2026 ANNUAL ELECTIONS: meet your candidates!!

Current Professional Position: 
Area Assistant Director

Current Institution:
UMass Amherst

Current & Previous NEACUHO Position(s): 

Current: Media and Publications Engagement Chair

Past: 

• DEIB Engagement Chair ('24-'25)
• Special Events Planning Team ('23)
• Media and Publications Chair ('21-'22)
• DEI Committee ('19-'21)
• ResEd Committee ('19-'20)

Previous Professional Position(s) Held & Location(s): 

• Residence Director, UMass Amherst ('19-'24)
• Residence Director, Montana State University Billings ('17-'19)

Education:

• MA in Postsecondary Education, Murray State University | Murray, KY ('15-'17)
• Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, Saginaw Valley State University ('10-'15)

Tyler's Introduction Video!

Candidate Statement:

Hello, NEACUHO! My name is Tyler Bradley (he/they). I currently work as an Area Assistant Director at UMass Amherst, and I am running to be your DEIB Officer for NEACUHO.

I got involved with NEACUHO back when I moved to this region in 2019. I served on various committees, worked to run the Navigator (twice), and last year served as a DEIB Engagement Chair where I had the honor of helping create a robust slate of virtual roundtables and affinity space offerings for our members. I’m currently back in the role with the Navigator and always work to ensure we have something centering DEIB each edition.

In my career in higher education, I’ve centered this work a lot. I regularly instruct a course that discusses identity, race, and the student experience. I review grants that work to improve our campus climate through addressing global issues. I helped expand beds in our LGBTQIA+ living learning community. I presented on social class support systems to student staff and full-time staff. I’ve been able to advocate successfully to create and implement a policy and process for indigenous students to practice smudging in the residence halls. I’ve been able to get pronouns added as an option on all name tags in the Montana State University system.  I’m also very much engaged in our labor union where we hold regular lunch and learn discussions exploring critical topics around identity and militarism in the academy. 

Through this position, I really hope to continue and expand on Alexis’s legacy and the work he has done to improve this association. Particularly, I want to focus on accessibility and ensuring we reduce or eliminate barriers that prevent our members from engaging fully in our virtual and in-person offerings. I will continue serving on the planning team for the NEACUHO-endorsed Global Practitioner Summit (or GPS for short), which aims to retain and empower BIPOC and trans and nonbinary members to stay in the field and take on leadership roles within our Association and residential life. 

But let’s be clear, all DEIB efforts this Association does doesn’t just fall to this position. It’s the Association’s responsibility and every member that makes it up that ensures that we are creating a culture of belonging, inclusivity, equity, and more. I want to work very collaboratively with board members to think about how we center DEIB practices in our work. I also look forward to work with incoming President Dave Zamansky, and whoever the future President Elect will be to see how DEIB practices can align in the prioritizes they set for our Association.

Thank you so much for the consideration.

Current Professional Position: 
Residence Hall Assistant Director

Current Institution:
New York University

Current & Previous NEACUHO Position(s): 

Finance Committee member

Previous Professional Position(s) Held & Location(s): 

• Area Director, Hamilton College, Clinton, NY Campus Life Coordinator, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, NJ

Education:

• M.Ed. - Higher Education Administration - Vanderbilt University
• B.B.A. - Entrepreneurship - Belmont University

Neil's Introduction Video!

Candidate Statement:

Hi there! My name is Neil Butler (He/Him/His) and I currently work at New York University. I’m grateful to be nominated for NEACUHO’s DEIB Officer role.

I will not persuade folks that I’m the best candidate for the position. We have many passionate colleagues who can perform this role exceptionally. Rather, I will share a bit about my professional philosophy, experience, and thoughts. I trust that the Association will assess its needs and determine what candidate best serves the interests of NEACUHO!

I would highlight two things in particular about my professional philosophy. First, I pride myself as a set of hands. If there is work to do, and I can be of assistance, I roll up my sleeves and get to work. We each possess unique skills and experiences, and when we are called on to leverage them, we owe it to our peers to step up! Within the context of DEIB, I find myself leaning heavily into inclusion specifically. It matters to me professionally to connect, outreach, and bring voices to the table. Our tent can always be bigger, and I am excited when I have the opportunity to expand that tent with new people and perspectives.

