Leadership Team

Alison Dean President
Julia Castanier Executive Assistant to Alison Dean
Brittany Cristel Senior Vice President of Property Management
Owen Fleming Director of Capital Projects & Major Repairs
Rosa Almeida, HCCP Senior Director of Compliance
Jody Hunter Director of Compliance
Stefanie Rice Director of Portfolio Management
Cassandra Garcia Senior Portfolio Coordinator
Chemaine Fernandez Compliance Manager
Denise Weems Portfolio Manager
Nahrein Kassem Business Process Manager
Evelyn Wilson Training Manager
Ashley Frazier Capital Projects Manager
Steve Jones Executive Maintenance Manager
Regan Sindayen Regional Maintenance Manager
Jim Yates Regional Maintenance Manager
Sabrin Kassem Senior Portfolio Manager
Lindsay Demmel Portfolio Manager
Debra Ragland Portfolio Manager
Tekla Alters Portfolio Manager
Jodi Strand Portfolio Manager

Alison Dean

President

As the President of HNN Communities, Alison is responsible for running all facets of the business. She has a proven executive management track record and over 20 years of experience building and managing programs, effectively restructuring departments, and overseeing organizational strategic planning.

Prior to joining HNN in 2016, where she served as the Director of Operations and Strategy for five years, Alison built a successful career in both for-profit and non-profit industries specializing in system analysis and implementation, budget modeling, improving curriculum, and residential program development. During this time, she refined her leadership skills to successfully motivate others in cross-functional business settings while fostering an effective and dynamic work environment.

Alison utilizes her innovative project management skills, as well as analytic and decision-making abilities even in ambiguous situations to achieve results. Alison ensures action and resource requirements are properly aligned to meet company goals, all while inspiring others to achieve them. She leads the participation and development of the organization’s vision, policies, and objectives while providing directives and support to the leadership team. She is well versed in developing and interpreting analytical reports used to measure change and believes in leading by example.

Alison actively promotes ethics and compliance policies across the organization, as well as ensuring the team upholds the organization’s mission and values. Alison received a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Bucknell University. She has also earned a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Immaculata University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Temple University.

A former professional ballet dancer, Alison is actively involved with multiple arts-based non-profits in the Seattle region. You can often find her out and about on her boat spending time with her family, husband, and Labradors Bella and Philly, enjoying the beautiful water in and around the PNW.

Julia Castanier

Executive Assistant to Alison Dean

Coming Soon!

Brittany Cristel

Senior Vice President of Property Management

Brittany has over 14 years of diverse multifamily housing and leadership experience. Having joined HNN in 2016, she has held roles in portfolio management, talent acquisition, marketing, and human resources.

Throughout her career, Brittany has successfully managed large portfolios consisting of complex assets, including professional project management experience that she acquired while working for a local engineering firm. As the Vice President of Property Management, Brittany effectively implements target strategies with a systematic approach to maximizing performance and profitability.

As a strategic executive leader with a proven track record of building and training effective cross-functional teams, she skillfully executes critical business plans and standards around recruitment, asset performance, and organizational strategy. Brittany is adept at developing budgets, forecasts, and analysis to identify areas of opportunity and evaluates risks while aligning with organizational goals.

Brittany graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Eastern Washington University, earned a Master of Business Administration from City University of Seattle, and obtained a Talent Acquisition and Planning Certificate from Cornell University.

Outside of the office, Brittany enjoys spending quality time with her daughter and fiancé. Her passions include traveling and exploring the scenic Pacific Northwest with friends and family.

Owen Fleming

Director of Capital Projects & Major Repairs

Owen has more than 23 years of multifamily housing experience with diverse projects including new construction, acquisitions, dispositions and extensive asset rehabilitation and renovation. He is a knowledgeable leader in all facets of residential and commercial building including construction management, environmental oversight and project supervision. Owen is also well versed in business risk mitigation and operational functions involving budgeting, contract negotiation, bid analysis, vendor management, code compliance, and workplace safety.

Owen was awarded Maintenance Supervisor of the Year in 2002 by For Rent Magazine, holds a CAMT +E designation and an 07B electrical license.

In his free time, Owen enjoys the company of his family, watching science fiction, exploring historic homes and buildings, and antique hunting with his fiancé.

Rosa Almeida, HCCP

Senior Director of Compliance

Rosa has over 22 years of dedicated property management experience and seven years of progressive tax credit experience. Rosa joined HNN in 2011 and is responsible for all aspects of compliance evaluation, monitoring and reporting. As the Director of Compliance, she assures compliance with applicable affordable housing programs for over 6,500 units throughout the portfolio, including but not limited to, Low Income Housing Tax Credit and HUD.

