Session Descriptions & Speaker Bios

Speaker & Panelist Bios:

Burton Kelso
Chief Technology Expert, Integral
Burton Kelso is a TEDx Keynote Speaker and Expert on Cybersecurity, AI, Social Media Marketing as well as an On-Air Tech Expert. His idea is to open people up to a whole new world of ideas and experiences with the gadgets they use at home and at work. He loves technology, he’s read all of the manuals and he's serious about making technology safe, fun and easy to use for everyone!

Brian Ivey
Assistant Director of Security, Remnant Management, Inc.
After graduating high school, Brian Ivey began his career in the electrical field, specializing in wiring new homes. He later transitioned into law enforcement, completing the Detention Officer Certification program and joining the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer. Over the years, Brian gained valuable certifications and training, including Field Training Officer and General Instructor certifications. As a certified General Instructor, he had the privilege of training new officers and helping shape the next generation of law enforcement professionals. In 2000, Brian was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and completed the Administrative Officer’s Management Program (AOMP) at NC State University. This program included five undergraduate courses focused on leadership development and administrative skills, providing me with the tools to excel as a leader. By 2002, he had advanced to the rank of Captain, overseeing the Service and Training departments. In this role, he was responsible for approximately 150 officers, ensuring they were properly trained and that all certifications remained current. Brian took great pride in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and readiness within my department. After 25 years of dedicated service, he retired in 2014. In 2022, Brian joined Remnant Management as the Assistant Director of Security. In this role, he serves as a key liaison between site managers, local law enforcement, and the security team, ensuring open communication and collaboration to maintain the safety of residents and employees. He is also responsible for keeping all stakeholders informed of ongoing issues and working closely with the Security Director to address challenges effectively. His focus remains on fostering a secure and supportive environment for all.

Dan Gould
Director of Training, The Inspection Group






Desi Payne
Desi loves to motivate employees by helping them adjust their attitudes to create a positive work environment. Desi has over 25 years of experience as an entrepreneur, patient advocate, customer service and leadership trainer, and award-winning entertainer. She is also an international speaker with the John Maxwell Team. She is known as “The Attitude Adjuster” and helps employees reduce negativity and stress in the workplace. She is the author of Do You Work with the Living Dead?



James Turner
Lead Maintenance Supervisor, Community Management Corp.
James Turner is currently a Lead Maintenance Supervisor with Community Management Corporation. He has over 43 years’ experience with various stages of construction, and maintenance. James has been a licensed electrical contractor in the state of North Carolina since 1996. Currently has a Universal EPA certification. James enjoys using his skills in HVAC, plumbing, new and remodel construction and electrical maintenance in a wide range capacity. He enjoys troubleshooting and finding solutions to problems with equipment to get them back in operation. He currently works with a great maintenance team where he shares his knowledge and experience. James has a goal of effectively reducing costs, limiting outsourcing and vendor use and developing an in-house approach when applicable, with inventory and stock. In his free time, you will find him building and making all the projects at home on his “to do list” come to life.

Joseph Henry
Owner/Trainer, Professional Compliance Solutions, LLC
Beginning his career in 1986, Joe started in maintenance and worked his way to Director of one of the largest Property Management companies in the Nation. As changes occurred and companies sold, Joe developed a "desire to inspire" by sharing over 35 years of experience, both good and bad with Owners, Developers, Companies, and Organizations. Whether it is LIHTC, HUD, RD, or HOME, Joe will bring the best in Affordable Housing training. Along with his degree in Psychology, Joe brings a real life perspective to why we do...what we do! There is a difference in training and Professional Compliance Solutions believes you have to live it, to really love it. As with all of Joe's courses, he ensures that you will not soon forget the PCS DIFFERENCE in training.

