Housing Administration

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HOUSING AUTHORITY – RESPONSIBILITIES

Administration: Lead and direct Housing Management and team members to administer a comprehensive Indian Housing Plan, the Tribal Utility Authority and various grants as awarded to the Housing Authority and Tribe for the benefit of tribal members. Includes: planning, development, implementation, evaluation and compliance monitoring of housing services. Ensure Housing Managers operate membership services and programs in compliance with established policies and procedures; licensing, grant and contract requirements and state and federal laws.

Strategic Planning: Facilitate the development, implementation, modification, and evaluation of the Housing Authority strategic plan and the annual Indian Housing Plan. Ensure that Housing Managers carry out and achieve the goals and objectives in their respective portions of the Housing strategic plan aligned with the Tribe’s overall strategic plan. Includes: community and membership needs assessments, analysis and plans of action.

Fiscal Responsibility: Ensure overall fiscal management of the NAHASDA block grant, Tribal Utility Authority, Sanitation and Home Improvement Program and various grants as awarded, which totals $10M annually. Includes: review of financial statements, overseeing budget development, and monitoring / compliance with Housing Managers and coordination with the Tribes Comptroller.

Issue Resolution: Serves as the liaison to Board of Directors, Chairperson, Tribal Administration, and the Housing Authority Commission in resolution of tribal membership housing related issues and concerns.

HOUSING DIRECTOR – OVERSEES

The Housing Director oversees the Assistant Housing Director, Operations Manager, Construction Manager, Administrative Assistant, Procurement Asset Agent, Project Specialist (2), and their direct reports. Specific membership services include Rental & Homeownership housing, Sanitation, Weatherization, Down Payment Assistance, Home Rehabilitation Program, Rental Assistance Vouchers and Emergency Housing Financial Assistance.

HOUSING DIRECTOR – BIO HIGHLIGHTS

The Housing Division is led by Joni Talentino. Joni has held many key management positions within the Housing Authority since 1991. She has functioned as the Director since 2008. She has provided consulting and training to other Indian Housing Authorities and currently is a Board Member of the National American Indian Housing Council, and a past member of the Chippewa County Community Foundation Board and H.O.M.E of Mackinac County Board.

Joni attended both Northern Michigan University and Lake Superior State University in the study of Business Administration. She holds numerous certifications specific to Indian Housing Administration.

Joni is a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and lives in Sault Ste. Marie. She has two (2) adult children. Her daughter lives in lower Michigan. Her son, daughter-in-law and 3 grandchildren live in Wisconsin.