Marie Allen, project coordinator, joined the development team in November last year. Marie helps clients define Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects based on state requirements and puts together applications for the state allocating agencies. She also collects investor due diligence for closing projects that receive awards, coordinates materials for carryover applications, and produces 8609 packages for completed projects. In her role, she also travels frequently to meet with clients and develop relationships with state allocating agencies.
Here is an interview with Marie:
1. What education and/or certifications do you have?
I have a B.A. in English from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from the University of Missouri.
2. What attracted you to Travois?
The mission-driven culture at Travois is what initially attracted me. We are able to make the most of the LIHTC program for our tribal clients, using private equity as efficiently and effectively as possible to provide desperately needed housing in Indian Country. Also, I will get to see so much of the U.S. that I probably would never see otherwise, and every day is different.
3. How do your past experiences help you in your current position?
My past experience is very diverse. I’ve worked in everything from hospitality to human resources to baseball operations. In every position I’ve held, it has been important to be detail-oriented and an effective communicator. In my current position at Travois, it is critical that I am able to communicate effectively with a wide audience, from tribal clients to private investors and government employees. The work that the development team does with applications and gathering due diligence items requires acute attention to detail — we have the checklists to prove it.
4. What is one thing you would like Travois staff and clients to know about you?
I think bad driving and picky eating are character flaws.
5. What did you want to be as a kid?
Sleeping Beauty
6. Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I was in an a cappella group in college. I don’t do much singing (in public) anymore, but it’s nearly impossible for me to turn down karaoke.
7. Many Travois staff members are animal lovers. Do you have a pet? Have you ever brought your pet to the office?
I have two cats. I have never brought them to the office. If I did, I would probably never see them again.
8. What is your favorite meal? What is your favorite local restaurant?
I go to Fric & Frac a lot, probably because you can get just about anything you’re in the mood for there. For somewhere a little swankier, I recently went to Bluestem for the first time and had one of the best steaks of my life. Kansas City also has some really great Mexican restaurants, particularly those (conveniently) located on Southwest Boulevard, near our office.
9. If you were stranded on a deserted island and could take one item with you, what would it be?
Water. I know that’s not the point of the question, but it does provide a nice segue to my next answer…
10. What talent do you wish you had?
…I wish I were more creative.
11. What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
I spen
d a lot of time with my family. I also love to cook. If it’s baseball season, you’ll find me at Kauffman Stadium.
12. What is your favorite thing to do in Kansas City?
Go to Royals games, hands down — especially if tailgating is involved.
13. What do you like about Kansas City? What do you dislike?
I love that it offers the advantages of any big city, but is accessible and not too crowded. When I lived out east, I enjoyed being able to walk most places. That’s the one thing I’ve missed since being back.
14. What kind of music do you like?
I’m not very good at new music, except for Muse. I love The Band, Queen, David Bowie, etc. And my gym playlist is just embarrassing.
15. What is your favorite TV show of all time? Favorite movie?
My favorite TV show is “The Wire.” My favorite movie…that’s a little more difficult because I don’t watch a lot of movies. I find “Goodfellas” nearly impossible to turn off, if that counts.