Keynote Speaker
Dr. Farrah Gray has recently been featured by AOL Black Voices as making Black History 2008. He was also named as one of the most influential Black men in America by the National Urban League's Urban Influence Magazine. Ebony Magazine recognized him as an entrepreneurial icon, business mogul and best-selling author. More
State Housing Plenary
The Honorable Richard Cordray was elected Ohio Attorney General in November 2008. He previously served as Ohio Treasurer of State, Franklin County Treasurer, State Representative, and as Ohio's first Solicitor General. More
Federal Policy Plenary
Sheila Crowley is the president and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, where she heads a membership organization that is dedicated solely to achieving socially just public policy that assures people with the lowest incomes in the United States have affordable and decent homes. More
Ohio Economic Forecast
The Honorable Kevin L. Boyce was sworn in as Ohio Treasurer of State in January 2009. Prior to his appointment, Boyce served eight years as a member of the Columbus City Council, was elected as President Pro Tempore, and served as Chairman of the Public Finance Committee. More
Changing Universal Design Perspectives
Universal design is no longer about just "accessibility requirements." Hear how developers, investors and architects view it from an aesthetic and functional perspective, making a property more marketable.
Moderator:
Joe Erdeljac, Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing
Mr. Erdeljac joined Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing (OCCH) in July 2004 as Construction Manager. In this capacity, he manages the design and construction phase of OCCH projects. Mr. Erdeljac reviews plans, evaluates budgets, manages change orders, ensures schedule compliance and oversees inspectors. He has more than 12 years experience managing construction and facility improvement projects for major corporations, including Bank One, Huntington, Red Roof Inns, Chase Mortgage and Cardinal Health. Mr. Erdeljac holds a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from The Ohio State University.
Speaker:
Rosemarie Rossetti, Universal Design Living Laboratory
Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D., is a powerful, internationally known speaker who walks her talk. A life-changing event transformed her into a model of courage and inspiration when a tree fell on her while she was riding her bicycle, leaving her paralyzed. President of Rossetti Enterprises Inc. (www.RosemarieSpeaks.com), her presentations help people find ways to achieve goals and take charge of their lives. She and her husband, Mark Leder, are building the Universal Design Living Laboratory (www.udll.com), a national demonstration home in Columbus, to showcase universal design and green building. This home will serve as their residence and be used to teach builders, architects, landscape architects, interior designers, manufacturer's representatives/distributors, and homebuyers. Ms. Rossetti writes articles for national publications and speaks nationally about the features and benefits of universal design and green building. Since March 2006, her accessible housing column is published in Action Magazine, a publication of the United Spinal Association.
