VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME IN 2025
RHAWA is more than just a place to get your leasing forms and occasionally take a Rental Housing Academy class, we create a community of like-minded individuals whose expertise and input help to improve and direct the association. This community thrives on those who are willing to volunteer their time to contribute to the association in a variety of ways. There are a variety of ways to get involved and these opportunities will both expand your knowledge of rental housing as well as be greatly beneficial to your fellow member.
Take an active role in determining how the association allocates its resources. RHAWA is at its best when the Board of Directors, staff, and members all have input and can collaborate to further the interests of independent housing providers throughout Washington.
Budget & Finance Committee
Chair: Neil Wilson
Staff Liaison: Chloe Moser
Oversees preliminary financial planning and provides guidance to the Board of Directors in support of approval of the annual budget, safeguarding organizational assets, recommends organizational financial policies, anticipates financial matters for the Board’s consideration, provides the Board of Directors regular, timely, and accurate financial statements, assists in financial record retention.
Education, Forms, & Resources Committee
Chair: Chris Beni
Staff Liaison: Denise Myers
RHAWA members value current and easy-to-use forms. In addition to approving new and amended forms, the committee develops educational offerings for “best practices” for managing members’ rental properties.
Legal Defense Fund (LDF) Committee
Co-Chairs: Chris Benis & William Shadbolt
Staff Liaison: Daniel Klemme
To review and recommend to the Board of Directors legal positions in which RHAWA may choose to become involved.
Legislative Issues Committee
Co-Chairs: Larry Crites & Christopher Cutting
Staff Liaison: Daniel Bannon
To ensure 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.
Membership Committee
Chair: Sharon Cunnington
Staff Liaison: Luke Brown
The purpose of the Membership Committee shall be to encourage all persons interested in RHAWA to join and become active members of the association as well as recommend policies and strategies for enhancing membership in RHAWA. The membership committee helps to ensure a growing and vital membership organization.
Political Action Committee (PAC)
Co-Chairs: Larry Crites & William Shadbolt
Staff Liaison: Corey Hjalseth
Our Political Action Committee 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, your rights as a housing provider will be threatened with endless regulation.
PAC Member Requirements:
- Current RHAWA member
- Made a contribution to RHWA’s PAC within the past calendar of at least $250. PAC contributions support the political campaigns of RHAWA-endorsed candidates. The RHAWA PAC is non-partisan and supports both sides of the aisle. Membership dues do not fund the PAC - all contributions are voluntary.
- Is a US citizen and a registered US voter.
- He or she shall not endorse any candidate, other than an officially endorsed candidate of RHAWA, in any race in which RHAWA has made an endorsement unless he or she makes it clear that each endorsement is in his or her capacity as a private individual and not as an RHAWA member.
- Interviewers shall disclose involvement in a campaign to the interview team prior to the candidate interview. “Active involvement” shall include personal campaign contributions or personal campaign assistance.
To volunteer, contact Melissa Canfield at mcanfield@RHAwa.org or via phone at (206) 905-0615 to connect you to the committee that best fits your interests and talents.
BECOME AN EDUCATION VOLUNTEER OR WRITE ARTICLES
Instruct a Class
We provide you with adult learning training, all the class material, and work with your schedule. You provide an enthusiastic and engaging personality, experience with group facilitation, great communication skills, and act as
RHAWA is more than just a place to get your leasing forms and occasionally take a Rental Housing Academy class, we create a community of like-minded individuals whose expertise and input help to improve and direct the association. This community thrives on those who are willing to volunteer their time to contribute to the association in a variety of ways. There are a variety of ways to get involved and these opportunities will both expand your knowledge of rental housing as well as be greatly beneficial to your fellow member.
SERVE ON A COMMITTEE
Take an active role in determining how the association allocates its resources. RHAWA is at its best when the Board of Directors, staff, and members all have input and can collaborate to further the interests of independent housing providers throughout Washington.
Budget & Finance Committee
Chair: Neil Wilson
Staff Liaison: Chloe Moser
Oversees preliminary financial planning and provides guidance to the Board of Directors in support of approval of the annual budget, safeguarding organizational assets, recommends organizational financial policies, anticipates financial matters for the Board’s consideration, provides the Board of Directors regular, timely, and accurate financial statements, assists in financial record retention.
Education, Forms, & Resources Committee
Chair: Chris Beni
Staff Liaison: Denise Myers
RHAWA members value current and easy-to-use forms. In addition to approving new and amended forms, the committee develops educational offerings for “best practices” for managing members’ rental properties.
Legal Defense Fund (LDF) Committee
Co-Chairs: Chris Benis & William Shadbolt
Staff Liaison: Daniel Klemme
To review and recommend to the Board of Directors legal positions in which RHAWA may choose to become involved.
