Our Team

Janice leads the agency with the core belief that housing is the great equalizer. Without a safe place to call home, nothing else can happen. Janice became CEO following 12 years overseeing property management, rent assistance and supportive services for the Housing Connect. She holds a Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Utah.

Mike believes that every person is valuable. Through leadership, experience, and team-building his goal is to always provide superior, caring service to our residents, team members, vendors and the community at large. Mike has 25+ years of multifamily experience and is a licensed Utah Principal Broker. He received a Bachelors in Aeronautical Studies from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Andre oversees the Human Resources, Information Technology, and Accounting and Budgeting functions of Housing Connect. He has been in this position since 2003 and has over 20 years of experience in the accounting field. He is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration.

Zach is passionate about assessing and structuring solutions to complex community needs. He oversees Housing Connect Fund, Resident Services and Supportive Housing efforts to ensure a holistic approach to housing and services. Zach is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15+ years of experience in human services, fundraising, program evaluation, consultation, and leadership development. He holds a Masters in Business Administration and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Utah.

Lee has been with Housing Connect since 2018, and prior to joining Housing Connect, he worked in the maintenance field for 22 years in healthcare and education facilities. Lee is passionate in making the best possible place for residents and staff.

Jeanette believes in the need to develop housing opportunities for those who need it most. Jeanette has 23 years of experience in property management. She has managed and supervised property staff and compliance departments with Rural Development, Low Income Housing Tax Credit, HOME, and Section 811 funding. She has been instrumental in the success of nine multi-funded lease-ups ranging from 40 to 160 units, including new development and LIHTC acquisition rehab. Jeanette is a Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP).

Ilez Brady has been with Housing Connect since 2010. She started in the Public Housing Department and now oversees the Housing Choice Voucher program. Her professional certifications include Public Housing Manager, Rent Calculation Specialist and HCV Program Manager. Ilez is bilingual and is passionate in customer service and strongly supports our missions and values.

Lori is passionate about public service and is a true people person. Lori has been with Housing Connect since 1994 and currently oversees the management and maintenance of Housing Connect’s Public Housing communities. Her professional certifications include Public Housing Manager, Public Housing Executive Management, Section 8 Manager and Housing Credit Professional. Lori also holds a Utah real estate License.

Russell Opatz has been with Housing Connect since 2013. He is currently serving as the Supportive Housing and Services Director, overseeing supportive housing and service activities. Russell graduated from Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina with a degree in Outdoor Leadership. Prior to Housing Connect, Russell worked as a field instructor and program director for a variety of adventure education organizations throughout the country, with a focus on serving vulnerable populations.

Krysta is driven by her passion to find efficient processes to ensure Housing Connect’s valuable housing resources can be maximized. Krysta oversees all supportive housing and resident services administration grant functions, including data and compliance. Krysta has worked at Housing Connect since 2010. Krysta is a certified Project Management Professional.

Paul serves at Human Resources Director for Housing Connect. He has a diverse human resources background including public and private sector employers in a variety of industries. His background in HR and business management has given him the ability to look at complex situations from both a human resources perspectives, as well as an operations perspective. As a result, Paul has developed a unique adaptability and is able find solutions to problems quickly. Paul’s HR background includes experience in benefits management, employee development, employee relations, recruiting, and compliance. He received his BS in Business Administration from UNLV.

Jarin joined Housing Connect in 2019. He is a dependable and detail-oriented technologist, skilled in network and system administration, security and IT leadership. His role includes driving the technology needs of the organization to provide effective housing assistance in a fiscally responsible way. Jarin likes finding creative ways to explain technology and enjoys providing good customer service. He has over 20 years of experience in the technology industry with 16 of those years in public service organizations. He earned a Bachelors degree in Information Technology and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.