Hollins University. When she’s not working on housing policy, she’s a triathlete and outdoor explorer.
Alex Park – Founder & CEO of Construction Innovation Startup
Alex’s career spans construction engineering and management, venture scaling, AI-driven construction tools, and federal building technology grants. His work, from delivering landmark projects valued at billions to leading Architecture/Engineering/Construction professional organizations, positions him at the cutting edge of construction technology and sustainable building practices.
Dan Goldstern – CEO and Co-Founder, Dojo
Dan is co-founder and CEO of Dojo, an AI platform that helps companies plan and optimize their hybrid workplaces. Dan’s experience in urban development spans the public and private sectors. Before starting Dojo, he was a policy advisor in the NYC Mayor’s Office, working on housing, economic development, and labor policy. Prior to that, he worked on multi-billion dollar mixed-use real estate and urban development projects, including NYC’s World Trade Center, at Silverstein Properties. Dan was a Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University, in Beijing, and studied political theory at the University of Pennsylvania. Dan lives in Brooklyn and enjoys riding his bike around the city.
Will Sternlicht – Founder, ComFi Living
Will Sternlicht is the founder of ComFi Living, a tech-enabled, end-to-end housing developer focused on addressing housing shortages. His interdisciplinary background spans real estate, policy, and technology, having worked on developments collectively worth billions of dollars at Crosstree, a London-based real estate private equity firm, and on public housing initiatives, including RAD at Miami-Dade County. Will has also contributed to housing innovation—accelerating permitting at Pulley and developing dignified temporary shelters with Pallet Shelter. Before transitioning to real estate, Will worked in venture capital at Social Capital, focusing on technology investments. He recently joined the board of Impact Residential Development, a national LIHTC developer, and is a member of CRETI’s Future of Housing Committee. Will holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and an MPP from the Harvard Kennedy School, where he wrote his PAE on California’s SB9 housing reform bill. He earned a BS in the intersection of Product Design and Computer Science from Stanford University.