Rosa is a compassionate and dynamic leader that oversees HNN’s remarkable compliance team, both onsite and at the corporate level. As a team, they are responsible for the daily review of resident move-ins, as well as annual and interim certifications. Rosa makes continuing education and training for her team a top priority to ensure they stay current on all changes of affordable housing regulations. Additionally, Rosa tracks multiple complex programs related to affordable housing, prepares and reviews monthly and annual compliance reports and submits all audit responses to outside agencies.

Rosa holds several industry credentials including a Specialist in Housing Credit Management (SHCM), Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP), Certified Occupant Specialist (COS) and Novagradac Property Compliance Certification (NPCC).

Rosa enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music, and traveling.

Jody Hunter

Director of Compliance

Jody has over 17 years of multifamily housing experience, including 15 years focused on Section 42 Tax Credit housing. She is highly proficient at analyzing, researching, and collaborating with others to overcome complex problems and achieve top results. Jody relies on her extensive knowledge of the tax credit program to effectively lead the Compliance Department’s robust training program. She displays a strong personal commitment to success and the company’s mission.

Jody holds several industry credentials including a Specialist in Housing Credit Management (SHCM), Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP), and Novagradac Property Compliance Certification (NPCC).

Jody enjoys camping and spending time with friends and family.

Stefanie Rice

Director of Portfolio Management

Stefanie has over 19 years of property management experience with 14 years dedicated to Tax Credit and HUD housing.?She has extensive experience overseeing complex portfolios of assets including new developments and mixed-use communities. As an innovative leader, Stefanie places significant emphasis on cultivating culture and building thriving teams.?As a self-motivating professional with a high level of positive energy, Stefanie is quick to overcome challenges and resolve conflict.

Stefanie was awarded Community Manager of the Year in 2009 by WMFHA and holds a CAM and CAPS designation.

Outside of work, Stefanie enjoys watching her son and daughter play baseball and softball. Any chance she gets, you will find her out camping with her friends and family in the great Pacific Northwest.

Cassandra Garcia

Senior Portfolio Coordinator

Bio coming soon

Chemaine Fernandez

Compliance Manager

Chemaine was born and raised in sunny Pasadena, CA, home of the Rose Bowl, and moved to Washington in 1993 to become reacquainted with the family of her father. She has been in the property management industry for 30 years and have worked in many different positions, from groundskeeper to Community Manager of LITHC and conventional, a Regional PM, and currently as the Compliance Manger with HNN. She is a very family-oriented person, as my family is of most importance in my life. I love to spend time with my adult daughters and two granddaughters, enjoying life as much as possible. Taking trips to beaches, parks, hiking, riding bicycles, or taking long drives with no destinations; to see where the road takes us.

Denise Weems

Portfolio Manager

Denise comes to us with over 25 years of multifamily experience as a Community Manager and has worked in both Washington and California markets.

Before transitioning into her new role as Portfolio Manager, her extensive background included senior-affordable housing, Class A lease-ups, urban high-rise, conventional garden-style communities, and multi-site management.

With a strong collaborative leadership style and a focus on team building and development, she believes that there’s no challenge too big that can’t be overcome with a positive attitude and teamwork! Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching her favorite Seattle sports teams, and exploring the beautiful PNW.

Nahrein Kassem

Business Process Manager

Nahrein has over 13 years of industry experience and brings her expertise to HNN. Prior to moving to the Operations Manager, she was working in the department after her advancement from Community Manager. Nahrein has been with HNN for 13 years and knows the ins and outs of the company. As the Operations Manager, she is a thoughtful and supportive leader with a primary focus on the advancement of the strategic operations of the company by organizing tasks in a prioritized, high-priority system. Nahrein oversees the Marketing Department and her Operations Team and works to best support her team. Outside of work, Nahrein loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, attending sports events, and at the beach under the sun!

Evelyn Wilson

Training Manager

Bio Coming Soon

Ashley Frazier

Capital Projects Manager

Ashley has over 26 years of property management experience, including new construction, commercial management, and asset rehabilitation. With over 14 years of building a successful career at HNN, Ashley works closely with the portfolio management team to provide guidance and oversight of the community’s maintenance and capital improvement projects. In his dynamic role, Ashley is responsible for all aspects of the Company’s maintenance program including vendor management and contract administration.

Ashley was awarded Maintenance Supervisor of the Year in 2009 by For Rent Magazine and holds an 07B electrical license.

Outside of work, Ashley enjoys the great outdoors including boating, fishing, hiking, and exploring the Pacific Northwest. He also enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and football season.