Over the past eight years, I have learned that our work begins and ends with centering DEIB. As practitioners, we are at our best when folks feel safe, represented, and included. With that belief in mind, I have been fortunate enough to participate in meaningful experiences regarding DEIB. At NYU, I serve on our department’s Committee for Diversity and Inclusion and our Advisory Council for IDBEA. In these roles, I collaborate on continuing DEIB education, advocate for department needs, and support assessment initiatives for our DEIB practices. This past year, I’ve had the privilege of participating in ACUHO-I’s Leadership Academy, a year-long cohort where we connect with Association members to discuss meaningful representation in leadership and advocacy for colleagues who hold marginalized identities.

In thinking about where I may be helpful as NEACUHO’s DEIB officer, a couple things come to mind. First, it is important to maintain the momentum of NEACUHO’s current initiatives. The Accessibility Task Force just worked so hard to outline new accessibility guidelines and recommendations, and we owe it to them to commit deeply to ensuring each member has what they need to belong within the Association. Additionally, the ongoing Representation & Leadership Pathways Taskforce - led by our current DEIB Officer Alexis - is engaging in meaningful conversations about how individuals with marginalized identities feel welcome, supported, and empowered enough by NEACUHO to consider leadership opportunities. It is prudent to maintain the enthusiasm of these conversations and commit even more deeply to our expressed DEIB statement. However, I would also love to chart new courses in our DEIB initiatives! This requires intentional conversations with members about what they need and how they see themselves within NEACUHO. I hope we can continue to position NEACUHO as an association that folks of any and every identity call their professional home!

Current Professional Position: 
Housing Operations Manager

Current Institution:
Yale University

Current & Previous NEACUHO Position(s): 

• DEIB Roundtable Committee member 
• New Professional Committee Member

Education:

• M.Ed Student Personnel in Higher Education, University of Florida

Keegan's Introduction Video!

Candidate Statement:

Over the past several years, NEACUHO has taken meaningful steps to strengthen its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through the thoughtful leadership of Alexis Montero. Efforts such as bylaw standardization, roundtable conversations, and storytelling-centered initiatives, has continued to build a stronger foundation for this work in our association. I appreciate that these efforts have created greater consistency in how DEIB is understood across the organization while also making space for members to share experiences, learn from one another, and feel more connected to the association. I have felt this strongly through my participation on the DEIB Roundtable Committee under Janay Diaz’s guidance.

At the same time, DEIB work is never finished, and that is a large part of what draws me to this role. I am excited by the opportunity to support the foundation that has already been built while also helping NEACUHO continue moving this work forward in thoughtful, practical, and sustainable ways. To me, DEIB is most meaningful when it is not treated as a separate initiative, but as something woven into the culture, decision-making, and everyday practices of the organization.

If elected, I would hope to help advance DEIB work in ways that are both relational and actionable. I value opportunities for conversation and reflection because they help people feel seen, heard, and connected, while also encouraging us to learn from experiences different from our own. I have a specific interest in exploring the development of an association self-equity report during my time in the role. NEACUHO has done important work in naming its values, and an equity report could help build on that by more intentionally measuring how our members embody experience inclusion, belonging, accessibility, and engagement. It could also help to continue to embed DEIB across the association beyond DEIB-specific committee work and align with broader national trends in ACUHO-I and NASPA that emphasize equity-centered assessment, data-informed decision-making, and accountability.

I am especially interested in helping the organization continue growing in ways that move from statement to measurable action. Strong values matter but so does ensuring that members experience those values consistently in practice. I would want to be part of conversations about how we assess member experience, reduce barriers to participation, make our spaces more inclusive and accessible, and use what we learn to strengthen the association over time.

My approach to this role would be grounded in collaboration, care, and a genuine willingness to listen. I do not see DEIB work as the responsibility of one person alone, but as a shared commitment that becomes stronger through partnership and community. If elected, I would be honored to build on the work already in motion and support NEACUHO’s continued growth in meaningful and lasting ways.

Joy's Introduction Video!

