2025 ANNUAL ELECTIONS: meet your candidates!!

Current Professional Position: 
Assistant Director of Housing Operations

Current Institution:
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

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

• Community Coordinator (RISD)
• Community Director (Roger Williams University)
• Residence Director (Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts)

Education:

• Master of Art in Human Resource Management, Southern New Hemisphere University *anticipated 2026
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Rhode Island College

To learn more about Brendan, see his Introduction Video! 

Candidate Statement:

It is an honor to be considered for the Connecticut/Rhode Island District Coordinator position. NEACUHO has been a cornerstone of my professional development, and I’m excited for the opportunity to give back to an organization and community that has played such a meaningful role in my journey.

My involvement with NEACUHO began in 2017 during my first summer in the field, attending a Toolkit Series as a new professional. My first major engagement came in 2019 at the Annual Conference in Albany, where I was awarded a Legacy Scholarship and participated in the New Professionals Case Study Competition—an experience that sparked my passion for networking and cross-institutional collaboration. Since then, I’ve presented at Drive-In Conferences, actively served on the New Professionals Committee, and attended both district and regional events.

In my current role at RISD, I provide broad support across various housing operations, helping to ensure that student needs are met through thoughtful coordination and cross-campus collaboration. I approach this work with a strong commitment to building inclusive, student-centered processes, always aiming to balance logistical demands with care and equity. I’m proud to contribute to a team where DEIB values are woven into our daily work, and I bring that same intentionality and perspective to my involvement with NEACUHO.

If elected, I hope to help shape a stronger sense of identity and continuity for our CT/RI district. As one of NEACUHO’s smaller, more tightly connected regions, we have a unique opportunity to build lasting professional relationships that extend beyond formal events. My goal is to create a framework that helps sustain those connections, providing consistent engagement and opportunities to elevate the work happening across our institutions.

My leadership style is rooted in authenticity and relationship-building. I believe that meaningful engagement starts with honest, empathetic connection—and that supporting professionals at all levels is essential to growing our field. As someone who came into this work without the traditional path or early graduate education, I know firsthand the impact NEACUHO can have in helping professionals grow confidence, community, and purpose. I’m proud to now be in a position to pay that forward.

Thank you for your consideration—I would be honored to serve and represent the professionals of Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Current Professional Position: 
Area Coordinator

Current Institution:
University of Rhode Island (URI)

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

• Hall Director (URI)
• Area Director (Hamilton College)
• Graduate Hall Director (URI)

Education:

• Masters of Science in College Student Personnel, University of Rhode Island
• Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and Business Management, Sacred Heart University

To learn more about Sarah, see her Introduction Video! 

Candidate Statement:

Hello NEACUHO! I bring great excitement into running for the CT/RI District Coordinator position this year!

I have loved being able to bring people together within NEACUHO over the past 4 years. In planning events for this organization so far as the Events Coordinator and the Professional Development Co-Chair, I found joy and opportunity in bringing the region together around different topics. As the Professional Development Co-Chair, we were able to plan 30 events for the region that year for both in person and virtual events. This led me to finding a passion for bringing people together within NEACUHO and the importance of connection in our field.

In my most recent position as the Chair of the 2025 Annual Conference, I found my strengths in communication, consistency, and building connection points throughout the times we come together as an organization. Over the past 4 years, I have been able to communicate regularly with executive board members and member institutions answering questions, planning the Annual Conference, and bringing individuals together within NEACUHO. I understand the importance of keeping up to date with communication and consistency in order to keep our members informed and our organization moving forward.

In the constantly changing landscape of higher education attracting and retaining new and experienced professionals to the organization is what makes NEACUHO thrive. Overall, I have a desire to have others feel a sense of belonging within NEACUHO, which is where my involvement started in 2021 within this organization. I would love to continue this work in connecting further with other member institutions and gain new members to join this organization as a District Coordinator. I am excited to listen to our members to see what they need and support the CT/RI region together. I remain motivated to support our members and bring new people to the table. I will continue to bring these skills, sunshine, and work to continue the growth NEACUHO has made these past few years.

I have included below my previous positions within NEACUHO over the past 4 years to showcase my readiness for this position. I appreciate your consideration of voting for me for the CT/RI District Coordinator position. Thank you for your time to listen and read my statement.

