Speakers & Panelists
Meet the distinguished speakers and panelists driving the conversation at the 2025 Tampa Bay Regional Affordable Housing Forum. These leaders bring diverse expertise and bold ideas to address the region’s most pressing housing challenges.
Kimberly Overman, Founder of Housing Leadership Council of Tampa Bay, President and CEO of The Financial Well, Inc., Former County Commissioner Hillsborough County
Kimberly Overman is a dynamic and accomplished individual who has made a significant impact in her professional and public service endeavors. With a strong commitment to community welfare, Kimberly has dedicated her career to public service, striving to create positive change and improve the lives of those around her. As an experienced leader, Kimberly has served as a County Commissioner, where she has successfully advocated for issues such as affordable housing, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Her tireless efforts have earned her recognition for her ability to bring diverse stakeholders together and find practical solutions to complex problems.
Shannon Kalahar
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
Tampa Bay Partnership
Shannon Kalahar is a strategic communications expert specializing in economic research and regional development. As Senior Director at the Tampa Bay Partnership, she has led key studies such as the Regional Competitiveness Report and the Beyond the Front Door study, providing data-driven insights on housing affordability and economic mobility. Her research informs policy discussions and regional planning, shaping strategies for sustainable growth in the Tampa Bay area. Kalahar has also contributed to major summits, conferences, and forums where she presented findings on market trends and housing challenges.
Leroy Moore
Community Developer | Leader | Innovator | Passionate about building Sustainable, Healthy, Inclusive places where People and Community Thrive.
Leroy Moore is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in government administration and the private sector. As Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Tampa Housing Authority, he oversees operations and real estate development, leading transformative projects such as the Encore redevelopment and HOPE VI initiatives. He also serves as Secretary of the Florida Housing Coalition, contributing to statewide affordable housing strategies. A skilled leader in commercial and residential real estate development, nonprofit organizations, budgeting, government operations, vision casting, team building, and public speaking, Moore holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from The University of Memphis.
Latoria "Tori" Boyd, Housing Leadership Council Board Member
Multi Family Professional
Signature Property Services of Florida LLC, Signature Property Development LLC, Signature Property Management of Florida LLC
Latoria "Tori" Boyd is a seasoned multi-family housing professional with extensive experience in property management and community development. She leads Signature Property Services, where she provides strategic guidance in financial management, operations, and consultancy to enhance property performance. Boyd has held key roles in the industry, including Regional Manager at Housing Trust Group and Carteret Management, as well as District Manager at Elon Property Management Company. Her expertise in affordable housing, property development, and fostering strong community partnerships has made her a respected leader in the field.
Chaikirah Parker, Housing Leadership Council Board Member
CEO, TLC Sunshine Financial
Chaikirah Parker is a seasoned financial services professional with extensive experience in mortgage lending, credit risk, and underwriting. She has held leadership roles, including Vice President at Citi and Credit Risk Officer at USAA, where she advised on mortgage lending strategies and auditing practices. As a National Bank Underwriting leader, she has trained hundreds of industry professionals and contributed to the development of credit policy, underwriting over $33 billion in homeownership funding. A passionate advocate for financial literacy and housing access, Parker leads programs that support first-time homebuyers and underserved communities, helping to bridge gaps in equitable homeownership.
Layla Hayavi, Housing Leadership Council Board Member
Director and Contract Administrator
Tampa Housing Authority
Layla Hayavi is the Director of the North Tampa Housing Development Corporation and Related Entities of the Tampa Housing Authority, where she also oversees business operations. She has been a Performance-Based Contract Administrator for the Project-Based Section 8 Program in Florida and the Virgin Islands since 2006. Previously, she managed affordable housing programs for Hillsborough County, overseeing federal and local housing initiatives. A recognized expert in housing regulatory standards and community development, she serves on multiple local and national affordable housing boards, including the Housing Leadership Council of Tampa Bay.
Christopher Savino
Vice President & Principal
Archway Partners
Christopher Savino is the Vice President and Principal at Archway Partners, a real estate development firm specializing in sustainable, workforce, and affordable housing communities. With over 20 years of experience in real estate development, he has successfully utilized Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and various government programs to create housing solutions for underserved populations. Savino has played a key role in developing more than 1,500 multifamily units valued at over $350 million, working closely with local, state, and federal agencies to secure financing and approvals. His expertise extends to public-private partnerships, leveraging resources such as HOME, SAIL, SHIP, CDBG, and Affordable Housing Trust Funds to drive impactful housing initiatives. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Florida and continues to be a leader in advancing equitable housing opportunities.
Dan Coakley
Principal
PMG Affordable
Dan Coakley is a Principal of PMG Affordable, LLC, and is responsible for all aspects of the business including acquisitions of development sites and existing assets, relationships with venture partners, municipalities and housing authorities and the execution of financing and development. Dan has nearly 30 years of direct real estate experience starting at Lehman Brothers for nearly a decade and serving as a Principal in its real estate private equity business. He has also served in senior management roles at other prominent lending and private equity investment firms and as a Sponsor Principal on numerous large transactions. During his career he has developed / deployed over $2 billion in real estate development transactions. Dan received his B.A. Degree from Dartmouth College.
George Romagnoli
Senior Vice President
Neighborhood Lending Partners
George Romagnoli serves as the Director of Government and Policy at Neighborhood Lending Partners, a leading CDFI, where he advocates for equitable community development. His career includes leadership roles such as Community Development Director in Pasco County, Planning Director in New Port Richey, and Vice-President at Tampa Bay Community Development Corporation. He has held significant statewide influence, serving two terms as Chairman of the Florida Housing Coalition and receiving appointments from two Governors to the Affordable Housing Study Commission. A certified planner and dedicated civic leader, he also serves as Vice President of the Greater Tampa Bay Area Boy Scout Council and holds degrees from Stetson University and Florida State University.