Candidate Statement:

Hey NEACUHO!
My name is Joy Schmelzer, I go by she/hers pronouns and I am thrilled to be able to run for the Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont District Coordinator position. I am the current Director of Residence Life at Southern New Hampshire University and have been in the New England region for the majority of my career. My current NEACUHO involvement includes roles within the Senior Housing Officer committee and on the Registration Committee for the annual conference.

I really wanted to expand my NEACUHO experiences and run for the DC position. My passion for networking and exchanging ideas within our field drives me to seek new opportunities.  Why not share a program, procedure, or barrier you are experiencing? There is no better group to turn to for creative solutions than peers who are deeply committed to students and bring diverse experiences and perspectives. That part of my job fills my bucket, and I would love to serve as the connector for those in the district I would serve.

I am highly detail-oriented and thrive in planning roles. In this position, I would maintain a comprehensive list of schools and contacts and organize both in-person and virtual events to engage NEACUHO ME/NH/VT institutions in a manner that accommodates their schedules and needs. I believe strong communication means responding to emails in a timely fashion, providing guidance or answers promptly, and creating opportunities for genuine professional relationships to form.

If elected, I aim to connect not only with current NEACUHO member institutions but also to collaborate with the membership coordinator to reach out to local schools in my states. By learning why certain schools are not yet involved in our district, we can invite and welcome them into our circle of educators. My hope is that once they attend an event, they will discover the value NEACUHO offers, just as I did.

Thank you for considering my candidacy for this opportunity. I am grateful for your support and look forward to the possibility of serving NEACUHO as a district coordinator.

Sincerely,

Joy

Current Professional Position:

Hall Director

Current Institution:

Pratt Institute

Current & Previous NEACUHO Position(s): 

• 2023 Annual Conference: Special Events Committee Member
• 2024 Annual Conference: Programming Committee
• 2025 Para-Pro & Graduate Engagement Committee
• 2025 Corporate Relations Committee
• 2026 New Professional Engagement Committee

Previous Professional Position(s) Held & Location(s): 

• Resident Director: Mercy University 

Education:

• California University of Pennsylvania (now the Pennsylvania Western University, California Campus)
• Bachelor of Social Work. Mercy University Masters of Organizational Leadership

Sydney's Introduction Video!

Candidate Statement:

Hello there! I am honored to have made it this far in the election process. My name is Sydney Holley and I am currently applying for the District Coordinator Role for the Metro NY area. My involvement with NEACUHO started when I attended my first annual conference, and I have been truly attached to this organization ever since! I think what stood out to me right away was the sense of connection and how easy it felt to build relationships and partnerships with people who genuinely care about the (very distinct) work we do. That experience is what has kept me involved over the years.

Over time, I have gotten involved in a number of different ways within NEACUHO. I have served on the Annual Conference Committee for multiple years, working on both the Special Events and the Programming Committee.

Outside of the annual conference, I have also been part of the Corporate Partners committee, the Paraprofessional Engagement Committee we had in 2025, and I am currently on the New Professional Engagement Committee.

I have been working in the Metro NYC region for almost six years, with experience in the city itself and amongst the nature of the Hudson Valley. Being part of institutions in different parts of the district has given me a better understanding of how varied our region really is- each institution coming with its own pace, needs, and challenges, successes, joys, and communities. I have learned how important it is to be flexible, intentional, and creative in how we stay connected across all of the differences and diversity of this particular Metro region.

A lot of how I approach this work comes down to my goals of growth, community, and unity. I try to be intentional about how I show up, whether that is through casual check-ins, bonding at conferences, or just being present and approachable to those who need the camaraderie or mentorship. I like to think I am naturally outgoing and bring a lot of positive energy into the spaces I am in. Being part of something bigger than myself is really important to me- to all of us I am sure, and I find a lot of purpose in helping create spaces where people feel included, engaged, and excited to be there. I care about bringing life into

the communities I am part of, not in a forced way, but by helping build authentic and organic connections with others that are meaningful on all ends.

NEACUHO has had a big impact on my personal and professional growth, and I am excited to continue to give back to the organization in a way that supports connection, engagement, and a strong sense of community across the district if given the opportunity. Thank you dearly for taking the time to read through this!