Previous Positions within NEACUHO:

• Executive Board - Annual Conference Chair (October 2024-Present)
• Executive Board - Annual Conference Vice Chair (January 2024-October 2024)
• Executive Board - Director of Operations (October 2023-January 2024)
• Executive Board - Professional Development and Events Co-Chair (October 2022-October 2023)
• Executive Board - Events Coordinator (January 2022-October 2022)
• Served on the Sense of Belonging Task Force in (2021-2022)

Current Professional Position: 
Residence Hall Director

Current Institution:
University of Connecticut (UCONN)

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

• Residence Coordinator (University of Saint Joseph)
• Assistant Residence Coordinator (Binghamton University)

Education:

• Masters of Science in Student Affairs Administration, Binghamton University
• Bachelor of Arts in Music and Bachelor of Science in Human Development, Binghamton University

To learn more about Kaitlyn, see her Introduction Video! 

Candidate Statement:

It is with great enthusiasm and a deep commitment to fostering collaborative growth within our community that I submit my candidacy for the CT/RI District Coordinator position. My name is Kaitlyn Macdonald, and I currently serve as a Residence Hall Director at the University of Connecticut. With professional experience spanning institutions such as the University of Saint Joseph and Binghamton University, I bring a strong foundation in student affairs and a passion for building meaningful connections.

One of my core strengths is my ability to bring people and resources together. In my current role, I’ve worked closely with campus partners, student organizations, and local businesses to enhance the residential experience. These collaborations have not only improved outcomes for students but have reinforced the value of shared work across different sectors of our community. If elected, I aim to use these same skills to promote unity and collective growth throughout the district.

I believe deeply in the power of personal connection. Whether through informal conversations or structured engagements, I strive to build genuine, lasting relationships. As District Coordinator, I hope to create more opportunities for others to connect—whether with me or with each other—through drop-in hours, virtual discussions, or collaborative initiatives. I want to meet institutions where they are, understand their unique goals and challenges, and support them in ways that are tailored and meaningful.

Equally important is the opportunity to help institutions connect with one another. I’m eager to facilitate the sharing of ideas, strategies, and resources across our district—empowering our colleagues to learn from and support each other. By promoting open dialogue and creating space for collaboration, we can foster a stronger, more interconnected network that uplifts every member.

My background across institutions of varying sizes and missions has given me a broad understanding of the diverse experiences within our region. I am excited to bring this perspective to the CT/RI District, advocating for the specific needs of our community while aligning with the larger goals of NEACUHO. I am also committed to engaging both current and prospective member institutions in meaningful ways that support recruitment and retention.

In closing, I am excited about the opportunity to serve in this role and contribute to the continued success of our district. I am confident in my ability to build relationships, connect resources, and champion a culture of collaboration. Thank you for considering my candidacy—I look forward to the opportunity to work alongside each of you in service of our shared goals.

Current Professional Position: 
Associate Director for Residential Life

Current Institution: 
Connecticut College

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

• Assistant Director of Housing Operations (Connecticut College)
• Assistant Director for Desk Operations (University of Southern Mississippi)
• Residence Life Coordinator (University of West Georgia)
• Residence Hall Coordinator (Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College)
• Assistant Dean for Resident Life (Louisburg College)
• Area Coordinator (University of North Florida)

Education:

• Doctorate of Education, Higher Education Administration, University of Southern Mississippi
• Master of Arts, Student Affairs, Louisiana State University
• Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, Loyola University New Orleans

To learn more about Becky, see her Introduction Video! 

Candidate Statement:

Hello NEACUHO! Thank you for this opportunity to run for the CT/RI District Coordinator.

A little about me: I am a Southern transplant to the Northeast, with most of my career being in the Southeast states. I have been working at Connecticut College for about 2.5 years. I have worked in a variety of institutions, which I believe helps me have a holistic view of the housing profession. I am a firm believer in the 'work hard, play hard' mentality. During my down time, you can find me reading, playing board games, or planning my next international trip.

In my past region, I was heavily involved. I was a State President, involved with the Career Placement committee, and was the Chair of the Corporate Partners Committee. Within NEACUHO, I am currently on the Corporate Relations committee.