Kelly Garver
NC Quadel

Michael Alexander
Michael Alexander has been in the housing industry for 40+ years. He has served as the Executive Director of the Affordable Housing Management Association of East Texas. He also was Project Administrator for The Pinemont Apartments, a Section 8/202 property for the elderly and disabled, from 1994-2011. Although he officially retired from AHMA East Texas in 2022, he continues to train as a Certified NAHMA Trainer for the CPO and FHC. He teaches a variety of classes for managers and maintenance personnel. A Texan native, Michael attended Eastern Washington State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music; he also earned a Master of Arts degree from Houston Graduate School of Theology. He has also participated in the Art and Practice of Leadership Development program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. He is a Master Practitioner of the Meyers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). His first children’s book, “Henry, the Laughing the Hippopotamus” has been published and is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Randa McCauley
Senior Compliance Monitor, North Carolina Housing Finance Agency

Scott Alexander
Regional Property Manager, Landura

Shannon Pow
Owner/President, Remnant Management, Inc.
Shannon Pow, President and Owner of Remnant Companies has been in the affordable housing industry since 2006. She started out her career at United Management II (UMII) in the accounting department overseeing the financial team for UMII. As UMII grew in developments and management, Shannon worked alongside United Developers in the underwriting of each development. In 2010, Shannon was promoted to the Chief Financial Officer for UMII. In 2012, Shannon assumed the responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer as well as the Chief Financial Officer. From 2012 to the present day, Shannon has led the UMII staff in the management of affordable housing projects from 2,617 units in 2012 to over 6,000 units in management at its peak. In 2020, building upon the knowledge and success from her role at UMII, Shannon along with her son Phillip, and daughter Christa, opened Remnant Management as a third?party management company to provide the same trusted management services to other developers in the affordable housing market. Shannon’s team at Remnant Management have many years of experience in the affordable housing industry managing LIHTC, HUD, RAD, Public Housing, HOME, Rural Development,Market and Luxury properties. Today, Shannon leads a staff of 275+ employees and they have 9,000+ units in management and development in North and South Carolina. Shannon is the former President of the Mid-Atlantic Council for Affordable Housing and is the current Vice President. 

Steven James
North Carolina Housing Finance Agency

Tannja Johnson
President, Presken Management, LLC

Terry Odom
Director of Security, Remnant Management, Inc.
After graduating high school, Terry Odom aspired to join law enforcement but was not yet eligible due to the age requirement. He enlisted in the military as an infantry soldier, where he received extensive training in combat tactics, sniper operations, and leadership development. Following his honorable discharge from the military, he transitioned into civilian life and established an automotive repair business. Law enforcement remained his true calling and, after a pivotal conversation with a trusted mentor, provided clarity, which prompted him to pursue his lifelong goal. He was accepted into the North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training program, where, upon graduating, he was honored to join the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, one of the largest law enforcement agencies in North Carolina. Terry began his career in the Road Patrol Unit, where my responsibilities included responding to 911 calls, conducting traffic enforcement, performing investigations, and assisting the public. Over the years, Terry received specialized training and gained significant experience in felony investigations, field training officers, narcotics enforcement, and SWAT operations, eventually serving as a certified SWAT officer on the team. He also completed training and earned a certification as a General Instructor for law enforcement training. In 2019, Terry was promoted to Senior Sergeant and entrusted with leading the Human Trafficking and Gang Units, where he spearheaded numerous operations aimed at combating human trafficking and gang-related crimes, addressing critical issues within the community. In 2022, he was presented with an extraordinary opportunity to build and lead a security team for Remnant Management. Recognizing the growing need to address criminal activity across her properties, Terry accepted the challenge and established the Remnant Security team. The Remnant Security team is dedicated to safeguarding residents and employees by employing innovative strategies and fostering collaboration with local law enforcement. Responsibilities include deploying mobile surveillance systems, managing and maintaining an extensive network of cameras, engaging with residents and property managers to resolve issues, assisting law enforcement in investigations, compiling detailed incident reports, and addressing internal matters such as employee theft. Additionally, they ensure the executive team remains well-informed of security concerns and plans to address them across the portfolio. Their mission is to create a safe and secure environment for all stakeholders.

William Brownlee
Attorney, Brownlee Law Firm, PLLC