Board of Directors

Karen Romaine Thomas

MBA, Chief Executive Officer

In her role as Chief Executive Officer of National Housing Compliance (NHC), Karen Romaine Thomas is responsible for the oversight & annual disbursement of approximately $350 million in Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) to Section 8 Project-Based properties located throughout Georgia and Illinois.  Additional responsibilities include the day-to-day management of NHC’s information technology, financial and accounting operations and oversight of NHC’s multi-million dollar operating budget.  

Prior to joining NHC's staff, Karen worked eleven years for The Schwan Food Company, one of the largest manufacturers of frozen foods in the United States.  After a series of rapid promotions, she concluded her assignment there as Vice President, Divisional CFO for Schwan’s European division, during which time she lived abroad for two years.  She has a vast amount of knowledge of financial standards and administrative operations. 

Karen holds a BBA degree in Accounting from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas and an MBA from Mercer University in Atlanta, Georgia.  She currently sits on the board for The Prodigy Group, a non-profit organization whose mission is to foster educational achievements in minority males ages 5 – 12. 

You may reach Karen at (770) 939-3939 ext. 2015, or by e-mail at karen.thomas@nhcinc.org. 

Jeffery K. Wirrick, CPM

MPA, SHCM, AHM, Chief Operating Officer

In his role as Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Wirrick oversees the Asset Management Division, which is responsible for Management and Occupancy Reviews, Rent Adjustments, Contract Renewals, Physical Inspections, as well as oversees corporate program compliance and business development. 

Prior to joining NHC's staff, Jeff worked for the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) in the Office of Asset Management.  During his eleven years with MSHDA he held several asset management positions; the most recent was his leadership role as the Manager of the Performance-Based Contract Administration program for the state of Michigan.

Jeff completed his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting at Michigan State University and received his Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University.  Jeff has a professional interest in project and quality management.  In 2006, he earned a Master's Certificate in Project Management from George Washington University.  Jeff has earned the professional designations of Certified Property Manager (CPM), Specialist in Housing Credit Management (SHCM) and Assisted Housing Manager (AHM).  Jeff has been working in the affordable housing industry for over 20 years.

You may reach Jeff at (770) 939-3939 ext. 2012, or by e-mail at jeff.wirrick@nhcinc.org.

Jingesh S. Patel

MBA, Chief Financial Officer

In his role as Chief Executive Officer of National Housing Compliance (NHC), Jingesh S. Patel is responsible for the oversight & annual disbursement of approximately $350 million in Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) to Section 8 Project-Based properties located throughout Georgia and Illinois.  Additional responsibilities include the day-to-day management of NHC’s information technology, financial and accounting operations and oversight of NHC’s multi-million dollar operating budget.  

Prior to joining NHC, Jignesh was an accomplished financial leader with CPG experience and extensive knowledge in P&L development, financial planning and analysis, forecasting techniques, trade funds management and pricing.  Jignesh comes to NHC from the food industry where he most recently served as Sales/Commercial Finance Director.

He has his Masters’ in Finance and more than 20 years of experience in the manufacturing industry.