Executive Staff

Homaundre (Monty) Pender is a senior executive and organizational leader with extensive experience in operations management, strategic planning, and organizational development. With a strong background in business administration and executive leadership, he has built a career focused on improving operational performance, strengthening organizational systems, and leading high-performing teams.

Currently serving as Chief Operating Officer, Pender oversees organizational operations, strategic initiatives, and departmental coordination to drive efficiency and sustainable growth. In this role, he has successfully streamlined organizational structures, led operational improvements, and implemented strategies that significantly increased profitability, reduced operational costs, and expanded client engagement. His leadership approach emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and data-informed decision-making to improve both organizational outcomes and team performance.

Throughout his career, Pender has demonstrated expertise in operational oversight, change management, business process improvement, and staff development. He has led large teams, implemented technology improvements to eliminate inefficiencies, and developed leadership pipelines that strengthen internal talent and organizational stability.

Prior to his executive leadership role, Pender served as a Transportation Manager where he directed maintenance operations, coordinated logistics, and managed transportation systems to ensure efficient service delivery. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Metallurgical Specification Engineer, conducting materials analysis and testing processes to ensure quality and compliance with technical standards.

Pender holds a Master of Business Administration from Ashland University and a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from Malone University. He also earned an Associate of Science in Electronics Technology from DeVry University and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Interprofessional Leadership at Kent State University, where his research focuses on housing literacy and tenant advocacy.

In addition to his professional work, Pender is actively engaged in civic and community leadership. He served as Vice President of the local NAACP chapter and previously served as a Civil Service Commissioner for the City of Canton. He is also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.

Through his leadership in both professional and community settings, Pender remains committed to advancing equitable systems, strengthening organizations, and creating opportunities that improve communities.

Andrea Reagan joined the Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority (SMHA) in January 2025. Prior to joining SMHA, she worked at AultCare Insurance for 24 years in finance, internal audit, and compliance most recently as the Chief Financial Officer.

Andrea holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Akron and Master of Science from Youngstown State University in Business Administration. In addition, she has earned the designation of Certified Internal Auditor. She engages in the community as a Board Member for Junior Achievement North Central Ohio and is a member of the 20th Leadership Stark County Signature Class.

Jason Shundry, a lifelong resident of Stary County, joined the Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority (SMHA) in June of 2024. Before joining SMHA he worked in various leadership roles at Aultman Hospital for 25 years in Support Services, Operations, Post Acute Care, and Human Resources.

Jason holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Kent State University. He is a former Board member of the Domestic Violence Project, Inc. and Project Rebuild, Inc.

Michelle Atkinson, born in Jamaica and raised in Stark County, joined the Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority (SMHA) in March 2020 as an Asset Manager. She subsequently advanced to the roles of Senior Asset Manager, Property Management Trainer, and Supervisor of Property Management. Most recently, she has taken on the position of Director of Asset Management. Prior to joining SMHA, Michelle worked in the private housing market. Her passion for residents and commitment to providing excellent customer service are the driving forces behind her daily work.

Michelle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Kent State University and an Associate’s degree in General Studies. Additionally, she has earned a certification in Public Housing Management and Rent Calculations.

Anthony De Tota joined Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority in June, 2020, following a long career in the private sector. During his career, spanning more than 45 years, he undertook roles with ever increasing responsibility in the areas of Procurement, Inventory and Materials Management, first at Allen Telecom, then at Diebold, Incorporated and finally Securitas Electronic Security.  His first role at SMHA was as a Low Rent Purchasing Agent, but he quickly advanced through a series of new roles and responsibilities, first as Procurement and Contracting Specialist, then as Purchasing and Inventory Manager. Finally, in March of 2023, he was asked to take on the role of Interim Director of Procurement and Purchasing, combining the roles of Purchasing and Inventory Manager with Director of Procurement. Anthony is proud to serve the people of Stark County and comes to work every day with the goal of bettering the lives and living conditions of the Residents of SMHA.

Anthony holds a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Political Science from Cleveland State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Case Western Reserve University.

Milistine Tatum is a native of New Orleans and a proud graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana.  Milistine received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Social Work.  She was recruited to attend graduate school at the University of Akron earning two masters:  Master of Arts in Geography with a concentration in Planning and a Master of Public Administration.

Milistine has over twenty plus years of Public Housing experience having served in several roles at the senior management level.  She led a team with a $1.9 Million Dollar Program Budget for the Community Supportive Services Program. Her expertise in building relationships with community stakeholders has provided valuable services to residents.  She has experience in all facets of grants management and implementation which includes program monitoring and compliance, budgets, reporting, and program evaluation.

As the Director of Resident Services and Community Affairs at the Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority, Milistine’s leadership style is inclusive and flexible.

She has served on several boards in a neighboring county and volunteers with many community and civic organizations.  Milistine is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.  She is also a member of the 36^th Leadership Stark Signature Class.