Legislative Issues Committee
Co-Chairs: Larry Crites & Christopher Cutting
Staff Liaison: Daniel Bannon
To ensure 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.
Membership Committee
Chair: Sharon Cunnington
Staff Liaison: Luke Brown
The purpose of the Membership Committee shall be to encourage all persons interested in RHAWA to join and become active members of the association as well as recommend policies and strategies for enhancing membership in RHAWA. The membership committee helps to ensure a growing and vital membership organization.
Political Action Committee (PAC)
Co-Chairs: Larry Crites & William Shadbolt
Staff Liaison: Corey Hjalseth
Our Political Action Committee 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, your rights as a housing provider will be threatened with endless regulation.
PAC Member Requirements:
• Current RHAWA member
• Made a contribution to RHWA’s PAC within the past calendar of at least $250. PAC contributions support the political campaigns of RHAWA-endorsed candidates. The RHAWA PAC is non-partisan and supports both sides of the aisle. Membership dues do not fund the PAC - all contributions are voluntary.
• Is a US citizen and a registered US voter.
• He or she shall not endorse any candidate, other than an officially endorsed candidate of RHAWA, in any race in which RHAWA has made an endorsement unless he or she makes it clear that each endorsement is in his or her capacity as a private individual and not as an RHAWA member.
• Interviewers shall disclose involvement in a campaign to the interview team prior to the candidate interview. “Active involvement” shall include personal campaign contributions or personal campaign assistance.
To volunteer, contact Melissa Canfield at mcanfield@RHAwa.org or via phone at (206) 905-0615 to connect you to the committee that best fits your interests and talents.
BECOME AN EDUCATION VOLUNTEER OR WRITE ARTICLES
Instruct a Class
We provide you with adult learning training, all the class material, and work with your schedule. You provide an enthusiastic and engaging personality, experience with group facilitation, great communication skills, and act as a representative of the Rental Housing Association of Washington. Review our Instructor Handbook found on RHAwa.org/academy for policies and benefit information. Contact Denise Myers at dmyers@RHAwa.org to learn more.
Contribute to Curriculum
Relying upon your knowledge and experience in the industry, you help us build and maintain curriculum and other educational resources. We publish and produce all materials, citing, and recognizing all contributors. Contact Denise Myers at dmyers@RHAwa.org to learn more.
Write Articles for CURRENT
RHAWA’s Current Newspaper is the leading rental housing industry news journal in Washington State. Current reviews industry-related legislative activity, vacancy trends, property management and maintenance information, as well as business and personal finance. The majority of RHAWA's membership is made up of independent rental owners who reside in the Puget Sound region.
RHAWA is more than happy to review any and all articles pertaining to the rental housing industry. RHAWA cannot guarantee all submitted articles will be published. Articles must be educational and cannot compete with products and services offered by RHAWA. RHAWA reserves the right to edit or refuse articles. RHAWA may give permission for articles to be reprinted with the stipulation that credit be given to the original author and the publication.
Specifications
• Educational article
• Around 650 words in a Word document
• Optional graphics or photos
• Author byline + head-shot
• Final paragraph about the company including contact info.
Submit your article for consideration to Sisi Mereness at smereness@RHAwa.org. Articles are selected the first week of each month and will most likely appear in the following month's edition.
Become a LINK Facilitator
You take a leadership role at a monthly member networking meeting at a restaurant in your area. We mail you discussion guides on various rental operations topics and invite members to the meetings. Based on the topic, you lead the discussion yourself or invite an appropriate professional from your area to help. Contact Daniel Bannon at dbannon@RHAwa.org to learn more.
Become a Guest Contributor on Housing Matters Podcast
RHAWA's Housing Matters Podcast brings you interviews with a multitude of housing industry professionals as well as legislators on the front lines all over the state. We take deep dives into rental and housing industry news statewide, pending legislation, history, and many other topics. If you feel passionate about an issue or want to share your perspective on an industry topic, please contact Corey Hjalseth at chjalseth@RHAwa.org with your ideas.
Now that you know many of the volunteer opportunities that are available to you, it is my pleasure to introduce some of our most involved members who, through their volunteer work, eventually became members of the RHAWA Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors, acting collectively, is the governing body of the Association. All corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the Board’s authority, and the Board is responsible for the supervision, control, and direction of the Association. The Board of Directors includes representatives of companies that own or manage rental housing.
