Meet Our Board and Staff

Classic CLT board models consist of members that represent the area in which the CLT operates, CLT homeowners, and policy-makers at large to ensure a balanced approach that fairly represents all interested parties.

Kyle Ferden,
Executive Director

Kyle combines a creativity and passion for affordable housing with nearly two decades of real estate experience. He believes that affordable housing has the best chance of success if its protected from the influence of the traditional housing market. He is determined to work for a more equitable solution to land ownership and economic security.

In a previous life, he was an attorney for Stinson LLP, specializing in real estate development, economic development, and public finance; and served as Director of Acquisitions and In-house Counsel for VanTrust Real Estate.

Kelly Ann Allen,

Director of Community Engagement

Kelly Ann Allen is a single mom from the Historic Northeast area of Kansas City, Missouri who believes that community organizing and collective land ownership are the most effective tools to address our housing crisis. 

Upon graduating from UMKC’s Urban Studies program, Kelly worked in the Lykins Neighborhood for 4+ years eventually serving as their Executive Director. Kelly is an early leader and continued ally to the citywide tenant union, KC Tenants. Kelly has experienced housing insecurity of a personal nature, has seen the cost of displacement on the East Side of Kansas City over the last 20+ years and is passionate about fighting alongside her neighbors for safe, accessible and truly affordable housing for all.

Turner Pettway is Executive Director for Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc., a Kansas City Community Development Corporation focused on affordable housing. Turner has experience in home-ownership training and lending, working with HOME and other HUD funds, first time home buyer requirements, construction and rehabilitation of deed restricted homes. Turner is a long-term resident of Marlborough.

Turner Pettway,
Vice President

Rhiannon is an Associate Professor of Teaching. Rhiannon joined Rockhurst University in spring 2020 where she now directs the Allied Health associate degree. Before joining Rockhurst, Rhiannon taught for over a decade at the University of Missouri Kansas City. Her commitment to community and institutional service led her to found and chair Educate-Organize-Advocate, a social justice conference for students, faculty, and staff across the metro. In addition to her social justice work in academia, Rhiannon also serves as a diversity consultant at TRUE Empowerment. She bought her first home in the Marlborough neighborhood in 2019 and joined the KCCLT in 2021.

Rhiannon Dickerson,
Secretary

Erin is a Geography PhD Candidate at Rutgers University. Prior to her doctoral studies, Erin earned a master’s degree in Urban Planning with a concentration in housing and community development from the University of Michigan. Erin focuses on how the racialization of land use continues the deep legacy of Kansas City’s racial contestations.

Erin Royals,
President

Rigoberto is a Mortgage and Commercial originator, specializing in lending to low-moderate homebuyers. Rigoberto is well-acquainted with the lending and borrowing needs of low-moderate income neighborhoods and is experienced in determining the type and amount of income, savings, work history and credit requirements necessary to become a successful homeowner.

Rigoberto Jurado,
Treasurer

  • Racquel Adams

    Raquel is a decades-long resident of the Marlborough Neighborhood, specifically in the 5th District. Racquel is a life-long KC’er who has served the community in various paid and volunteer positions. Her experience on the Finance as well as the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee for the City Council have given her insight into many local government functions, and her support of University Academy makes education one of her passions. She also serves as a Board member for the Missouri Valley Association of USATF. Her engagement interest is in supporting improvement/development that happens with the community versus to the community. “We can build better together.”

  • Hakima Tafunzi Payne

    Hakima Tafunzi Payne, is the founder, and Executive Director of Uzazi Village, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating health outcome disparities in maternal and infant health in African-American communities. She holds a bachelor’s in nursing and a master’s in nursing education.

  • Ron Clark

    Ron is a born and raised resident of Kansas City's 3rd District. Ron graduated from Saint Louis University in 2017 with a degree in Civil Engineering, and is currently working for Benesch as a consultant on construction projects. Ron believes that housing is the most pressing issue facing our communities, and that providing stable housing is the first step in addressing disparities across the board.