Denver Affordable Housing Summit

Molly Armbrister is West Coast editor at Bisnow, based in Colorado but managing reporters across the U.S. She has covered commercial real estate on the Front Range for the entirety of her 15-year career, including stints at BizWest Media, the Denver Business Journal and CBRE. She has won awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, Colorado Press Association and the National Association of Real Estate Editors. She has been awarded fellowships from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers, the Brookings Institution and the Association of Health Care Journalists, and is a 2024 graduate of the Poynter Institute’s Leadership Academy for Women in Media.

Since expanding Gorman to Colorado in 2014, Kimball has initiated 20 developments throughout the state, including 1,700 affordable and workforce apartment homes, with over 200 units scheduled to complete construction throughout 2026. Kimball has worked on many sides of the housing aisle and for nonprofits, public entities and for-profit firms as a housing developer, housing market analyst, housing financing underwriting, director of a Community Land Trust and in the policy sphere through advocacy and industry groups. Additional development has included Net Zero multifamily communities, mixed-use developments, certified LEED Platinum/Gold housing, Health Impact Assessments and Healthy Housing metrics, along with rich community outreach, to target our developments to the local need. Kimball has served as co-Chair of Blueprint Denver, a certified CCIM, on the Colorado Project and is active in ULI and the Routt County Purchase of Development Rights board.

David co-founded Zocalo spurred by a commitment to development that balanced investment returns, community impact and environmental respect. David focused on downtown development as soon as he arrived in Denver in 1990.  David’s first project was the Lofts over the Wynkoop Brewery. Since the Wynkoop, David established the vision for historic conversions such as the Downtown Denver and Downtown San Diego Courtyards by Marriott, which utilized the Historic Investment Tax Credit. In Denver, David was one of the first developers to work through, develop and sell deed-restricted, for-sale units at Silver State Lofts, a program that codified in the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance.  Since formation, Zocalo has quickly become among the best respected development companies in Colorado, recognized for thoughtful, innovative, well-timed and skillfully-executed projects.  As a LEED-Accredited Professional, David oversees all aspects of project development and management to ensure they meet project specifications, budgets and timelines.  As recognition, David received the Denver Business Journal's Developer of the Year award for 2012. David received his MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He is interim board chair of the State Housing Board and was chairman of the board of directors of community jazz station KUVO and co-chair of the Downtown Denver Partnership's Housing Council.  David co-founded the University of Denver's Affordable Housing Conference and co-chaired the Conference's first five years. David has an appointment to Mayor Hancock's Task Force on Affordable Housing.  He received the Affordable Housing Leader of the Year Award for 2006 from the Denver chapter of the Enterprise Foundation.

As Regional Vice President of Development, Jim Weglarz works on complicated projects throughout the country. He also sources new development opportunities in Arizona and Nevada, while closing projects in Oklahoma, Colorado, and Hawaii at this time. Mr. Weglarz joined The Michaels Organization in September of 2019. Prior to joining Michaels, Mr. Weglarz was Vice President of Development at Ross Financial Services, Inc. (RFS) in Northbrook, IL. At RFS, Mr. Weglarz worked sourcing and closing on all development projects from cradle to crave including securing two allocations of Low Income Housing Tax Credits – one in October 2017 and another in May 2019 and completing two FHA refinancings with moderate rehab components. Prior to RFS, Mr. Weglarz was at the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) starting as an underwriter in the Multifamily Finance Department, and then moving into a Manager of Business Development role creating and promoting new loan programs to the development community. Mr. Weglarz received a BS in Psychology and BA in Sociology from Colorado State University, and a MBA in Real Estate Finance and Investment from DePaul University Kellstadt School of Business. Mr. Weglarz also served in the US Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic as a Community Education Promoter from 1997-1999.

Danielle (Dani) Vachon Bell is the Development Director of Affordable Housing at MGL Partners, where she leads all aspects of affordable multifamily development, including acquisition, financing, entitlements, construction, and stabilization. Since joining the firm in early 2019, Dani has successfully managed six Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) developments across the state of Colorado. In addition to developing real estate for MGL, Dani provides affordable housing development and financial consulting services to Colorado-based nonprofits and housing authorities allowing mission-driven organizations to deliver affordable housing to the populations they serve. Dani began her career in the public sector as a Development Project Manager at Boulder Housing Partners, the housing authority for the City of Boulder. During her six-year tenure, she managed acquisitions of existing multifamily properties and led the development of new LIHTC communities, gaining extensive experience in community engagement, entitlements and multi- layered affordable housing finance. A dedicated volunteer, Dani has been an active member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) for more than 12 years and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Programs Committee for the ULI Colorado Executive Management Committee. She is also an active member of Housing Colorado and the Women’s Affordable Housing Network (WAHN), and volunteers with the Denver Rescue Mission. Dani holds a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University with a focus in Marketing and Commercial Real Estate Development, as well as a Master of Sustainable Real Estate Development from Tulane University. She remains actively engaged with both alumni communities. Outside of work, Dani enjoys cooking, yoga, downhill and cross-country skiing, and camping with her husband, daughter, and mini labradoodle.