Sylvia Alvarez
Executive Director
Housing & Education Alliance
Sylvia Alvarez is a nationally recognized housing advocate, HUD-certified housing counselor, licensed realtor, and consultant with extensive experience in financial literacy and homeownership education. As the founder and Executive Director of the Housing & Education Alliance, she has led efforts to provide housing counseling services to over 55,000 Tampa Bay residents since 2002. Alvarez has served on the CFPB Consumer Advisory Board and has been a national trainer, bilingual media spokesperson, and motivational speaker on housing issues. She co-authored The American Nightmare: Strategies for Preventing, Surviving and Overcoming Foreclosure, a widely used resource endorsed by Freddie Mac and translated into Spanish by NAHREP. Her leadership has earned her recognition from federal agencies, including HUD and the U.S. Treasury, and she has contributed to policy discussions at the White House. Alvarez continues to be a driving force in housing advocacy, ensuring equitable access to homeownership opportunities.
Aidza Antonio Thomas
Director
Solita's House
Aidza Antonio-Thomas is the Executive Director and CEO of Solita’s House, Inc., a certified Community Development Financial Institution and HUD-approved nonprofit in Tampa, Florida. She co-founded Solita’s House in 2006 to expand financial education and housing counseling services, particularly for Latino communities, ensuring equitable access to homeownership resources. With over 25 years of experience in social services, she has expertise in community development, financial literacy, and affordable housing initiatives. Antonio-Thomas is also a member of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs and has been featured in discussions on housing affordability and economic empowerment in Tampa.
Frank Cornier
President & CEO
Tampa Bay Neighborhood Housing Service
Frank Cornier leads efforts to strengthen communities across Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties. With a background in real estate development and community economic initiatives, he has held leadership roles including Vice President of Project Development at Blue Sky Homes and Vice President of Real Estate Development at CDC of Tampa. His expertise spans affordable housing, property rehabilitation, and financial counseling, helping to expand homeownership opportunities for underserved communities. Cornier holds a master's degree in Community and Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University and has contributed to various housing and nonprofit organizations throughout his career.
Maggie Rogers
Executive Director
Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg
Maggie Rogers is the Executive Director of Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg, a role she was appointed to in 2019 after serving as Interim Executive Director. Since joining Catholic Charities in 2013, she has worked to expand affordable housing and social service programs, previously leading as Director of Catholic Charities Family Housing and Social Services. Before that, she served as Director of Social Services for The Salvation Army in Tampa, where she focused on community support initiatives. She is deeply committed to addressing homelessness and has played a key role in programs like Pinellas Hope and Tampa Hope.
Frank DeBose
ALFA Residential Development Holdings, LLC
Frank DeBose serves as Chair of the Hillsborough County Housing Finance Authority, where he helps support affordable housing initiatives by working with lenders, developers, and builders to provide financing solutions. He has also been involved with Alfa Residential Development Holdings, LLC, focusing on residential development projects. His expertise spans housing finance and community development, contributing to efforts that address housing affordability in Tampa. Through his leadership, he has played a key role in fostering partnerships that enhance housing opportunities in the region.
Ernest Coney
Chief Executive Officer
Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, Inc.
(CDC of Tampa)
Ernest M. Coney Jr. is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa, Inc. (CDC of Tampa), where he leads efforts to create economic opportunities and strengthen communities. With over 20 years of executive management experience, he has developed and implemented comprehensive community development strategies that connect workforce development, housing, and real estate with education, resident leadership, and community safety. Under his leadership, CDC of Tampa has leveraged millions in investments for affordable housing, job training, and economic revitalization, including the development of Fort King Colony and Haley Park. Coney holds degrees from Dartmouth College and the University of South Florida and has played a pivotal role in shaping policies and programs that drive economic prosperity in Tampa Bay.
Milton Pratt Jr.
Executive Vice President
The Michaels Development Company
Milton Pratt Jr. is the Executive Vice President of Development at The Michaels Organization, leading affordable housing projects and asset management nationwide. Before joining Michaels, he served as Region III Regional Director for HUD, working with government officials to advance housing initiatives. Throughout his career, he has developed over 2,500 housing units valued at more than $375 million, including award-winning HOPE VI projects in New Orleans and Tampa. He holds a degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Urban Planning and actively contributes to housing and community development boards.
David lIoanya
Director of Real Estate Development
Tampa Housing Authority
Since 2000, David Iloanya has served as Director of Real Estate Development for the Tampa Housing Authority. As a committed proponent of affordable housing, he worked tirelessly to transform the old and stigmatized image of public housing developments to first rate quality with a vital sense of community. His innovative approach earned numerous awards of merits and excellences. Mr. Iloanya holds a five-year professional degree in Architecture and Urban Planning, B.Arch from Howard University.
Dayna Lazarus, AICP
Urban Planner
Florida Housing Coalition
Dayna Lazarus is a Technical Advisor for the Florida Housing Coalition, specializing in housing affordability, transportation equity, and climate resiliency. With over a decade of experience in community organizing, she holds a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of South Florida, where she earned graduate certificates in Sustainable Transportation and Community Development. Lazarus has contributed to groundbreaking research, including co-producing Florida’s first Nondiscrimination and Equity Plan, which introduced innovative public engagement strategies to amplify underserved communities. She is committed to centering equity in policy decisions and has been recognized for her work in advancing fair housing and urban planning initiatives.