Emphasys Software is a Leading Technology Provider for the Public Housing Industry

As a pioneer of business software for Public Housing Authorities, Emphasys Software has set the standard for innovative business solutions since 1976. Through the powerful merging of two companies, Creative Computer Solutions (1976) and Memory Lane Systems (1983), Emphasys Software was formed. This formation was a result of an acquisition by Constellation Software, Canada’s largest software provider, which has supported Emphasys Software’s efforts since. Emphasys has strongly upheld the legacy of providing Public Housing Authority specialized software for 45 years and counting.

At Emphasys Software, we are dedicated to housing all vulnerable communities. By providing a tailored and human-driven software solution for PHAs, we empower their role as public servants committed to the welfare of these communities. Dealing with complex HUD programs, PHAs have trusted Emphasys to provide powerful data validation, HUD compliance, and healthy data conversions. Our team has gained this trust through a rich history of first hand experience in the PHA sector. Emphasys knows what works because we have done the work.

People are the heart of our organization and industry and over the past three years, Emphasys has invested across each and every department of our organization. In addition to adding state-of-the-art tooling and architecture, we have grown our workforce by over 60%. This powerful addition to our company has provided us with new departments that have supported our efforts in supporting PHAs.

At A Glance...

Years serving the public housing sector

%

We manage 36% of PHA units at the largest agencies

Emphasys employees have nearly 500 years of combined industry experience

Our smallest client has 60 units, our largest client has 58,100 units

We are open 8AM-8PM ET, with optional 24/7 support hours

Largest independent user group

Why us?

PUBLIC HOUSING SPECIALITY 

At Emphasys, we’re not just software providers, we’re specialists. Our solutions have been designed, from our inception in this industry, to meet the unique needs of public housing authorities, simplifying and automating their complex operational and compliance requirements. 

UNRIVALED EXPERIENCE 

With a rich history spanning over 45 years in the public and affordable housing sector, Emphasys brings unparalleled expertise to the table. Our team, many of whom have worked for PHAs or with PHAs for most of our professional careers, understands your challenges first hand, because we’ve walked in your shoes. Our team has learned what is needed in PHA software to effectively serve communities. Working with our team, you will not only benefit from first-hand experience, but also a passion for what you do that can’t be taught. 

UNLIMITED SUPPORT 

At Emphasys, we believe in forging true partnerships, which is why we offer unlimited support to our clients. We don’t count hours; rather, we focus on providing the assistance you need, whenever you need it. Our commitment to your success means we’re always here to help, ensuring you can make the most of our software solutions. 

HUD COMPLIANCE 

At Emphasys, we pride ourselves on our close alignment with HUD. Our deep understanding of HUD’s regulations and requirements allows us to design software solutions that not only meet but anticipate the needs of PHAs. This alignment ensures our products are always in step with HUD’s evolving landscape, providing you with the most up-to-date and compliant solutions. 

TAILORED TO YOU 

We recognize your role as public servants committed to the welfare of the families you serve, so we provide robust and highly capable software that meets your unique needs. In order to minimize the resource requirements and burden on your PHA team, our software solution provides holistic data conversions that include historical and multi-family data, as well as powerful data validation. 

The Emphasys Leadership Team

Jeff Cook

Jeff Cook

General Manager and CEO

Jeff Cook has 20 years of leadership experience, working with teams ranging from start-ups to well-known Fortune 100 companies such as John Deere, FTD, and Constellation Software. Specializing in operational efficiencies, software implementation, and customer success, Jeff has consistently demonstrated his capabilities in high-growth technical environments. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science.

Andrea Hartt

Andrea Hartt

Director of Learning & Development

With 30 years of dedicated experience in the housing industry, Andrea Hartt currently holds the position of Director of Learning & Development, where she spearheaded the development of Emphasys University. Her rich background includes roles as the Chief Financial Officer for Housing Authorities in Atlanta, GA; New Orleans, LA; and Columbus, GA. Beyond her professional roles, Andrea’s expertise is underscored by her certifications as a Certified Financial Manager, Certified Occupancy Specialist, Certified Housing Manager, and Certified Section 8 Manager. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Computer Science from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.