Sean Flynn, Owner, Flynn and Associates
RHAWA Board of Directors PresidentSean Flynn owns Flynn and Associates and is the team captain. He is actively involved in all aspects of cases and coordinates both litigation and transactional work. Sean is the team’s grand strategist and as such, Sean loves it when a plan comes together. Sean attended the University of Washington for his bachelor’s degree. He holds an MBA with a concentration in Finance from Clark University. He also holds a J.D. from Seattle University School of Law. While in law school, Sean founded the Real Estate Law Student Association and was chosen by his classmates to deliver the commencement address during the graduation ceremony. Sean serves on the Board of Directors for the Washington Business Properties Association and the Partnership for Affordable Housing.
Christopher Cutting, Founder, Cutting Law Office PC
RHAWA Board of Directors Vice President
Christopher Cutting has over a decade of experience in landlord-tenant law, judgment enforcement, and appeals. He began his career as a law clerk to Judge Marywave Van Deren at the Washington Court of Appeals. Christopher founded Cutting Law Office PC in 2017. Christopher works with several industry associations to advocate for Washington housing providers. He currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Rental Housing Association of Washington and is the Co-Chairman of their Legislative Committee. Christopher was RHAWA Volunteer of the Year in 2017 and 2020. He has provided expert testimony on landlord-tenant relations and law for the Washington Legislature and multiple city councils. Christopher is also committed to education. He teaches legal seminars for state and local bar associations, trade groups, and private companies; Christopher is a licensed clock hours instructor for Washington Real Estate Brokers. He is the co-author of the WSBA Real Property Deskbook chapter on Residential Leasing and a past co-author of the chapter on Commercial Evictions in the Washington Lawyer's Practice Manual.
Larry Crites
RHAWA Board of Directors Secretary
Larry Crites is an active real estate broker in Seattle since 1986 and a rental property owner since 1987. Larry initially invested in single-family houses and duplexes in the 1980s and 1990s and then moved up to small apartment buildings over the last 10 years. Larry has always been an owner-operator, so has personal experience with rental issues across the spectrum of investment types that most RHAWA members own. As an RHAWA member since 2001, concern for the direction of regulation in Seattle has motivated Larry to become more active in the organization. He is co-chair of the Legislative Issues Committee and Political Action Committee and serves as Secretary on RHAWA’s Board of Directors.
Neil Wilson, CPA
RHAWA Board of Directors Treasurer
Neil Wilson is an independent rental property owner and former CPA who lives on Seattle’s Beacon Hill with his wife Susan. Together, the couple operates 6 rental units on two adjacent lots and works hard to create a safe, happy, and healthy environment for themselves and their tenants, who are also their neighbors. His rental journey began with an aging, 1912 duplex. He has expanded his current portfolio to include a managerial partnership in two local mobile home parks.
William Shadbolt
RHAWA Board of Directors Past President
William Shadbolt purchased his first rental property in 1993. Since 2010, he has been purchasing mainly bank-owned property, rehabbing and renting them out. His focus is South Seattle and Renton but includes property as far north as Broadview. He has tenants on the Section 8 program with both the King County Housing Authority and with Seattle Housing Authority. He is one of the owners of Broad Reach Management, Inc. (BRMSeattle.com), a greater Seattle property management company. William is an active member of RHAWA and co-chairs the Legal Defense Fund and Political Action Committee. He is also an active member on the Legislative Issues Committee. William is a licensed real estate broker and serves on the Board of Directors for Housing Connector.
Sharon Cunnington
RHAWA Board of Directors At-Large Position
Sharon Cunnington is a Real Estate Investor, Business Operator, and Private Lender who has been the buyer/seller in dozens of real estate transactions totaling over $5 million in the last 15 years. As a licensed Real Estate Broker, Sharon specializes in helping fellow investors find positive cash flow investment properties – she hangs her license with Wilson Management, Inc. Sharon’s portfolio consists of single and multi-family properties located predominantly in the Pacific NW and Midwest. Locally, she serves on the Board of Directors for RHAWA and is a member of the Women’s Business Exchange. Sharon lived in Europe for 3 years and has been active in the non-profit sector volunteering and serving on a variety of Boards. Sharon holds 8 patents in the intersection of technology communications and human emotions and has won several presentation and research awards. Sharon is a graduate of Washington State University with graduate courses from Harvard and Kellogg School of Business.
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.
Cory Brewer, Vice President of Residential Operations
Windermere Property Management/Lori Gill & Associates (WPM/LGA)
As the General Manager at WPM/LGA, one of Cory Brewer’s key roles is to oversee multiple offices and the staff of approximately 60 of the area's top Leasing & Property Management professionals. WPM/LGA is the market leader serving King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties and that can be attributed to the people who make up the company. The firm offers leasing and management services for virtually all types of property – single-family, condominium units, multi-family, and commercial. Cory is heavily involved in keeping the multiple offices working in concert with one another, and he brings a unique perspective to the firm with his background in real estate sales and brokerage management. Cory is also the first point of contact for the firm’s recruiting efforts, and he is always interested in speaking with people who would like to know more about a career in the Property Management industry.
