Housing – Panel Discussion
Join us for our LAST Beyond Breakfast of the year, where a panel of industry experts will discuss current housing trends, challenges, and solutions impacting our community.
Gain insights into local housing developments, affordability, and future opportunities.
Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and be part of the conversation shaping our community’s housing landscape!
Michael Hahn
Partner – Nowlan Law
GBCC Board Chair
PANEL MODERATOR
Deatra Kemp
Acts Housing
VP of Programs
BIO
Dee joined the Acts Housing team in 2019 as the Homebuyer Coaching Manager after fifteen years in property management specializing in subsidized housing. She was promoted in 2022 to oversee homebuyer coaching, lending, and home rehab as Acts’ VP of Programs. Earlier in her career, she served as the Director of Teen Programs for the YMCA of Metro Milwaukee, and continues her community engagement as a leader in her church.
Within months of joining the Acts Team, Dee worked with her team of homebuyer coaches to study for and pass the HUD Certified Homebuyer Counseling exam ensuring Acts’ compliance and expertise in serving families. Her change management skills have allowed for process improvement and technology upgrades across the organization.
Dee received her Bachelor of Science in Human Services and her MBA from Cardinal Stritch University. She’s a Milwaukee native, a die-hard Bucks fan, and the Acts Housing Talent & Culture Champion, who the team has affectionately nicknamed, “Captain Awesome.”
Zach Knutson
Managing Partner
Next Generation
BIO
Zach Knutson started his career in 2016 as a one-off single family home builder, Next Generation and its group of affiliated companies have grown to become a market leader in single family homebuilding and a highly diversified real estate development, general contracting, and property management firm. Zach and his team have decades of combined experience in commercial & residential construction, real estate development, finance and logistics.
He has over 15 years of experience operating, developing, leasing, and constructing large portfolios of shopping centers, land, redevelopment, and residential housing totaling over $1 billion in asset value.
Zach earned his BBA in Real Estate & Urban Land Economics from the University of Madison. He was born & raised in the Beloit area and currently serves as Board of Education President for Parkview School District in Orfordville, WI, and South Central Wisconsin Builders Association.
Brian Lawton
CEO | EXIT Realty HGM & Wisconsin Property Managers
BIO
Brian Lawton is a dad, building companies. | “Happiness is the pursuit.”
As the CEO of EXIT Realty HGM and Wisconsin Property Managers (WPM) Brian spends his days helping agents and investors live life with intention. The brokerage serves 50 agents across four locations in Wisconsin: Madison, Janesville, Beloit, and Evansville.
WPM manages 800 properties, assisting investors and homeowners as an “all under one roof” management company.Brian is a father of three, writer, public speaker, and real estate entrepreneur.
He holds a B.A. in English from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and an M.A. in Leadership from George Williams College. He’s delivered hundreds of professional speeches and his writing has been recognized in Forbes.
Lizz Casey
Deputy Director – Neighborworks Blackhawk Region
BIO
Lizz Casey is a passionate and experienced leader in affordable housing, with over a decade of service at NeighborWorks Blackhawk Region. As a HUD-certified housing counselor, she has empowered countless individuals and families to overcome barriers to homeownership through personalized guidance, financial education, and innovative housing solutions.
Lizz’s expertise in program development and advocacy has led to the creation of impactful initiatives that promote housing stability, equity, and long-term success for underserved communities. Her collaborative approach, working with lenders, nonprofits, and local governments, ensures sustainable solutions that uplift both individuals and neighborhoods.
Driven by a commitment to inclusivity, Lizz is a trusted advocate for accessible housing and a champion for building stronger, more equitable communities.
Drew Pennington
Econ Development Dir- City of Beloit
President/CEO – GBEDC
BIO
Drew Pennington, AICP is the Economic Development Director for the City of Beloit and President/CEO of the Greater Beloit Economic Development Corporation.
Drew has lived and worked in Beloit for more than 16 years, including 14 years in the Planning Department.
Drew holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Urban & Regional Planning from UW-Madison.
- Cost: $15 member, $20 non-member
- When: Friday Dec 6, 2024 — 7:30 am–9:00 am
- 7:30-8:00 a.m. — Networking & breakfast
- 8:00-9:00 a.m. — Program
- Location: Beloit Public Library, 605 Eclipse Blvd, Beloit
- Breakfast catered by Perfectly Seasoned.
Note: Credit card payment ONLY. Invoicing is not available for this event.
Thank you to our sponsor:
