How RHAWA Members Shape Washington’s Rental Housing Future

Ever wondered who really calls the shots in Washington’s rental housing landscape? They aren’t bureaucrats or politicians—they’re landlords, property managers, and small investors who started as volunteers. The Rental Housing Association of Washington (RHAWA) isn’t just another advocacy group; it’s a ladder where showing up can mean rewriting policy, defending rights, or even steering the organization itself. Whether you’re crunching numbers in Budget & Finance, sparring over legislation, or teaching the next generation of housing providers, RHAWA’s committees and leadership roles turn grassroots passion into tangible power. Ready to move from the sidelines to the table? Here’s how—and who’s already doing it.

Join a committee and directly influence how we support Washington's independent housing providers. Your expertise + our collaboration = stronger advocacy. Ready to contribute? Email me at mcanfield@RHAwa.org to find your perfect fit.

Budget & Finance

Frequency: Meets online in even months
Chair: Neil Wilson
Staff Liaison: Chloe Moser
Provides guidance to the Board of Directors in support of financial planning, approval of the annual budget, safeguarding assets, recommending financial policies, anticipating financial matters for Board consideration, and providing regular and accurate financial statements.

Legal Defense Fund (LDF)

Frequency: Meets online as needed
Co-Chairs: Chris Benis & William Shadbolt
Staff Liaison: Daniel Klemme
Reviews and recommends to the Board of Directors legal positions in which RHAWA may choose to become involved.

Legislative Issues

Frequency: Meets online monthly
Co-Chairs: Larry Crites & Christopher Cutting
Staff Liaison: Daniel Bannon
Ensures RHAWA actively promotes the interests of the rental housing industry to state, county, and local legislative bodies. Makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding legislative policy.

Member Programs

Frequency: Meets online quarterly
Chair: Chris Benis
Staff Liaison: Denise Myers
Develops educational offerings for best practices in managing members’ rental properties, including forms and support center articles.

Political Action Committee (PAC)

Frequency: Meets online 6x/year
Co-Chairs: Larry Crites & William Shadbolt
Staff Liaison: Corey Hjalseth
Exists to help elect responsible candidates who will work collaboratively with RHAWA and the rental industry when issues arise. Without pro-rental housing candidates in office, housing provider rights are threatened by endless regulation.

Teach & Inspire

Lead engaging classes with ready-made materials and a flexible schedule. Bring your passion and expertise—we handle the rest. Learn more in the Instructor Handbook at RHAwa.org/academy. Contact Denise Myers at dmyers@RHAwa.org to learn more.

Shape Industry Curriculum

Help craft cutting-edge curriculum using your industry knowledge and receive credit for your contributions. Contact Denise Myers at dmyers@RHAwa.org to learn more.

Write Articles for CURRENT

Write for CURRENT, Washington’s top rental housing journal. Cover trends, legislation, or insider tips. For article requirements, visit RHAwa.org/current-newspaper or email Sisi Mereness at smereness@RHAwa.org.

COMMAND THE ROOM OR AIRWAVES

Got a voice that demands to be heard? Whether you electrify a live crowd or captivate listeners through compelling conversation, RHAWA offers two powerful ways to amplify your influence:

LINK Meeting Facilitator

Facilitate dynamic monthly networking discussions using expert-curated guides on rental industry challenges. Spark conversations, draw wisdom from the room, or invite local pros to share insight—no lectures, just real talk. Contact Daniel Bannon at dbannon@RHAwa.org to learn more.

Housing Matters Podcast Guest

Share your unfiltered take on housing policy, hard-earned expertise, or real-world stories. Legislators tune in and industry leaders listen closely. Pitch bold ideas and fresh perspectives. Contact Corey Hjalseth at chjalseth@RHAwa.org.

Ever wondered who really shapes policy at RHAWA? The answer might surprise you—because they started exactly where you are now. Meet the insiders who went from stuffing envelopes to steering the ship. These aren’t just board members—they’re proof that showing up matters.

The Board of Directors, acting collectively, is the governing body of the Association. All corporate powers are exercised by or under the Board’s authority, and the Board is responsible for the supervision, control, and direction of the Association. The Board includes representatives of companies that own or manage rental housing.

Sean Flynn, Owner, Flynn and Associates — President
Sean Flynn owns Flynn & Associates, PLLC, specializing in real estate, trust, and estate litigation, planning, and transactions. He earned degrees from the University of Washington, Clark University, and Seattle University School of Law, where he founded the Real Estate Law Student Association and delivered the commencement address. He serves as Executive Director for RHAWA and on several industry boards.

Christopher Cutting, Founder, Cutting Law Office PC — Vice President
Christopher Cutting specializes in landlord-tenant law with over a decade of experience. A former judicial clerk, he advocates for housing providers statewide, testifies before legislatures, teaches legal seminars, and is a published legal author.

Larry Crites — Secretary
Larry Crites has been a Seattle real estate broker since 1986 and rental property owner since 1987. An RHAWA member since 2001, he serves on the Legislative Issues Committee, PAC, and as Board Secretary.

Neil Wilson, CPA — Treasurer
Neil Wilson is an independent rental property owner in Gig Harbor. His portfolio began with a 1912 duplex and expanded to include mobile home parks. He focuses on creating safe, healthy housing environments.

William Shadbolt — Past President
William Shadbolt is a licensed real estate broker specializing in South Seattle and Renton properties. He co-owns Broad Reach Management and co-chairs RHAWA’s Legal Defense Fund and PAC.

The Council of Regents is a standing committee whose purpose shall be to assist and advise the Board of Directors with respect to matters of strategic importance to the Association. The Council of Regents does not have any of the management authority of the Board. Regents include representatives of companies that own or manage rental housing.

Elaine Armstrong is an experienced real estate broker with decades in residential and commercial markets. As a former Board of Director with the Clark County Rental Association (CCRA), Elaine has a strong Clark County network and enjoys working with both longtime and new clients. Elaine volunteers with SHARE House, non-profits, and CASA, and as a CCRA board member, she supports industry collaboration.

Cory Brewer, Vice President of Residential Operations, Windermere Property Management/Lori Gill & Associates (WPM/LGA)
Cory Brewer leads 60+ Leasing & Property Management professionals across King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties. He oversees operations for diverse property types (single-family, multi-family, commercial) while coordinating multi-office synergy. With a real estate sales/brokerage background, Cory also spearheads recruitment for the market-leading firm.

Barbara Carson has been a dedicated housing provider since 1994 and has actively contributed to the rental industry through her leadership roles. Since 2019, she served as the Membership Chairperson for the Clark County Rental Association (CCRA), demonstrating her commitment to fostering professional relationships and supporting industry standards.

Steve Corker, Executive Vice President, Futurepast, Inc.
Steve Corker holds a BA in political science from Stanford University. He was a partner at Coons, Corker & Associates from 1978 to 1999 and taught marketing and public relations at Gonzaga University from 1981 to 2016. Steve has served on the Spokane City Council and various boards, including as former Board President of the Landlord Association of the Inland Northwest (LLA) before its 2024 merger with RHAWA. He is currently the Executive Vice President of Futurepast, Inc., a consulting group focused on low-carbon transitions.

Chris Dobler, Partner & Vice President, Dobler Management Company, Inc.
Dobler Management Company, Inc. is a multifamily property management firm in Pierce County with over 5,500 rentals. She holds a Business Finance degree from Central Washington University and has been a licensed real estate agent since 1986. Fluent in Spanish, Chris has over 25 years of experience in property management, specializing in Human Resources, Marketing, and legal matters. She is a Certified Property Manager from the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and has received multiple industry awards for her professional and community contributions.

Jason Dolloph, Commercial Property Manager, Black Realty Management
Jason holds a business degree (1995) and a CPM® designation. Specializing in shopping centers, office buildings, and facilities management, he previously managed mixed-use properties in Seattle for a decade before relocating to Spokane. Jason serves on the RHAWA’s Council of Regents.

Devin Easterlin, Co-Founder & Principal, Sterling Johnston Real Estate and SJA Property Management
Devin Easterlin graduated from college with degrees in Philosophy, Pre-Law, and Business, and then attended law school, where he specialized in real estate transactional law. Devin is currently a licensed real estate agent and a licensed attorney and has worked in the property management industry for over ten years. Devin grew up in Kirkland and has lived in the Seattle area for over twenty-five years. Devin is a partner at SJA Property Management.

Chris Gurdjian, Principal, 11 Capital
Chris Gurdjian is a principal with 11 Capital. His primary responsibilities include acquisitions, underwriting, and disposition strategy. Chris has a unique background in lending and development that spans more than 20 years.

Kaitlyn Jackson, Vice President of Risk and Litigation Management, Devco Residential Group
Kaitlyn Jackson specializes in real estate litigation, contract negotiation, and corporate law. With 8+ years of experience, she leads legal strategies focused on compliance and risk. Licensed in WA State and federal courts, she’s a certified real estate instructor and expert in landlord-tenant law. Previously at Williams Kastner and Dimension Law Group, she advises property managers and corporations. A Super Lawyers Rising Star (2021–2025) and RHAWA Volunteer of the Year (2021), she holds a J.D. from Seattle University and serves on RHAWA’s Council of Regents.

