Keynote Speakers
Deshauna Barber is a former Miss USA and award-winning international speaker, coach, and entrepreneur with a bold approach to inspiring and encouraging her audience. Deshauna uses her experience as an Army officer, Non-Profit CEO, former Miss USA, and STEM graduate to inspire her audience. Deshauna shows the power of perseverance and tenacity to now become a top-rated speaker that is widely sought after by Fortune 500 companies. She currently works full time as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Service Women’s Action Network, the nation’s leading 501c3 nonprofit organization advocating on behalf of all service women and women veterans in the country.
Deshauna is currently receiving her Diversity, Social Justice and Inclusion Certification at University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Virginia State University and a Master of Science degree in Computer Information Systems and Services from University of Maryland University College.
As Miss USA, she spent her year-long reign advocating for our men and women in uniform by encouraging our government to provide additional support for soldiers suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The 31-year-old uses her platform to encourage us to pay close attention to the mental health of our service members after deployments and their service to our country.
Captain Barber has served her country for over 10 years and now works as cadet instructor at Howard University's Bison Battalion during her Army Reserve commitment. When she is not serving her country, she travels the world as a full time Motivational Speaker. She has made it her life goal to encourage, inspire and strengthen the people around her.
Deshauna has appeared on The Steve Harvey Show, The Rachael Ray Show, Fox and Friends, The Chelsea Show, Good Morning Washington, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The T.D. Jakes Show, The Nightly Show, The Source on Sirius XM, The Daily Show, Lunch Break, Live with Kelly, Good Morning America and in Glamour Magazine and Diversity Magazine
Deshauna is currently receiving her Diversity, Social Justice and Inclusion Certification at University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Virginia State University and a Master of Science degree in Computer Information Systems and Services from University of Maryland University College.
As Miss USA, she spent her year-long reign advocating for our men and women in uniform by encouraging our government to provide additional support for soldiers suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The 31-year-old uses her platform to encourage us to pay close attention to the mental health of our service members after deployments and their service to our country.
Captain Barber has served her country for over 10 years and now works as cadet instructor at Howard University's Bison Battalion during her Army Reserve commitment. When she is not serving her country, she travels the world as a full time Motivational Speaker. She has made it her life goal to encourage, inspire and strengthen the people around her.
Deshauna has appeared on The Steve Harvey Show, The Rachael Ray Show, Fox and Friends, The Chelsea Show, Good Morning Washington, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The T.D. Jakes Show, The Nightly Show, The Source on Sirius XM, The Daily Show, Lunch Break, Live with Kelly, Good Morning America and in Glamour Magazine and Diversity Magazine
Dennis Snow’s customer service abilities were honed over 20 years with the Walt Disney World Company.
There, he developed his passion for service excellence and the experience he brings to the worldwide
speaking and consulting he does today.
He began his Disney career in 1979 as a front-line attractions operator. As he advanced through the
company, Dennis managed various operating areas throughout the park, learning and applying the skills
it takes to run a world-class, service-driven organization.
Dennis launched a division of the Disney Institute responsible for consulting with some of the world’s
largest companies including ExxonMobil, AT&T, and Coca Cola. During this time, he presented to
audiences in diverse locations around the world, such as South Africa, Australia, Mexico, England and
Argentina. This division quickly became the fastest growing venture of the Disney Institute and
experienced repeat business of nearly 100%.
He also spent several years with the Disney University, teaching corporate philosophy and business
practices to cast members and the leadership team. While there, he coordinated the Disney Traditions
program which is universally recognized as a benchmark in corporate training. In his last year with Walt
Disney World®, Dennis’ leadership performance was ranked in the top 3% of the company’s leadership
team.
Today, Dennis is a full-time speaker, trainer and consultant who helps organizations achieve goals related
to customer service, employee development and leadership. Some of his clients include Huntington Bank,
BMW Financial Services, Florida State University and Johns Hopkins Hospital. His articles appear in a
number of industry publications and he is a featured guest “expert” on customer service, on several
business news-talk radio shows. He is the author of the book, Lessons from the Mouse: A Guide for
Applying Disney World's Secrets of Success to Your Organization, Your Career, and Your Life.
There, he developed his passion for service excellence and the experience he brings to the worldwide
speaking and consulting he does today.
He began his Disney career in 1979 as a front-line attractions operator. As he advanced through the
company, Dennis managed various operating areas throughout the park, learning and applying the skills
it takes to run a world-class, service-driven organization.
