PMHA Leadership Team
Pamela Nation Calhoun
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Pamela Nation Calhoun is the Executive Director of the Portage Metropolitan Housing Authority (PMHA). Pam began her career at PMHA on November 8, 1999. As Executive Director, Pamela is responsible for all aspects of the agency’s operations.
Over the course of her career at PMHA, Pamela has worked to ensure that the agency pursues funding opportunities that expand its’ capacity to assist the families and individuals as they work towards self-sufficiency and attempt to overcome barriers.
Improving the quality of PMHA’s housing stock remains a priority for Pamela. She has worked with the agency’s staff to ensure that renovations and improvements are made that not only improve the quality of housing but also improve the quality of life for the families residing in PMHA’s Public Housing.
Pamela is very passionate about community service and dedicates a significant amount of her time to service on the Boards of organizations that serve populations in need. She currently serves on the Community Action Council of Portage County’s Board of Directors, the Community Corrections Board and the Portage Learning Centers’ Board of Trustees. Pamela is an alumna of Leadership Portage County (Class of 2009). She formerly served on the Neighborhood Development Services and Townhall II Boards of Directors. Pamela is a member of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. She has served on the Ravenna School District Board of Education since January 1, 2015.
Pamela earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Kent State University in May of 1993.
Amy Bower
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
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Amy Bower is the Assistant Director of the Portage Metropolitan Housing Authority. She began her career at PMHA on February 7, 2000. As Assistant Director Amy is responsible for oversight of the agency’s operations.
During her tenure at the Portage Metropolitan Housing Authority, Amy has worked extensively in both the Public Housing and Section 8 departments. She is committed to ensuring our program participants have safe and affordable housing options.
Amy earned an Associate’s Degree in Human Services Technology from Kent State University in 1997.
Layla Robinson
SECTION 8 MANAGER
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Prior to beginning her public service career, Layla gained valuable experience working for her family at a local restaurant. This experience motivated her to explore various opportunities, during which she received comprehensive training, managed restaurants and served as the director of food and beverage at a major hotel chain. Ultimately, she chose to leave the restaurant industry to pursue a career in public assistance working for the Portage County Department of Jobs and Family Services as an Eligibility Specialist responsible for assisting low-income individuals and families by assessing their eligibility for support in areas such as medical care, food, and financial aid. Her role at JFS ultimately guided her to PMHA, as she was committed to continuing her efforts to aid those in need.
Layla completed her education at Ravenna High School and subsequently enrolled at Boheckers Business College and majored in Applied Business.
Cindy Blevins
HOUSING PORTFOLIO MANAGER
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Cindy Blevins is a veteran of management in the subsidized housing industry and has over 32 years of experience, 26 of which have been at the Portage Metropolitan Housing Authority when she began in 1994. Cindy oversees the day to day housing management of the 327 residential rental units owned and managed by PMHA and holds certifications for Housing Specialist and Public Housing Manager.
Carolyn Budd
SPECIAL PROGRAMS MANAGER
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Carolyn Budd is the Special Programs Manager at the Portage Metropolitan Housing Authority. Carolyn began her career at PMHA on July 21, 2004. As Special Programs Manager, Carolyn is responsible for the development, coordination, implementation, evaluation and day-to-day administration of designated grants. Carolyn coordinates activities leading to the completion of PMHA’s MTW Annual Plans and MTW Annual reports, as well as all applicable grant applications and reports. Additionally, Carolyn manages the PMHA Resident Services Department, which includes one Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) Service Coordinator and one Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Coordinator.
Over the course of her career at PMHA, Carolyn has endeavored to attain an array of knowledge in several areas of HUD-assisted housing, including the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Homeownership program, the FSS program, the Mainstream program, the HUD-VASH program, the Shelter Plus Care program, Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative, HCV Quality Control, Public Housing resident services, the ROSS program, and departmental management.
As a lifelong resident of Portage County, Ohio, Carolyn strives for the Resident Services Department to provide quality programming and referrals for the households they serve, in order to assist them in addressing and overcoming barriers to stability and self sufficiency. Carolyn loves to see her fellow community members succeed in reaching their goals!
Carolyn earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Kent State University in May of 2001.
Mariah Blake
Finance Manager
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Mariah Blake is the Finance Manager of the Portage Metropolitan Housing Authority. She began her career at PMHA in April of 2022. As Finance Manager, Mariah is directly responsible for the day-to-day duties of the agency’s financial systems, office operations, and administrative assistance.
Mariah earned a Master of Business Administration from Ohio University in December of 2020.
Lee Lovejoy
Project Manager
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Lee Lovejoy is the Project Manager of the Portage Metropolitan Housing Authority. He began his career at PMHA in June of 2024 as the Asset Maintenance Manager. Lee earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Lourdes University in 2015. He has spent his career in the field of public service with the previous 9 years working with Portage County JFS and Adult Probation.