Cathy Jeney, Partner, Paragon Real Estate Advisors
Cathy Jeney is a top-producing commercial broker with over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate transactions. Her strong work ethic, thoroughness, and commitment ensure clients achieve their real estate goals smoothly. Cathy’s negotiation skills, market knowledge, and professionalism have earned her a stellar reputation and repeat business. Her track record reflects her dedication to the industry and the relationships built while helping clients.

Constance Jensen Nelson is passionate about real estate and holds Certified Property Manager (CPM) and Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designations, showcasing her expertise in residential and commercial property management. With a master’s in accounting, she combines financial knowledge with practical experience to ensure properties thrive and yield strong returns.

Synthia Melton, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Dimension Law Group PLLC
Synthia Melton specializes in Business Law, Commercial/Residential Real Estate, and landlord-tenant disputes. She represents real estate investors, small businesses, and serves as general counsel for mid-size companies in Washington. She received her Juris Doctorate from Seattle University School of Law and her bachelor’s degree in law and diversity from Western Washington University. Before joining DLG, she worked as a litigation attorney for several Washington law firms, gaining valuable courtroom experience in State and Federal Courts. Synthia is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, South Asian Bar Association, and King County Bar Association. She is also admitted to the United States District Court for the Western and Eastern District of Washington.

Mark Mullally, Property Manager, Mullally Development Company
Mark Mullally is a Seattle native and third-generation member of properties managed by Mullally Development Company. He has over 20 years of experience managing multifamily property in both Seattle and Phoenix.

Audrey Riddle, Housing Director, Goodman Real Estate
Audrey has been with GRE for six years and has over a decade of expertise in the affordable multifamily sector. She has played a pivotal role in the development of the IMPACT program, aligning with GRE’s objectives to effect meaningful change in the communities they serve. As the Housing Director, Audrey actively collaborates with several leading organizations dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations and is a passionate advocate for housing creation for the betterment of the community. Audrey holds a BA in Psychology from Seattle Pacific University (SPU) with a minor in Leadership Studies.

Kristi Tripple, Vice President for Community Development, Rowley Properties, Inc.
Kristi Tripple began her career working for the community and technical college system with an emphasis on workforce and economic development. In 2005, she changed careers to property development and governmental affairs with Rowley Properties, Inc. Believing it is important to be actively engaged, Kristi volunteers for the City of Issaquah’s Economic Vitality Commission. Prior, she served on the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce slate of offices for six years and was Board Chair in 2011. She is a native of Washington and graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Society, Ethics, and Human Behavior.

Chris Benis, Attorney, First Avenue Law Group
Chris Benis attended the University of Washington, during which time he received a B.A. in Political Science (Magna Cum Laude), a Master of Urban Planning, and a law degree. After two years of law practice, he started his firm, which he led for 28 years before First Avenue Law Group. He represents property management firms, individual real estate investors, real estate brokerages, industry trade associations, design professionals, and construction companies. He advises his clients on practical and understandable solutions to their legal needs and concerns.

Chester Baldwin, Principal, Lobby Washington
Chester Baldwin is a lobbyist and attorney at Baldwin Legal Group, PLLC, advocating for clients before the Legislature and government agencies. With degrees in healthcare, finance, business IT, and law, he leverages his expertise and legislative relationships to advance client interests, draft bills, and testify. He holds honors degrees from UW (Finance, Business IT, Environmental Health) and Seattle University School of Law (JD).

Ever wondered who keeps RHAWA running like a well-oiled machine? Meet the powerhouse team turning ideas into action:

Melissa Canfield, Deputy Director - The strategic backbone, steering the ship with sharp vision.

Daniel Bannon, Engagement Coordinator - The connector, bridging gaps and sparking collaboration.

Luke Brown, Marketing & Sales Associate - The storyteller, crafting messages that stick.

Corey Hjalseth, External Affairs - The diplomat, navigating outside networks with finesse.

Daniel Klemme, Government Affairs - The policy whisperer, making sure your voice gets heard.

Val Kushi, Member Services Administrator - The unsung hero, keeping everything ticking.

Sue Lewis, Member Services Specialist - The problem-solver, smoothing out wrinkles before you feel them.

Sisi Mereness, Creative Director - The visionary, turning ideas into eye-catching reality.

Chloe Moser, Administrative Director - The commander of details, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

Denise Myers, Member Programs Director - The innovator, designing what’s next for you.

Steve Wareham, Member Services Specialist - Your go-to, always ready with answers.