Rusty brings a wealth of diverse expertise to EnergyLogic, blending practical construction insight with a deep understanding of sustainability, energy efficiency, codes and programs, and building science. In his role as Director of Business Development, Rusty spearheads the cultivation of new clients, services, and innovative ideas within EnergyLogic, ensuring that our clients receive top-tier customer service and specialized support to achieve their sustainability and efficiency objectives. After completing his master’s in business administration from the University of Colorado, Rusty embarked on a multifaceted career, from crafting small affordable housing to overseeing the construction of multimillion-dollar trophy homes in the Vail Valley. Motivated by a keen interest in energy-efficient building methods, he pursued RESNET®, BPI, and CSU’s School of the Built Environment certifications. His journey eventually led him to EnergyLogic, where he has held various pivotal roles, including Field Rater, Field Services Manager, Business Development Manager, and currently, Director of Business Development. As seems to be required on every Colorado Bio, Rusty enjoys spending time outside. Specifically, you can find him trail running and biking with the occasional hockey game and hunting trip thrown in for fun.

Joaquín Cintrón Vega serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Housing Authority of the City and County of Denver (DHA). Prior to DHA, he served as the President & Chief Executive Officer at Lucas Metropolitan Housing in Toledo, Ohio. Under Cintrón Vega’s leadership, Lucas Metropolitan Housing (LMH) earned three consecutive Auditor of State Awards for excellence in financial accountability and transparency. His commitment to organizational excellence also helped LMH gain recognition as one of Toledo’s Best Places to Work by The Blade, reflecting a strong workplace culture and employee satisfaction. He has also held roles including Director of the Public Housing Division in Miami Dade County. Cintrón Vega played a pivotal role in Public Housing and Community Development (PHCD)’s repositioning strategy, providing leadership and supporting the agency through a comprehensive transformation to modernize and preserve affordable housing assets. His strategic vision ensured long-term sustainability while expanding housing opportunities and aligning resources with the evolving needs of the community. With more than two decades of experience, Cintrón Vega has established a distinguished career in the management of federal housing assistance programs and policy development. Since joining DHA, Cintrón Vega has brought a strong focus on community-responsive planning and development, working to ensure that redevelopment efforts are shaped by resident voices and local needs. He is currently leading the agency through the final phases of the transformative Sun Valley redevelopment and forging a comprehensive housing development strategy with a strong emphasis on economic development investments. His leadership supports the vision of a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable Denver by creating neighborhoods and spaces that all residents can proudly call home. Cintrón Vega holds a bachelor's Business Administration degree, from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico and brings a strong background in finance. He is also a graduate of the Executive Directors Education Program at Rutgers University. Early in his career, during his tenure with the Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration he oversaw a wide range of federal and played a key role in one of the nation’s largest low-income housing tax credits transactions in the nation supporting the rehabilitation of 4,132 units across 33 properties throughout Puerto Rico. As a committed community advocate, Cintrón Vega has served on the boards of several impactful organizations, contributing his leadership and expertise to advance equity, education, and economic opportunity. At the Toledo Museum of Art, he has supported efforts to increase community access to the arts, while through HOPE Toledo, he has championed cradle-to-career educational initiatives for underserved youth. As a member of the LISC Toledo Advisory Board, he has contributed to inclusive economic development strategies across the region. In Denver, his involvement with the Youth Employment Academy and Friends of DHA reflects his dedication to empowering young people and supporting resident-centered housing initiatives. At the national level, he contributes to policy and innovation in affordable housing through his work with NAHRO’s Strategic Planning and the International Research and Global Exchange (IRGE) Committees, helping to shape the future of housing and community development nationwide. Joaquin Cintrón Vega was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and claims Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, as his hometown. He is happily married to his beloved wife, Aileen Hernandez Morales, and is a proud father to three remarkable children: two outstanding sons, Ricardo and Edex, and a brilliant and inspiring daughter, Alexa Sophia. “Making a difference in the lives of people is an honor, and I am thrilled to lead DHA. Our focus is on developing stronger partnerships, fostering unity, and empowering individuals to cultivate shared aspirations. By transforming neighborhoods into thriving ecosystems of collective progress and opportunity, we can make a real difference in the lives of those we serve as we succeed in providing high- quality, affordable housing with responsive services, enabling people and communities to prosper.”- Joaquín Cintrón Vega

