Royal American Management proudly joined city officials, community leaders, and development partner Knight Development to celebrate the grand opening of Salina RAD Homes after it’s recent rehab- a major step forward in preserving and enhancing affordable housing in Salina, Kansas.
The $23.7 million revitalization effort, led by Knight Development in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Salina, brought new life to 118 scattered-site units across the city. These homes include a mix of single-family residences, duplexes, row-houses, and quadraplexes. Through a blend of RAD and Section 18 funding, the development includes 24 RAD units and 94 PBV units- each upgraded to meet today’s standards of quality, comfort, and efficiency.
The renovations are more than cosmetic. Families now enjoy updated kitchens and bathrooms, energy-efficient appliances, modern HVAC systems, refreshed interiors and exteriors, and improved accessibility. With one- to three-bedroom layouts, Salina RAD Homes offers safe, comfortable housing that supports long-term stability and growth for residents.
Royal American team members Jeanne Hatten, Angela Payne, Norah Durham, Lisa Reynolds, and Janet O’Shields were honored to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony and celebrate this milestone with our partners and the community.
We are proud to manage these beautifully renovated homes and continue our commitment to providing high-quality housing and exceptional service to the residents of Salina!
At Royal American, we are fortunate to have employees with tenure extending 20 years and beyond. Their knowledge and expertise are pivotal in the success and growth of our company all the while staying tied to the deep roots it was founded on. It is our honor to interview these amazing employees and hear their stories.
Celebrating Your Milestones Questionnaire
What position did you start out in at Royal American?
I started as a GL Tech.
Tell us a little bit about your career journey with Royal American.
Began as GL Tech, then Admin Assistant, and now Senior GL Tech.
Share a favorite memory from your time with Royal American.
I have so many good memories from my years with Royal American. One memory that continues to stand out is Mr. Chapman always knowing my husband’s name, and who he was, even though he only saw my husband once a year at our Christmas party. Danny was always impressed that Mr. Chapman made the effort to know not only his employees, but their spouses, and about them. I am proud to be a part of this organization he built.
Share some of your interests and hobbies outside of Royal American.
We love to kayak. We have a double kayak and it is a great way to learn how to communicate effectively! I enjoy spending time with my family. Every Friday we have dinner with my parents. We have 3 furbabies who we love and spoil a LOT! I also love to read. I enjoy making jewelry, it keeps my hand dexterity up and gives me an outlet for my creative side.
What advice would you give to someone just getting started?
Be a sponge! Absorb everything anyone is willing to teach you. The more you know the more valuable you become.
Be patient, with your co-workers, and yourself. Everyone is different and that is what makes the world such a wonderful and diverse place. We each have our own stories and needs. You never know what someone else is living with or through. If someone is short with you, realize that maybe they are having a bad day and give them grace. Know that we will all make mistakes and that is o.k. I know I am my biggest critic. I need to remember to give myself grace.
Embrace change! Nothing stays the same. Be willing and eager to learn something new. When you are enthusiastic about taking on new goals, new tasks, you show yourself to be a good team player. Even after all these years, I still learn new things in my job. It keeps you a vital part of your team.
Finally, be willing to share your knowledge with others. Encourage the new generation and empower them to be the best they can be. They are the legacy you leave behind and will be the best of our tomorrows. Don’t hoard knowledge to yourself, when you share, you lessen the burden you carry and create a better team bond. Allow others to succeed as you have, it will be a blessing to you.
Thank you, Heather, for sharing your experience, and for your 25 years of excellence at Royal American. Help us congratulate Heather in the comments!
The following employees were recognized at our Corporate quarterly meeting yesterday. They were nominated by their peers for going above and beyond and delivering exceptional service and work ethic during the 2nd Quarter of 2025. We would like to acknowledge their hard work. Thank you for all you do!
- Jihee Kim
- Demetria Kunkel- WINNER
The following site staff were also nominated for the GEM Award. Thank you to these individuals for their work ethic and dedication!
- Yoel Alvarez- Maintenance Supervisor- City Crossings/City Heights
- Nathalie Manjarres- Area Manager- City Crossings/City Heights- WINNER
- Carlos Diaz Cortes- Maintenance Supervisor- Park at Massalina
- Brandon Brown- Maintenance Supervisor- Wild Pines
- Kamecha Carter- Community Manager- Wood Springs I & II
- Rhonda Hiser- Community Manager- Brookmeade Villas