Lisa Dove

Lisa Dove

Director of Product

Lisa Dove is a seasoned professional in the public housing industry with nearly two decades of experience. She has been instrumental in driving product innovation and strategy for over three years. Prior to her role at Emphasys, she dedicated 15 years at the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) as a government program manager, where she played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing housing programs. Lisa holds a Master’s degree in Public and Nonprofit Administration, reflecting her deep commitment and expertise in serving communities through effective housing solutions.

Joshua Beaver

Joshua Beaver

Director of Sales & Marketing

Joshua Beaver boasts 15 years of experience in software and technology solution sales for Fortune 300 companies. With experience in complex solutions design, he excels in team coordination and management, ensuring projects are executed seamlessly. Joshua’s approach to client engagements is deeply consultative, always aiming for mutual success and fostering long-term relationships. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Phoenix, underscoring his solid foundation in the business domain.

Barbara Newman

Barbara Newman

Director, Emphasys Accounting Group

Barbara Newman brings over 15 years of expertise in Financial Accounting and Information Systems within the affordable housing sector. Starting her journey at the Pittsburgh Housing Authority, she swiftly rose to the role of Controller in less than a decade. Later, as the Chief Financial Officer for the Durham Housing Authority, Newman spearheaded initiatives to streamline financial operations, redefining financial reporting and optimizing data management. Her extensive experience encompasses leading internal and HUD audits, leveraging housing finance techniques, and implementing automated systems. A recognized leader, Newman participated in the Government Finance Officers Association leadership academy and currently serves as a NAHRO Faculty Member. She holds a Masters in Governmental Accounting from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Robert Morris University.

Steven Mikrut

Steven Mikrut

Director of Support

Steven Mikrut is a seasoned IT helpdesk and support services professional with a diverse background spanning multiple industries, including finance, telecommunications, software design, and legal sectors. With a rich history of managing both large and small-scale internal and external support teams, Steven’s passion lies in ensuring quality and customer satisfaction. He boasts a commendable track record of enhancing productivity, profitability, and efficiency by leveraging process improvements and automation. With a sharp focus on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Steven’s expertise has consistently driven operational excellence and heightened customer experiences. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Financial Management Services from Ball State University.

Lauren Tantalo

Lauren Tantalo

Director of Professional Services

Lauren Tantalo brings a wealth of expertise and experience to our team, having spent over a decade overseeing implementation, project management, account management, and technical support at MediSked, a renowned company in the health and human services technology industry.

Her journey with MediSked took an exciting turn when the company was acquired by CaseWorthy in 2022, marking a significant milestone in her career. As the Vice President of Professional Services during her tenure, Lauren led her team to success implementing the managed care technology solution underpinning Medicaid waiver transformations in several states as well as the first Fully Integrated Dual Advantage insurance plan in the US specifically serving an Intellectual/Developmental Disability population.

Lauren resides in Rochester, New York, with her husband, Matt, their two daughters, Lily (5) and Mia (3), and two cats. In her free time, Lauren enjoys knitting, cooking, and reading – Tom Robbins, Stephen King, and John Irving are among her favorite authors.

Nick Kubasak

Nick Kubasak

Director of Development

With two decades of expertise spanning various facets of software development, Nick brings a powerful array of skills to his newfound role as the Director of Development. His extensive background includes proficiency in application architecture, database design, and API development. With a decade of managerial experience across diverse industries, such as finance, insurance, marketing, and online education, his wealth of experience infuses our team with a diverse range of perspectives and insights.

Nick currently lives in Jacksonville, Florida, with his wife and forever puppy, Alli, who spends most of her days sleeping under his desk. He and his wife are huge scuba diving enthusiasts, as well as travelers on a mission to dive in the most beautiful sights around the world. Diving, coupled with annual ski trips and hikes in Asheville, shows that you can appear to be athletic if you try hard enough, even when you aren’t.

Join Our Team

We believe in a positive corporate culture stressing excellence, innovation, work-life balance and personal and professional development.