Why the District Coordinator role? Over my career, I have found that regional involvement is the sweet spot of networking for me. The regional organizations can focus on micro and macro level housing issues, working with district coordinators and ACUHO-I for assistance. I want to give back to NEACUHO by connecting other institutions with each other in the area. I value the networking and trouble-shooting that can help all of us be the best housing professionals possible. Sometimes, having someone else understands your concern is the best feeling, even if they don't have a solution. If elected, I would provide different professional and personal opportunities to bring folks from the CT/RI institutions together. This could be Zoom or in person gatherings, or Lunch and Learn sessions. I would also like to provide spaces for professionals to build their personal network, as it is sometimes hard for others to understand what we do! While bringing folks from the region together, I also want to make sure that I am connecting folks to NEACUHO. As a District Coordinator, I would send out regular updates to ensure that members are informed about all the amazing opportunities that NEACUHO provides year round. I would also regularly ask for feedback so that I can inform NEACUHO of what our district needs.

I thank you for your time and hope that I can serve NEACUHO as being the next CT/RI District Coordinator.

Current Professional Position: 
Assistant Director of Residential Experience 

Current Institution: 
Worcester Polytechnic Institute

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

• Assistant Director of Residential Services (UMass Boston/COCM)
• Community Director (North Dakota State College of Science)

Education:

• Master of Education in Educational Leadership, North Dakota State University
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Plymouth State University

Candidate Statement:

My name is Kassie Ozoonian (she/her), and I am honored to be considered for the role of Massachusetts District Coordinator.

My journey with NEACUHO began in 2019 when I attended RD2B at NHTI. After a brief hiatus while in the UMR region, I returned to NEACUHO in 2021 and have remained actively involved ever since. Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in various capacities, including Volunteer Chair for the Annual Conference Committee, a member of the Corporate Relations Committee, the Innovation Taskforce, and currently as Co-Chair of the Corporate Relations Committee.

One of my greatest passions is fostering a strong sense of belonging within the NEACUHO community. I find immense joy in seeing professionals grow their networks and discover meaningful connections within our organization.

If elected, I hope to continue this work by engaging more deeply with professionals across the Massachusetts region. My goal is to strengthen connections, increase engagement, and expand NEACUHO’s presence and impact throughout the district.

Thank you for your consideration—I look forward to the opportunity to connect with many of you in the near future!

Current Professional Position: 
Assistant Director, Residential Life

Current Institution: 
Binghamton University

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

• Community Director (Binghamton University)
• Area Coordinator (Binghamton University)
• Resident Director (Binghamton University)
• Resident Hall Director (SUNY Cortland)

• Master of Science in Student Affairs Administration
• Master of Public Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Adolescent Education and Social Studies, Minor in Psychology

To learn more about Meryl, see her Introduction Video! 

Candidate Statement:

Hi NEACUHO! My name is Meryl (she/her) and am excited to be a candidate for the New York District Coordinator position. I have been involved in NEACUHO for the past few years, most recently as a member of the Assessment Committee. Additionally, during the past two NEACUHO annual conferences, I have volunteered at the conference in different ways and co-presented at the 2023 annual conference.

I am running for the New York District Coordinator position because I want to be able to connect institutions with each other within the district and help people get to know each other. Geographically we are a large district, but I believe that we can get to know each other and support each other through both virtual events and in person meetups. I want to be able to create spaces where members in the New York district can connect with each other during scheduled NEACUHO events and outside of that - we all have our areas that we are working through, but also have strengths to share.

I believe that I am a good communicator both orally and through written communication and can and plan to communicate ideas and updates to members throughout the year. I want information that is shared to be accessible to members. I have attended several NEACUHO conferences and other organizations’ conferences and have been able to form connections with my peers and colleagues. I think we are each others’ biggest supporters and want people to be able to meet each other and share ideas. Whether folks are the loudest voice in the room or are more introverted, I want folks to feel welcome in NEACUHO spaces and within the district.

Current Professional Position: 
Assistant Director for Housing and Residential Life

Current Institution:
New York University School of Law

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

• Senior Housing Analyst (NYU School of Law)
• Housing Analyst (NYU School of Law)
• Residence Hall Director (Adelphi University)

Education:

• Master of Arts, Educational Technology, Adelphi University
• Bachelor of Science, Pyschology, SUNY Oneonta

To learn more about Daniel, see his Introduction Video! 

Candidate Statement:

Hello, everyone. My name is Daniel Matishek and I am pleased to accept my nomination for Treasurer. I have spent my entire career in residential life and housing, and I am eager to provide support for NEACUHO.

Throughout my years with our association, I've been fortunate to connect with so many people working in our field and to make contributions whenever possible. I have presented at a number of conferences and served as Technology Chair and Webmaster since October 2022. I’ve operated mostly behind the scenes to assist the board and our members with digital tools, communications, events, reporting, presentations, our website, accessibility features, and more. Seeing the depth of experience and passion our members bring to NEACUHO inspires me to want to be a better professional and to give back to our community.

