“I am NextGen” Jasmine Williams and Michael Kmiec
The “I am NextGeneration NYCHA” campaign continues to bring to the attention of the public outstanding employees, residents, and supporters of NYCHA who embody the commitment to service that’s required to transform our NextGeneration NYCHA vision of safe, clean and connected communities into a reality. The December issue of NYCHANow featured Technical Resource Advisor Denise Torres and Recovery to Resiliency Community Outreach Worker Robert White. Prior to that, in October, we featured Supervisor of Caretakers Harrison Torres.
The next two employee honorees are both assigned to King Towers, in Manhattan. Jasmine Williams has worked at King Towers, where she is now assistant property manager (APM), since joining NYCHA in 2001. “I never thought when starting out here as the assistant property manager’s secretary that I would be behind this desk one day,” she said. “Now I know the rewards of hard work and proper guidance.” As a NYCHA resident, Ms. Williams also knows NYCHA from the customer’s perspective. “That helps me handle a situation fairly,” she said. “We’re the communications link between maintenance and management—a bridge to follow up and ensure that residents get their needs met.”
Assistant Property Maintenance Supervisor (APMS) Michael Kmiec worked his way up the ranks since 2010 at three other developments before being assigned to King Towers in February 2015. ”As a caretaker, I saw that taking pride in what you do makes a difference. I want to represent the Housing Authority in a way that recognizes what it’s done for me—in terms of salary, benefits, and a career—as well as the residents I care about,” he said. “And I want to help NYCHA win back the respect it deserves.”
How did two NextGen NYCHA employees wind up working at the same development? That’s hard to say. But the handwritten sign over the entrance to the lunchroom reads: “I believe each of you can accomplish great things. Just Dream, Plan and Act. You can do anything. Believe!”
To nominate someone for the “I am NextGen” campaign, please send your suggestion to nextgen@nycha.nyc.gov.
Jasmine Williams
What do you enjoy about your role as an assistant property manager?
I like interacting with residents and resolving their concerns. Sometimes it takes being like a social worker to understand what someone goes through on a daily basis. My goal is to get everyone on the same page—residents, management and maintenance, so I can see a job through to completion in a way that meets residents’ needs.
What’s your favorite part?
Knowing the procedures is important, but I really like when I can find a solution by being creative. When a disabled resident had a roof leak that would take a long time to repair, I saw that she would qualify for a transfer to a “504” one-bedroom apartment for people with physical disabilities. Now she’s grateful for the transfer to a more convenient home. Other times, I try to expedite a job by sending an email to a skilled trades supervisor or taking a photo to show the urgency of a repair. Then we follow up to make sure that the work was completed.
What part do you like least?
It’s always sad when a resident you know passes away. You develop a bond, so when you don’t see them for a long time and you find out why, it’s hard.
How does NextGen NYCHA affect you?
I like trying to get back to our core goal of being a landlord but also connecting residents to community services and opportunities. It’s also really good to see a resident become an employee of the agency where they live through the Resident Training Academy or other opportunities. NextGen also sets goals for performance in many areas which we all strive to meet.
How do you keep up staff morale?
I try for mutual respect and understanding in all my interactions. When I ask someone to do something, I try to have them understand not only the policy but the reason for it. That way, they know how they are contributing to a larger goal. How our team works here every day to get the job done is something that I haven’t found anyplace else.
Michael Kmiec
What’s most rewarding about your job?
I take pride in being a civil servant and helping people. We are all here to help each other. What keeps you motivated? This job is not easy. Relationships with your supervisors are as important as with residents. Having support from above, having things clearly explained, and being accountable, keep me motivated.
How do you effectively supervise the repair process?
Dealing with repairs includes building great relationships with people. Otherwise, you won’t make much headway. I’m very hands on. When I follow up on a repair that I helped expedite and I see that the resident is satisfied, then I’m satisfied.
How do you handle a difficult or angry resident?
Sometimes someone is unhappy from past interactions and you have to explain a past situation or just ask for a fresh start. Other times, if a resident maybe never had to maintain an apartment, you have to help educate them so more repairs aren’t a problem later.
How does NextGen NYCHA affect you?
I worked for many years in the private sector, where there is accountability. When I worked at Lincoln Houses, which is an OPMOM development, I saw a different, more accountable atmosphere. Now with NextGeneration NYCHA, my [property maintenance] supervisor and the [property] manager share information with me and we work more as a team. I think this is the direction of NextGen and I like it.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
I want to see NYCHA survive, not disappear. We all have to hold up our end of the deal, no matter what your title. I work beyond my hours but I see it can help residents and staff get the job done. I want to see NYCHA as good as it was in the past.