Current Professional Position: 
Residence Hall Director

Current Institution: 
NYU

Current & Previous NEACUHO Position(s): 

• NEACUHO Annual Conference Committee Member
• NEACUHO Program Committee Member

Previous Professional Position(s) Held & Location(s): 

• Residence Hall Assistant Director, NYU

Education:

• MA in Internation Education, NYU
• M.Ed in Higher Education Administration Vanderbilt University
• B.S. in Kinesiology, San Diego State University

Debbie's Introduction Video!

Candidate Statement:

Hi Everyone!

My name is Debbie Pugliese, and I am so excited to be running for the District

Coordinator for the Metro New York district of NEACUHO!

I currently serve as a Residence Hall Director in a first-year residence hall at NYU. Even

though I have been at NYU since starting my professional career in 2018, I only recently

got involved with NEACUHO. Last summer, I had the opportunity to attend ACHUO-I’s

National Housing Training Institute (NHTI). Ironically, it took traveling to Seattle to begin

learning more about NEACUHO and connecting with NEACUHO members. In October,

I attended my first NEACUO Annual Conference and was in awe of how kind everyone

was and how welcome I felt. Throughout the conference, I was able to grow my

connections with peers I met at NHTI and form new connections as well. As someone

who is typically overwhelmed in a conference environment, this was a very welcome

change of pace.

After having such a positive experience at the conference and being encouraged by

other members, I decided to get more involved in NEACUHO. Throughout this year, I

have been involved with the program committee and the annual conference committee.

Through these roles, I have learned more about how the organization functions and

continue to expand my connections within the region.

As a district coordinator, I am excited about the opportunity to connect with more of my

colleagues within the Metro New York Area. I hope to create connections that help

people feel comfortable interacting with one another and make the experience even

more inviting. I envision creating opportunities for virtual connection through email

updates, virtual meet-ups, and interest groups to allow people to form both collegial and

personal connections. I would also like to take advantage of our region's geographic

uniqueness to offer in-person opportunities for connection throughout the year.

I would also love to help more Metro New Yorkers get involved in NEACHUO

committees and opportunities. I know firsthand how much current members can impact

how connected people feel to the organization, and I want to ensure there is a pathway

for everyone to get involved at their comfort level. I envision myself serving as a catalyst

for involvement and dedicating time to helping demystify the process for anyone

interested.

Lastly, I would like to ensure that everyone’s voices are heard within NEACUHO. I

would work to ensure I have a strong understanding of the unique challenges our district

is facing and to serve as a sounding board for concerns. I hope to deepen my

connections with others in the district to advocate for our needs. I am confident in my

ability to represent Metro New York meaningfully and positively within NEACUHO.

I am really excited for the opportunity to help create a strong sense of belonging and

have an impact on the Metro New York District.

Current Professional Position: 
Residence Director

Current Institution: 
Pace University

Current & Previous NEACUHO Position(s): 

• Programming Committee

Previous Professional Position(s) Held & Location(s): 

• Assistant Residence Director, Pace University

Education:

• Undergraduate: Chicano Studies and political science, University of California, Riverside
• Masters Degree: Mental Health and Counseling, Pace University
  

Manual's Introduction Video!

Candidate Statement:

My name is Manuel Tah Pech, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Metro New York District Coordinator position. I am seeking this role with the intention of strengthening connection, engagement, and collaboration among the 29 institutions currently registered within NEACUHO, while also exploring opportunities to expand district participation and involvement from additional institutions. I believe the Metro New York District has strong potential to grow both in engagement and reach, and I am eager to contribute to that growth.

I am currently completing my first year as a full-time Residence Director at Pace University. While I am relatively new to a full-time professional role, my experience in Residential Life spans nearly five years, beginning during my undergraduate career and continuing through my graduate experience. Most recently, I served as a part-time Assistant Residence Director at Pace University. These experiences have allowed me to develop strong communication skills, a collaborative leadership style, and a solid understanding of student support, conduct processes, and intentional programming—all of which inform my interest in district-level leadership.

Higher education, and Residential Life specifically, is deeply important to me. I have seen how powerful the connections we build with students can be and how significantly they contribute to a student’s overall college experience. Whether through restorative practices, conduct conversations, or intentional programming, our work matters. At the same time, I strongly believe we must also prioritize support for one another as professionals. Creating spaces for staff to connect, share experiences, and feel supported is essential, especially in the current climate of higher education.

My first NEACUHO conference played a major role in shaping this perspective. I felt heard, seen, and supported by individuals I had just met, which highlighted the value of community within this organization. That sense of belonging is something I hope to cultivate within the Metro New York District. As challenges such as funding limitations, staff burnout, and student mental health concerns continue to grow, I see the district as an important professional resource where colleagues can connect and recharge.

If elected, I would approach my two-year term with intention, consistency, and vision. My goal is to create sustainable engagement opportunities while also identifying ways to increase institutional participation across the district. This may include outreach to institutions that are less active, collaboration opportunities that highlight the value of involvement, and programming that is accessible and relevant to a wide range of professionals. I aim to host roundtable discussions, professional development sessions, and informal networking opportunities that encourage collaboration and open dialogue.

As District Coordinator, I strive to be approachable, reliable, and responsive. I will act as both a resource for members and a strong liaison to the Executive Board. If I do not have an immediate answer to a question, I am committed to finding one and following up promptly. Most importantly, I will lead with inclusivity and intention, ensuring all members feel welcomed, valued, and represented as we continue to grow and strengthen our district community.

Current Professional Position: 
Associate Director of Residential Life and Housing

Current Institution:
Clark University

Current & Previous NEACUHO Position(s): 

Previous Professional Position(s) Held & Location(s): 

• Assistant Director of Residential Educational - Clark University 
• Resident Director - Western Connecticut State University
• Resident Director and Student Activities Coordinator - Fisher College

Education:

• Bachelors of Arts in Sociology - Western Connecticut State University
• Master of Science in Counselor Education with a specialization in Student Development in Higher Education - Central Connecticut State University
• 2nd year as a Doctoral Student, PhD in Educational Leadership - Springfield College

Eden's Introduction Video!

Candidate Statement:

Greetings, NEAUCHO Members! My name is Eden Edwards-Harris (she/her); I am currently the

Associate Director of Residential Life and Housing at Clark University in Worcester,

Massachusetts. I am running for the Treasurer position and would greatly appreciate your vote!

Within my current role, I oversee and manage the department’s over a million-dollar

budget. This includes managing subscriptions and tracking both revenue and all expenditures.

This management also requires that I maintain positive relationships with our partners outside of

our department, including: Accounts Payable, vendors, and campus partners. Internally, I work

closely with our Community Directors, Resident Advisers, and department club members to

educate them on strategic fiscal decision-making and updating them on our fiscal processes. At

the end of each year, I take time to review and revise our systems to account for institutional

and departmental changes while improving the seamlessness and functions of our processes.

It is these experiences and skills that provide a firm foundation that will aid not only in my

success in the position, if elected, but in the success of NEACUHO. It would be an honor to use

these skills beyond my current role and give back to this organization. While I have not held an

Executive Board position before, this provides an opportunity to bring a unique eagerness and

perspective to the Board. As someone who does not shy away from challenge, I hope that you

provide me the opportunity to embrace this new challenge humbly, as I am ready to commit to

serving NEACUHO as an organization and each of you as members.

My previous experience, ability to quickly acquire skills, organization and communication

skills, and interpersonal team building skills will:

● Assist in the transition of the position

● Foster positive and collaborative relationships with other board members and the

business manager

● Organize, communicate, and appropriately share our financial status in a way

that is easy to follow and clear

● Be fiscally strategic and innovative

Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope that I get to serve both NEACUHO and the

membership in the near future!

Bridget's Introduction Video!

Candidate Statement:

Dear NEACUHO Election Committee & Voting Members,

My name is Bridget Green, (she/her) and I am running for the Northeast Association of

College & University Housing Officers (NEACUHO) Treasurer role.

I currently serve as the Associate Director of Residence Life & Community Standards-

Housing Operations at Franklin Pierce University. I have previously served as a Community

Director, Community & Operations Coordinator, and Associate Director of Housing

Operations at Curry College. Prior to joining the higher education field in Student Affairs I

worked in corporate sponsorships and fundraising for education-based non-profits to

secure support funds to further important missions grounded in equal opportunity for

education.