In my current position at NYU Law, I oversee budgets related to student programming and housing software. I frequently audit records to ensure accurate reporting, which requires maintenance of a database as well as various adjacent spreadsheets. I develop workflows and tools to operationalize our data, and produce documentation so that others may understand how our office functions. I believe these skills will transfer well to the Treasurer position, and I hope you will entrust me to execute its duties.

On a personal note, I create budget and spending workbooks and have tracked every penny I’ve received and spent since 2017. This has afforded me several key benefits, including learning how to better leverage tracking technology to my advantage, identify patterns in spending (and reduce superfluous expenses), and create and stick to a budget. I look forward to the opportunity to lend this hobby to our association.

As Treasurer, my goals would be to continue to strengthen NEACUHO’s record-keeping and fiscal management, ensure compliance with regulations required to maintain our 501(c)(3) status, support the board and our members with financial planning needs, and ultimately preserve NEACUHO’s financial wellness for the future.

Thank you for reading my statement and considering me for Treasurer of NEACUHO.

Current Professional Position: 
Director of Housing Operations

Current Institution:
UMass Boston/COCM

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

• Associate Director of Housing Operations and Facilities Management (Suffolk University)
• Resident Director (Suffolk University)
• Residence Director (UMass Dartmouth)

Education:

• Master of Education in Student Personnel Administration, Springfield College
• Bachelor’s in Journalism and Communication, Northeastern University

To learn more about Matthew, see his Introduction Video! 

Candidate Statement:

It is with great excitement that I put forth my name for consideration to be the next Treasurer of NEACUHO. As a member of NEACUHO for the past decade, this organization has been my professional home, giving me opportunities for connection, growth, and leadership. Over the course of my time in NEACUHO I have served on the Annual Conference Committee in 2018, was the ResOps Chair from 2019-2020, served as the Massachusetts DC from 2020-2021 and currently serve on the annual conference committee, the corporate relations committee, and the finance committee. Each step in my NEACUHO journey has led me to now, where I want to continue to give back to this organization.

The treasurer role is unique as it is geared toward operational efficiency rather than content or programming. I have always gravitated toward operations in my career, having served as an Associate Director for Housing Operations and Facilities Management at Suffolk University, and now as the Director of Housing Operations at UMass Boston, where I work for a corporate company partnering with the university. This experience has helped me to see the importance of effective budget creation, but especially the ability to forecast future needs to ensure long-term stability. I currently oversee a $13 million operating and $5 million capital budget and have been able to account for occupancy changes, facilities upgrades, and emergencies while keeping that budget stable. This skillset would allow me in the NEACUHO treasurer role to look at our numbers and help other executive board members make decisions that will help us be financially responsible as an organization for years to come.

In my current professional role, I am responsible for reporting out budget numbers to UMass Boston leadership, COCM leadership, and Provident Leadership- the three stakeholder institutions that I need to work with for a cohesive management of our halls. Balancing those stakeholder needs can be a challenge but one that has taught me how to look at different perspectives and needs when managing budget realities in a changing landscape of Higher Education. This translates to the Treasurer role because I need to be able to effectively see budget constraints and offer options and solutions that meet all needs.

This role needs someone who can work with others to ensure procedures are followed. It is not enough to know the numbers. We have to communicate those numbers effectively, so everyone is on the same page. With my experience being a part of NEACUHO in the past and in the present, I know I can effectively connect with the executive board and the rest of the NEACUHO membership to showcase transparency and accountability for our finances. All of us as members deserve to know that our financial contributions are going toward our collective professional growth.

My experiences have prepared me for this opportunity. I value NEACUHO and what it has done for me and others. I look forward to the ability to create stability, confidence, and fiscal value in an organization that I love.

Current Professional Position: 
Director of Residence Life

Current Institution: 
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA)

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

To learn more about Brendon, see his Introduction Video! 

