Dawn Nelson
Dawn Nelson joined MidPen as the new Director of Talent Acquisition. She brings over 20 years of progressive HR experience, with the last 5 years dedicated to leading organizational talent acquisition strategies. She most recently led a talent acquisition team at See’s Candies. Throughout her journey, Dawn has built a reputation for developing inclusive recruitment practices […]
Delene Rankin
Delene initially joined MidPen in 2024 as Associate Director of Supportive Housing and was soon promoted to Director of Supportive Housing. Her role is to support MidPen to continue shaping and implementing its supportive housing strategy by investing in the supportive housing team and cultivating partnerships within MidPen and across the counties. Most recently Delene […]
Kathy Ray
As the Director of Strategic Initiatives, Kathy supports organization-wide planning efforts and serves as a project manager for critical initiatives and cross-functional projects. Kathy enjoys supporting MidPen in building the systems and processes that will help us continue to grow and innovate. Kathy uses her free time to hone her gardening skills, and one day hopes […]
Latasha Reed
Latasha returned to MidPen in May 2024 as Associate Director of Property Operations and has since been promoted to Director. In her time back at MidPen, she has quickly become a trusted leader, strengthening relationships across the Property Management team, partnering with external stakeholders, and helping bring talented new team members on board. Latasha brings […]
Raisa Sanchez
Raisa’s passion for driving innovative approaches to solving complex challenges –specifically related to educational services provided within the affordable housing sector – has put her at the forefront of designing high-quality programs and services and creating educational opportunities for young MidPen residents, including our six-week long Summer Program. Recently, she participated in the Stanford d.School […]
Laurie Santos-Reguera
Laurie’s three main areas of responsibilities are streamlining HR operations, HRBP, and overseeing office management, all which require great communication and relationship building with all MidPenners. Laurie has served in this role for 16+ years, and prior to that she was a Controller in San Mateo County serving families in need. Laurie is particularly proud […]
Lance Smith
As Corporate Counsel since 2010, Lance oversees MidPen’s Legal Department and all of its functions including activities in litigation, risk management, land acquisition, development, asset and property management, and contract negotiations. He also provides legal counsel to the Board of Directors, corporate executives, and field personnel and represents MidPen before state courts, public agencies, and […]
Jason Spinosa
Jason joined MidPen in 2025 as Senior Director of HR Strategy. He will focus on partnering with teams to develop and implement HR strategies that support overall business goals. Jason will aim to transform traditional HR functions into strategic business partnerships, fostering organizational growth, cultural development, and talent optimization. Prior to joining MidPen, Jason worked […]
Elise Tam-Cooc
Elise Tam-Cooc joined MidPen in 2024 as the Leasing & Occupancy Supervisor, leading the team that oversees compliance and waitlists for new properties that are leasing up. As an Associate Director of Leasing Compliance, Elise collaborates with the Property Management Leasing and Compliance teams in improving and developing systems and procedures. Prior to joining MidPen, Elise […]
Mirian Valdez
Mirian started at MidPen in 2021 as Community Manager and built strong connections with the community and was part of the rehabilitation for 200 family units in Santa Cruz County. From the role as Community Manager, she was then promoted to Property Manager where Mirian oversaw daily functions of properties, coached and supported staff members […]