I believe that I am the right person for the role due to my experience in budget management

and raising funds for 501(c)(3) organizations. In my professional career I am consistently

working towards operational excellence and financial sustainability. I have found a

wonderful network of colleagues and mentors through joining NEACUHO over the past few

years. The community built through NEACUHO has created a safe space for housing

professionals to empathize with each other through the unique nature of our roles

regardless of the size of our respective institutions.

I would love the opportunity to work to further the mission and financial stability of

NEACUHO with the experience I have curated through my professional career while

learning new things from other members.

I hope to be your next Treasurer,

Bridget

Current Professional Position: 
Director of Residence Life

Current Institution: 
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA)

Current & Previous NEACUHO Position(s): 

• New Professionals Committee Member - 2009-2012, 2013-2015 
• Program Committee Member – 2010-2011, 2012-2013 
• Case Study Judge – 2011 Annual Conference RIT 
• Fall Drive In Host CCSU November 2013 
• Program Committee Chair 2014-2015 
• Coordinated all programs and case study for the 2015 Annual Conference at WPI 
• Served as a member of the conference host committee WPI 
• Time and Place Committee 2015, 2023, 2025 
• New Professionals Committee Chair 2015-2016 Coordinated all RD2B Conferences that occurred 
• Professional Development Committee Chair 2017-2018 
• Coordinated the Mid-Level Institute Spring 2018 at Roger Williams 
• Coordinated the Fall Tool Kit Series – Summer 2018 
• Annual Conference Co-Chair 2018-2019 Albany NY 
• Budget Finance Committee 2019-2022 
• Paraprofessional/Graduate Engagement Chair 2024-2025 
• Spring Drive In Host MCLA March 2025 
• Programming Chair 2025-2026 
• Assisted in Coordination of NEACUHO Spring Drive-In March 2026

Previous Professional Position(s) Held & Location(s): 

• Assistant Director of Residence Life (MCLA)
• Area Coordinator (Central Connecticut State University)
• Resident Director (Central Connecticut State University)
• Residence Director (MCLA)

Education:

• M.S. School Counseling with a Concentration in Student Development in Higher Education, Central Connecticut State University
• Bachelor of Arts in History, Western Connecticut State University

Brendon's Introduction Video!

Candidate Statement:

NEACUHO has been my organization of choice for professional development, networking,

and overall has felt like home throughout my career in Residence Life over the past 17

years. Early on in my career I decided I wanted to get involved in the organization and in

these past 17 years I have served on committees, attended events, presented at various

conferences, served in multiple appointed board positions, and hosted multiple

conferences for paraprofessionals to senior level professionals. Throughout my time in the

organization and on the board, I have gained valuable experience understanding how the

organization functions through its governing documents, and how the finances of the

organization work. In each of the roles that I have held in NEACUHO I have focused on

assessing the needs of our members as well as the events and organization itself all while

making sure to provide engaging opportunities for professionals to grow. For me,

engagement has always been the priority. Whether that is engagement through program

sessions at virtual or in-person events, spaces at the conference where conversations with

other professionals build our networks, or through participating in a committee.

My experiences and networks I have gained through NEACUHO have all helped to shape my

professional career. It is because of this I feel ready to step into the role of President for the

organization. My time spent in the organization has impacted my career so much that it

only feels right to me to give back to an organization and membership that has already

given me so much. My hope is that during my time in the role, I will be able to continue to

provide engaging opportunities and support the membership so that members feel

NEACUHO can be a place for them. Our field is facing challenges between enrollment,

politics, and individual campus changes, that now more than ever it is important that we

have a space that members can come together to engage, be in community, learn, develop

relationships, and have healthy dialogue that supports everyone’s careers. I have seen the

impact that engagement and this community has had on our members, and sometimes

how even one interaction or word of support from a colleague can inspire us to keep

pushing through the challenging times. With so many uncertain things right now in our field

and country, my goal and hope is that under my leadership, NEACUHO members can be

certain that we are their community and provide various ways of engagement, being a

place that members can turn to, feel safe, seen and valued. That sense of community and

support is what I have always brought to my students, staff and departments and will work

to extend that to NEACUHO and the membership.