Steve Jones

Executive Maintenance Manager

Steve has over 17 years of multifamily housing experience, spanning across a multitude of diverse maintenance operations. Steve started out his career as a Porter and quickly worked his way up to becoming a Maintenance Supervisor. As a Maintenance Supervisor with HNN, Steve was tasked with overseeing two successful lease-up communities, before joining the Regional Maintenance Team.

As a Regional Maintenance Supervisor, Steve oversees the portfolio’s capital improvement projects and quality assurance program. He places a high priority on employee safety and team building, continuously striving for the success and growth of all team members.

Steve received a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Studies from Baptist Bible College. He also holds a CAMT designation and Type I and Type II EPA certifications.

Steve values family, faith and enjoys being outdoors. He also enjoys sci-fi, historical documentaries, and telling and hearing great stories.

Regan Sindayen

Regional Maintenance Manager

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. Regan started his adventure in 2001 as a groundskeeper where Phil Nored was his Portfolio Manager. He has worked in multiple sides of the industry. From roving maintenance to on-site.

He has been in property management going on 20+ years. He spent 7 years in the HOA facilities maintenance overseeing 770 units of mixed townhomes, condominiums, and mid-rises which were built in 1969. As a Senior Maintenance Supervisor with HNN, he has had 3 successful lease-ups and was podded with 2 properties totaling 483 units.

As a part of the Regional Maintenance team, he will strive to build high team morale and empower all team members to perform to the best of their ability. Regan was an Emerald finalist for Maintenance Supervisor of the Year in 2021 and holds a Certified Apartments Maintenance Technician (CAMT) nationally recognized credential.

He prides himself in strong communication and transparency. A strong belief in building trust, because if you trust us we can trust you. He tries to be better than the day before and if you are making mistakes then you are trying.  In his spare time, he loves to spend time with his family and support his kids in their activities including; lacrosse, basketball, and football. He also enjoys playing golf and loves to watch breakdancing competitions but stopped competing years ago. He also has a collection of sneakers.

Jim Yates

Regional Maintenance Manager

I have been in this industry for over 25 years. I have held many different positions in this time.

I started out as a Pt Maintenance Tech, Lead for a Floating Maintenance Team, Maintenance Supervisor, Project Manager and now Regional Maintenance Manager with HNN Communities.

Some of the things I love to do with my family are going camping, snow skiing and snowboarding, and anything to do with water.

Sabrin Kassem

Senior Portfolio Manager

Sabrin has over 12 years of affordable housing experience and effectively works with stakeholders to develop sustainable goals to maximize revenue while controlling expenses and resident turnover. As a dynamic leader, she enhances the portfolio’s operational performance by leveraging her strengths including revenue management, resident retention, marketing strategies, and successfully coaching high-performing teams. Sabrin quickly adapts to changing demands and takes pride in creating an inclusive team environment. Sabrin holds a CAM and SHCM designation. Out of the office, Sabrin spends her time with family and making new traditions with her husband and son. She also enjoys hosting get-togethers and volunteering in her community.

Lindsay Demmel

Portfolio Manager

Bio Coming Soon

Debra Ragland

Portfolio Manager

Debra has over 22 years of property management experience in both market-rate and tax credit housing. Her hands-on management style has led to the successful operations of residential communities ranging from 30 to 400 units. Debra strives to exceeded standards of customer service and satisfaction using sound judgment and effective de-escalation skills. She motivates, engages, and coaches her teams to foster continuous employee growth and development. Debra excels in supporting the company’s marketing strategies and maximizes the use of technology to enhance prospect engagement and profitability.

Debra received a Paralegal Degree from the Stratford Career Institute and holds a CAM designation.

Outside of work, Debra enjoys spending time with her family and friends as well as reading, self-care, and Eastern medicine.

Tekla Alters

Portfolio Manager

Tekla brings over 10 years of diverse multifamily experience from market rate to affordable housing. She is very analytical which allows her the ability to think critically, analyze data, make difficult decisions and solve complex problems.

Tekla is very passionate about building high-performing teams and allowing her team to blossom into their full potential.

During her downtime, Tekla enjoys traveling, listening to music, reading, giving back to the community, and spending time with her loved ones. Alters

Jodi Strand

Portfolio Manager

Jodi has over 20 years of diverse management and leadership experience in hospitality, multi-family, mixed-use, and commercial real estate.

For the last few years, Jodi has worked as a Portfolio Manager overseeing more than 1,100 affordable units throughout Washington. Her wealth of experience aligned values, and industry knowledge will be a valued contribution to our organization.