Steve Corker, Executive Vice President
Futurepast, Inc.
Steve Corker, former Board President of the Landlord Association of the Inland Northwest (LLA) now serves on RHAWA’s Council of Regents. He graduated from Stanford University with a BA in political science. He was owner/partner at Coons, Corker & Associates, an advertising firm from 1978-1999. He taught marketing and public relations as an adjunct instructor at Gonzaga University from 1981-2016. Steve has previously served on the Spokane City Council and on numerous boards and commissions. Steve is also Executive Vice President of Futurepast, Inc., a Virginia-based international consulting group specializing in helping organizations transition to a low-carbon economy.
Chris Dobler, Partner & Vice President
Dobler Management Company, Inc.
Chris Dobler is a partner and Vice President of Dobler Management Company, Inc., a Pierce County-based multifamily property management company with a portfolio of over 5,500 rentals. She graduated from Central Washington University with a degree in Business Finance, has been a licensed real estate agent since 1986 and is fluent in Spanish. She has over twenty-five years of property management and investment experience, specializing in Human Resources, Marketing, and legal aspects of Property Management. Chris has her Certified Property Manager designation from the Institute of Real Estate Management. She has received several industry-related awards, as well as recognition for her community-oriented endeavors.
Jason Dolloph, Commercial Property Manager
Black Realty Management
Jason Dolloph is a Commercial Property Manager with Black Realty Management, Inc. Jason earned his Business degree in 1995. When he entered the real estate industry in Seattle, he managed mixed-use properties for ten years before moving to Spokane. Jason specializes in shopping centers and office buildings, as well as facilities management. Jason was awarded the Certified Property Manager (CPM®) designation with the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). He currently serves as President of the Inland Empire Chapter of IREM, as well as serving on the Council of Regents for the Rental Housing Association of Washington.
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, Associate Attorney
Williams Kastner
Kaitlyn Jackson is an Associate at Williams Kastner, located in the Seattle office, and a member of the Business Real Estate and Transaction Practice Group. She is admitted to practice law in Washington State, the United States District Court Western District of Washington, and the United States District Court Bankruptcy Court. Kaitlyn’s real estate law practice focuses on landlord-tenant law, lease review, and real estate purchase and sales. Kaitlyn serves on the Council of Regents of the Rental Housing Association of Washington, where she proactively advocates for her client’s interests at the Washington State Legislature and often creates and teaches content related to legislative and municipal legal updates to those participating in the residential rental market.
Cathy Jeney, Partner
Paragon Real Estate Advisors
Cathy Jeney has remained a consistent, top-producing commercial broker for over 20 years, representing clients in the acquisition and disposition of their commercial real estate. Her work ethic, thoroughness, diligence, and 110% commitment ensure her clients achieve their real estate goals as well as a smooth transaction. In addition, her strong negotiation and interpersonal skills allow Cathy to successfully represent her clients. This, combined with her extensive market knowledge, enthusiasm, professionalism, and ability to overcome obstacles has earned her an impressive reputation and consistent repeat business. Her remarkable track record stems from a commitment to the industry, meticulous detail and follow-through, ability to overcome obstacles, and hands-on experience. Part of Cathy’s work satisfaction stems from the relationships formed while assisting clients with their real estate needs.
Constance Jensen Nelson
Constance Jensen Nelson has a passion for real estate. Holding the prestigious Certified Property Manager (CPM) and Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designations, she brings a comprehensive understanding of both residential and commercial property management. Armed with a master’s in accounting, Constance combines financial expertise with hands-on operational knowledge, ensuring that properties not only thrive but also deliver strong returns. She is actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the family business, leveraging a unique perspective that blends tradition with innovation.
Synthia Melton, Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Dimension Law Group PLLC
Synthia Melton is a co-founder and Managing Partner of Dimension Law Group. Synthia’s practice focuses on Business Law and Commercial and Residential Real Estate, including Landlord-Tenant matters. Synthia works primarily with real estate investors and small business owners on matters involving complex transactional and litigation matters. She also serves as general counsel to various small to mid-size businesses throughout Washington State. Synthia 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 Dimension Law Group, Synthia 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 3rd 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 Riddle has been with Goodman Real Estate 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 is Vice President for Community Development at Rowley Properties, Inc. She 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/governmental affairs with Rowley Properties, Inc. Believing it is important to be actively engaged, Kristi currently 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.
LEGAL COUNSEL
Chris Benis
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.