Laura Brudzynski is the Chief Executive Officer of Archway Communities. She coordinates across the Archway staff to create strategic goals, align internal operations, develop external partnerships to further Archway’s mission, and engage with staff and residents to meet the housing and supportive services needs of our communities. Prior to Archway, Laura spent 10 years at the City and County of Denver creating local resources for affordable housing and homelessness resolution. She helped bring together resources and staff for housing and homelessness resolution in Denver through the creation of the Department of Housing Stability, and served as the Executive Director and Chief Housing Officer in 2023. Before serving as the Chief Housing Officer, she oversaw operations for the Department of Housing Stability and directed housing policy and programs. Prior to that, Laura built affordable homes with Habitat for Humanity in Metro Denver, Milwaukee, Costa Rica, and Chile as part of the AmeriCorps program and international Global Village trips. Laura has an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Sociology from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, and graduate degrees in Urban and Regional Planning and Public Administration from the University of Colorado Denver. When she is not working, you can usually find Laura spending time outside at home or in nature with her husband, Mike, and two kids, Jackson and Cassidy. She is an aspiring urban homesteader – at a small scale – with a veggie garden, fruit trees, backyard chickens, honey bees, and a love of homecooked meals and baked bread. She also enjoys yoga, farmers’ markets, hiking and spending time in the Colorado mountains, and spending time with family and friends.

Susan Connelly joined Housing Opportunities Unlimited in May 2020 as Chief Operating Officer and Principal. Working as part of HOU's executive team, HOU is growing nationally with an emphasis on New York City. Now, with 100 employees, HOU continues its 40-year commitment to diversity. Over 80% of HOU's 100-person team are BIPOC. Susan has over 35 years of experience in affordable and public housing. In her roles with private developers, Susan oversaw the permitting, design, finance, and construction of over 4,200 units of new and rehabilitated affordable housing in the greater Boston and Mid-Atlantic markets. She has worked with the multiple regulatory requirements of private, federal, and state finance resources, including HOPE VI, LIHTC, Historic Tax Credits, HOME, and Section 8. Before joining HOU, Susan was the Director of Community Assistance at the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP), a quasi-public agency. For 16 years, Susan led and supported a team effort to seed affordable housing across the Commonwealth. She worked closely with the state's Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) on several policy issues, including the effort to create a public finance product to leverage private capital to replace state public housing. Susan has supported community input processes as a representative of the state, as a developer, and as an affordable housing manager. She was first introduced to affordable housing in Boston in 1986 as a member of the HOU relocation team at Columbia Point, the first federal public housing development converted to mixed-income, mixed-finance, and privately managed. Today, Harbor Point is a 1,200-unit community, and HOU continues to provide resident services. Susan holds a degree in Economics from the University of Vermont. She is the Treasurer of the Board of Commissioners for the Cambridge Housing Authority, co-chair of the Real Estate Advisory Committee, the Urban Land Institute/Boston, and a founding member of the Women’s Development Collaborative based in San Francisco.

Andy Peters helps clients assert and defend their property rights. Equally at home before city councils and the courts, Andy navigates complex entitlements processes, negotiates with governments, and delivers trial and appellate advocacy to achieve client objectives. His practice spans land use and development approvals, eminent domain and takings cases, and matters concerning constitutional rights, sign regulation, and fair housing guarantees. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law, where he teaches Land Use Planning. As a land use lawyer, Andy has represented individual homeowners to Fortune 500 companies across Colorado, with a growing emphasis in mountain jurisdictions. His projects range from single-property redevelopment approvals on the Front Range to crafting multi-year, multi-property agreements guaranteeing development rights in mountain resorts. As a litigator, Andy has represented a similarly broad range of clients before state and federal trial and appeals courts, as well as regulatory and administrative bodies. He has particular experience in disputes arising under the First, Fifth, and Fourteenth Amendments; Colorado’s state constitutional financing provisions; as well as the Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act. Additionally, as part of his experience with sign law and First Amendment matters, Andy has helped local governments with review and redraft of their sign codes. He frequently writes and speaks about all of those topics as well. Before joining Otten Johnson, Andy served as an appellate law clerk to the Hon. William W. Hood, III of the Colorado Supreme Court, and as an intern for the Hon. Monica Márquez, also of the Colorado Supreme Court. He began his career at a Denver-based public relations firm, where for several years he helped national and international clients manage their reputations before interested governments, competitors, and the public. Outside the office, Andy enjoys skiing, mountain biking, and world travel with his wife and children, as well as maintaining a nearly decade-old Dungeons & Dragons game night tradition with friends. Andy serves on the firm’s Marketing & Business Development Committee and is chair of the Recruiting Committee.