D2: Affordable Senior Housing in Focus: Key Updates from HUD
Wednesday, June 17 | 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Target Audience: Affordable Senior Housing, Service Coordinators
HUD will provide an overview of the latest policy updates, funding opportunities, and regulatory changes impacting affordable senior housing providers. The session will highlight new initiatives, compliance considerations, and best practices to help organizations effectively serve older adults in their communities. Participants will gain timely insights and practical guidance to navigate evolving HUD requirements and resources.
Speaker Information
Asset Management Division Director, HUD
Dean Santa has substantial experience in the real estate and asset management sectors, currently serving as the Director of the Asset Management Division and the New Jersey Multifamily Program Center at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development since January 2016. This role involves overseeing approximately 750 HUD multifamily properties in New Jersey and managing a portfolio of around 120 multifamily properties as a former Senior Project Manager. Prior to this, experience includes serving as a Senior Project Manager at HUD from May 1997 to July 2014, and as a Real Estate Appraiser at Accurate Appraisal from January 1989 to December 1997, focusing on one and two-family properties and commercial appraisals. Early career roles include working as a Real Estate Agent at Flacon Properties from January 1985 to December 1997, specializing in sales and speculation. Dean Santa holds a degree in Real Estate from the Institute of Real Estate Management, obtained between 1988 and 1990.
Account Executive, HUD
Since joining the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in June 2022, she has served as an Account Executive overseeing a diverse portfolio of 96 multifamily housing properties throughout New York, New Jersey, and Delaware. In this role, she works closely with property owners, management agents, and stakeholders to help ensure compliance with federal housing regulations while supporting the long-term sustainability of affordable housing communities.
In addition to her responsibilities as an Account Executive, she serves as the New York Regional Offices’ NSPIRE/REAC Coordinator and HOTMA Coordinator, where she provides guidance, training, and operational support related to evolving housing policies and inspection standards and procedures.
Her passion for affordable housing began early in her career as a student intern at HUD. That experience introduced her to the impact of housing programs on individuals and families and inspired her to pursue a professional path dedicated to public service and housing advocacy. Before joining HUD full-time, she built a strong foundation in customer service, operations, and leadership through her work in the hospitality industry, where she held management positions focused on team development and client relations. She later expanded her experience by working for a management and development company, gaining valuable insight into property operations, housing management, and community development.
Today, she continues to bring that same passion, professionalism, and commitment to supporting affordable housing initiatives and strengthening communities.
Chief, Account Executive Branch, Multifamily Asset Management, US Dept of Housing and Urban Development
Robert Sasso, Branch Chief, joined the HUD Asset Management Division in 2018 after retiring from the New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency as the Director of Asset Management.
He manages a team of 8 professionals, mostly Account Executives. The team services 700 properties in New Jersey, New York, and Delaware. He holds an MBA from Rider University.
HUD Chief, Account Executive Branch – Asset Management Division
