Dianna M Thomas B.A.,M.A.OL

Centralized Leasing Manager
Elmington
Nashville, TN 37115

Dianna M. Thomas, B.A., M.A.OL, is a Centralized Leasing Manager at Elmington and an emerging leader in the affordable housing industry, with nearly five years of experience serving communities across the Nashville area and beyond. Dianna developed an early passion for helping others access safe and stable homes. After graduating college in 2021, she began her career in Section 8 housing, where she gained hands-on experience supporting individuals and families navigating the complexities of low-income housing programs. Her work is rooted in service, driven by a deep commitment to making a meaningful impact in her community. In her current role, Dianna leads a centralized operations team responsible for processing housing applications across multiple states. She oversees the development and training of leasing specialists, equipping them with the skills to accurately calculate and annualize income, properly qualify applicants, and ensure all documentation meets compliance standards. Known for her attention to detail and leadership, she has helped her team improve efficiency, increase application volume, and generate stronger referral pipelines. By mentoring others and strengthening processes, she continues to elevate both individual performance and overall team success. Dianna is also recognized for contributing to an innovative approach within the housing industry. Working within a centralized model, her team processes applications from a single office while collaborating remotely across states such as Florida, Alabama, and California—creating a more streamlined and responsive experience for applicants. In a field where approval timelines can often take 30 to 60 days, her team has successfully reduced turnaround times to as little as one week, providing faster access to housing for those in need. Complementing her professional experience, Dianna earned her Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Project Management, reflecting her commitment to continuous growth and her dedication to becoming a stronger leader in the industry.

• Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS)

• Volunteer State Community College Mastering Project Management with PMP
• Trevecca Nazarene University Master of Organizational Leadership in Project Management, Project Management
• Trevecca Nazarene University Business Management Leadership, Marketing/Marketing Management
• Volunteer State Community College Associate of Science - AS

Q

What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to the strong foundation of support I’ve received from my family. My mom, grandmother, dad, and brothers have always kept me grounded and encouraged me to keep pushing forward, even when things felt challenging. Their belief in me has given me the strength to persevere, stay focused, and continue growing both personally and professionally.

Q

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

My advice is to learn to live for yourself and not for other people. It’s easy to get caught up in expectations or comparisons, but true fulfillment comes from understanding who you are and what you want. When you focus on your own path and purpose, you’re able to show up more confidently and make decisions that align with your goals.

Q

What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

Learn to live for yourself and not for other people.

Q

What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

One of the biggest challenges in the housing industry is that young professionals can sometimes be overlooked, and visibility is something you have to earn over time. However, that also creates an opportunity to stand out through hard work, consistency, and a willingness to learn. Additionally, I see a major opportunity in centralized processing models. Even within strict compliance guidelines like LIHTC, these models allow us to improve efficiency, enhance the applicant experience, and significantly reduce turnaround times for those in need of housing.

Q

What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The values that guide me are integrity, leading with love, and grace. I believe in doing the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest option, and in treating others with kindness and understanding. Leading with love and grace allows me to build strong relationships, support my team, and serve others in a way that is both meaningful and impactful.

Locations

Elmington

1030 16th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37115