Dennis launched a division of the Disney Institute responsible for consulting with some of the world’s
largest companies including ExxonMobil, AT&T, and Coca Cola. During this time, he presented to
audiences in diverse locations around the world, such as South Africa, Australia, Mexico, England and
Argentina. This division quickly became the fastest growing venture of the Disney Institute and
experienced repeat business of nearly 100%.
He also spent several years with the Disney University, teaching corporate philosophy and business
practices to cast members and the leadership team. While there, he coordinated the Disney Traditions
program which is universally recognized as a benchmark in corporate training. In his last year with Walt
Disney World®, Dennis’ leadership performance was ranked in the top 3% of the company’s leadership
team.
Today, Dennis is a full-time speaker, trainer and consultant who helps organizations achieve goals related
to customer service, employee development and leadership. Some of his clients include Huntington Bank,
BMW Financial Services, Florida State University and Johns Hopkins Hospital. His articles appear in a
number of industry publications and he is a featured guest “expert” on customer service, on several
business news-talk radio shows. He is the author of the book, Lessons from the Mouse: A Guide for
Applying Disney World's Secrets of Success to Your Organization, Your Career, and Your Life.
Keynote Speaker Sponsored by:
Breakout Session Speakers
Dena B. Calo is co-chair of Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP’s Labor and Employment Law Practice Group. As an HR strategist and employment lawyer, she counsels clients in the property management industry through complex reputational and legal issues. Dena advises executives, management and HR professionals in a multi-discipline, national practice handling complex legal issues to ensure compliance with federal, state and local laws. She develops and presents training programs to property management companies on a wide variety of employment and labor law topics. Dena also has extensive experience litigating cases in front of state and federal juries throughout the United States. Dena is a member of seven industry associations and is a national speaker and author, helping companies understand employment law and implement it day to day.
Brad Schwartz is the founder and President of MSB Resources, a recruitment firm serving the property management industry. Brad has been actively involved in the property management industry for twenty years. MSB Resources has placed thousands of property management professionals from site level to COO’s. MSB Resources clients range from publicly traded REIT’s to small family owner/managers. Brad has presented many seminars on hiring, retention and culture to various apartment associations, including NAA and Chapters of IREM.
Lyssa Goldberg is the COO and co-owner of Metter Media, a Boston-based social media agency specializing in the multifamily industry. She has been with the company since February 2014 and works closely with the Multifamily Division.
Cassandra Hughes is a Senior Account Director at Metter Media, executing dynamic social media strategies and content for a variety of multifamily communities throughout MA and the DMV region for the past 3+ years.
Scott Ployer is an established, well-respected 33+ year real estate, property management, facilities, construction and safety management executive. His unique blend of capabilities and proven track record for affecting positive changes have saved owners many millions of dollars over three decades. During his career, Mr. Ployer has managed all types of properties including; residential, commercial, industrial, office, and government buildings. He also served as a receiver’s administrator by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the RTC and for Ocwen Federal Bank to manage and reposition REO/MIP properties.
Mr. Ployer’s specialties include, but are not limited to all facets of property operations and asset
management, development and oversight of environmental health & safety, risk management and mitigation programs, financial analysis and due diligence, capital planning and asset preservation, as well as implementing energy and sustainability initiatives. Mr. Ployer is also a national trainer, speaker, subject matter expert and curriculum advisor.
Mr. Ployer also provides owner’s project management (OPM) oversight for a variety of construction, renovation, rehabilitation and insurance restoration projects. As a licensed construction supervisor and former general contractor himself, he understands an owner’s needs and objectives and knows how to achieve them, in accordance with prescribed Codes and standards and within budget.
Mr. Ployer’s specialties include, but are not limited to all facets of property operations and asset
management, development and oversight of environmental health & safety, risk management and mitigation programs, financial analysis and due diligence, capital planning and asset preservation, as well as implementing energy and sustainability initiatives. Mr. Ployer is also a national trainer, speaker, subject matter expert and curriculum advisor.
Mr. Ployer also provides owner’s project management (OPM) oversight for a variety of construction, renovation, rehabilitation and insurance restoration projects. As a licensed construction supervisor and former general contractor himself, he understands an owner’s needs and objectives and knows how to achieve them, in accordance with prescribed Codes and standards and within budget.