Rachel Nass, compliance specialist, joined the Travois Asset Management team in May 2013. In her role, she reviews tenant files, performs site visits and inspections, and ensures that clients’ projects remain in compliance with both state and investor regulations.
1. What certifications do you have? I have a Site Compliance Specialist (SCS) designation and am a candidate for the NAHASDA & Tax Credit Compliance Professional (NTCCP) Certification.
2. What attracted you to Travois? The laid-back work atmosphere and office located smack dab in the middle of the Crossroads Arts District.
3. How do your past experiences help you in your current position? I have been in the business of “compliance” in one way or another for more than 13 years. I worked in the medical compliance industry since 2000 and have found it to be very useful here at Travois. Just as medical offices need to be educated and up-to-date to stay in compliance with each individual insurance companies regulations, we, as Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) compliance specialists have become savvy to the many differing regulations of each state, investor and even individual tribes.
4. What places in Indian Country have you enjoyed visiting and why? I enjoy traveling in general. It’s always eye opening to see and be part of other cultures, environments and traditions. I especially enjoy traveling back to my home state of Arizona. It’s neat to look out the window and recognize my surrounds — I’ve even picked out my old high school from the plane while flying into Phoenix. I have loved being on-site and being so warmly welcomed by the staff members everywhere I’ve been.
5. What is one thing you would like Travois staff and clients to know about you? I am deaf in one ear (despite several surgeries including a cadaver eardrum and a titanium incus). Because of this, I am an expert at reading lips! My husband and I have so much fun “listening” in on others’ conversations at restaurants.
6. What did you want to be as a kid? I wanted to be a mom more than anything in the world.
7. Do you have a hidden talent? I played volleyball in college, love photography, rock climbing and skiing. Though, I’m not really particularly talented at any of them.
8. Many Travois staff members are animal lovers. Do you have a pet? My pup, Millie, is a regular here at Travois. She is especially fond of post-lunch clean up under the tables.
9. What is your favorite meal? What is your favorite local restaurant? Mac n’ cheese and Brussels sprouts. BRGR happens to have an ah-mazing version of both of these.
10. If you were stranded on a deserted island and could take one item with you, what would it be? A camera. Pictures really do speak louder than words. I tend to be someone of few words, so this works out perfectly for me.
11. What talent do you wish you had? Ironically enough, I wish I were a better photographer.
12. What do you like to do when you aren’t working? My husband just built a rock wall in our garage. We spend quite a bit of time there and also walking our dog, hiking and exploring Kansas City.
13. What is your favorite thing to do in Kansas City? I love First Friday’s art showings, going to the Cave (a rock gym here in KC), Royals games and Kansas State Wildcats games.
14. What do you like about Kansas City? What do you dislike? Being from a small mountain town in Colorado, I am loving the art, culture and diversity that Kansas City has to offer. If KC could somehow be surrounded by snow-capped mountains, it’d be just about perfect in my book.
15. What kind of music do you like? If I can sing, whistle or dance to it, I like it. Favorite bands: Imogen Heap, Split Lip Rayfield, Andrew Bird, Beirut, Born Ruffians, Camera Obscura…you name it.
16. What is your favorite TV show of all time? Favorite movie? TV show: “The Cosby Show”…classic. My favorite movie is a tough one. “The Count of Monte Cristo” is a front-runner.