Candidate Statement:

NEACUHO has been my home for professional development and networking throughout my career in Residence Life for the past 16 years. Throughout my career I have served as a member of the organization from attending and presenting at conferences, serving on the board in appointed roles and committees, as well as hosting and running various conferences for paraprofessionals to senior level professionals. In my roles I have been able to gain valuable experience of how the organization functions through it’s Constitution and By-Laws, and how our finances are impacted through the membership and our various events. In each of my roles, 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. I have never been one to stray from asking difficult questions and always do so with the intent of keeping the interest of the membership at the top of mind. This not only has assisted me in my time on the board, but also in my professional career now serving as the Director of Residence Life at MCLA. In all my professional positions and in NEACUHO, I have carried the knowledge I have gained but also built strong relationships with colleagues that have provided me with a great network of support.

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 would be able to continue to provide opportunities & support the membership so that they feel they are getting something from being a part of NEACUHO. In an ever-changing time between the enrollment cliff, political climate, and individual campuses challenges, it is important that we have a space that members can come together, learn, grow, develop relationships, and have healthy dialogue that supports and fosters everyone’s careers. I have seen engagement happen that has truly had an impact on our members through my committee work, it’s members and the events that I have hosted. With so many uncertain things right now in our field and country, my hope is that under my leadership one thing could be certain for people, and that is what NEACUHO can provide and offer to support, engage and develop our colleagues. That constant support is what I have been able to provide for my students, staff and the departments I have worked for. Serving on the board currently gives me insight into the amazing work our organization is currently doing but also allows me to see where we can continue to push and challenge ourself to grow and evolve with the challenges to meet our members where they need us most.

Current Professional Position: 
Associate Director of Residential Life

Current Institution: 
SUNY Purchase

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

• Assistant Director of Residential Life (Pace University)
• Area Director of Residential Life (Pace University)
• Residence Director (Pace University)
• High School US History & US Government Teacher (Democracy Prep Charter High School - Harlem, NY, Riverhead Charter School - Riverhead, NY, Pasco County - Tampa, FL School District)
• High School Instructional Coach (Pasco County School District)

Education:

•  Doctorate in Educational Leadership, SUNY Empire (expected May 2028)
• Masters in Public Administration, Pace University
• Masters in Teaching, Pace University
• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Binghamton University
• Certificate in Educational Leadership, University of Tampa

To learn more about Matthew, see his Introduction Video! 

Candidate Statement:

My name is Matthew Landau (he/him), and I’m honored to be running for NEACUHO President. 

Currently I serve as the Mid-Level Engagement Chair, and in prior years, I’ve contributed to NEACUHO through various committees focused on professional development and engagement. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for regional collaboration and affirmed my commitment to supporting colleagues at every stage of their journey.

For the last 15 years, I’ve worked in education—as a Residence Director, Assistant Director, and currently as Associate Director of Residential Life at Purchase College. I also spent six years as a U.S. History teacher. In every role I’ve held, I’ve seen the greatest impact come from personal connections: building trust, supporting growth, and creating space for others to lead.

This is why I am running for President. I believe NEACUHO is at a crossroads and at a time when higher education is under the microscope—especially around equity and inclusion—associations like NEACUHO must rise to the moment. This is not the time to stay quiet; it’s the time to lead.

Recently, I brought forward a resolution calling on NEACUHO to reaffirm its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and advocacy. I hoped to create space for a discussion that reflected the challenges our members are facing. While I ultimately chose to withdraw the resolution—in light of strong opposition from NEACUHO leadership, and out of concern it could be voted down—I still stand by the intent behind it: our association must not only act, but speak, when our values are under attack.

We need a President who is willing to listen, challenge respectfully, and know when to step back for the greater good. Leading NEACUHO is not only about the events we offer—it’s also about the positions we take. When values like equity and inclusion are under scrutiny, choosing to speak up is not performative; it’s purposeful. What we say—or don’t say—sends a message. Silence, even if unintentional, can undermine the work we do. I am running for President because I believe our leadership must continue to engage in meaningful action and make clear public affirmation of our values.

If elected, I will focus on three key areas:

1. Values in Action: Support strong DEIB programming (which we already do) and ensure our values are reflected in policy, communication, and leadership—including a more diverse appointed Executive Board.

2. Institutional Advocacy: Deepen NEACUHO’s role as a bridge between campuses navigating complex challenges. While we may not speak on behalf of institutions, we can stand alongside them, and offer our unconditional support.

3. Leadership for All: Ensure that all members, regardless of title or experience, understand how to get involved, contribute ideas, and grow as leaders within NEACUHO.

NEACUHO is filled with passionate, talented professionals. I believe NEACUHO can lead the way by doing what we do best: building relationships, building people, and building community—especially in times of uncertainty, when our presence, our purpose, and our values matter more than ever before.