Jennifer Thomas

About Jennifer Thomas

Extensive background in housing and economic development primarily in the affordable housing industry, with experience in land use planning, raising capital, managing projects in the urban core, developing human capital programs and influencing public policies in Los Angeles and other cities across the country. Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy-Housing and Community Development. Field Instructor in the School of Social Work. Also a Steering Committee member on the Sol Price Center for Social Innovation\'s Committee on Neighborhood Data.

Experience

1. Assistant Director

   HACLA

   Jun 2008 — Present

   Project Manager for the Jordan Downs Public Housing redevelopment in Watts. Responsible for contract mgmt/compliance of multiple budgets exceeding one million dollars,writing RFPS/RFQs to attract potential contractors to bid for business opportunities, point-person for audit reviews, assisted team in securing entitlements for the Jordan Downs redevelopment, secured grants to supplement the costs of the Jordan Downs pre-development activities, facilitate team meetings and coordinate inter-governmental agencies and external entities, Monitor policy initiatives and plan impact strategies, assisted with the re-establishment of HACLA\'s non-profit affiliate to secure revenue for city-wide initiatives, write and secure grants, manage board stewardship and external engagement, assist with media relations by writing articles, managing social media presence and messaging to promote the project.

Education

• Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College at Baton Rouge

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

  1995 — 1999

• University of Pittsburgh

  Master of Social Work (MSW), Urban and Regional Planning

  1999 — 2000