Mary Beth Snyder

Yardi Employee Profile

By Mike Sederholm on Oct 10, 2023 in People

Yardi’s affordable housing compliance expertise got a big boost this summer.

Mary Beth Snyder joined the team in a new role of Verification Services Industry Principal, and her work history is sure to make an impact.

Prior to joining Yardi, Mary Beth spent eight years at Equifax® working in the government segment on eligibility verification for government benefit programs. Her duties included managing Equifax’s The Work Number® product, which verifies employment and income of households applying for government benefit programs such as housing assistance, child support, workforce agencies and unemployment insurance.

That experience is particularly valuable as Mary Beth transitions to her leadership role on the Yardi Verification Services product team. Yardi Verification Services is an affordable housing compliance solution that verifies the income and assets of households seeking to qualify for a unit.

Let’s get to know more about Mary Beth.

Mary Beth, where do you call home?

I live in Cape Girardeau, Missouri which is approximately two hours south of St. Louis.

Beyond your work with Equifax, what is your history in the affordable housing industry?

I’ve worked in affordable housing for years promoting the benefits of automating eligibility verification. I’ve been a member of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), and have presented during conference sessions as well as writing posts for the NAHRO blog.

I’m thrilled with my new opportunity here at Yardi and look forward to continuing my advocacy for those needing housing assistance and the community of housing assistance providers.

What benefits do the affordable housing providers you support bring to their communities?

Affordable housing providers are critical to the growth and development of the community they serve. A decent and affordable place to live helps families and those who are disadvantaged by freeing them from physical and mental hardships, placing them on a path to success and growth for themselves and future generations.

A quote that resonates with my thoughts comes from a sociologist named Matthew Desmond who said, “Housing is absolutely essential to human flourishing. Without stable shelter, it all falls apart”.

Have affordable housing resources affected the lives of you or your family?

Yes. My brother and sister-in-law are both learning disabled and receive social security disability insurance and other government benefit programs to help them live independently. They currently live in market rate housing with the support of a roommate, but in the future may need to seek out an affordable housing unit.

Filling out government forms and getting documentation ready to submit to qualify for government benefits is often frustrating for them. Luckily, they have me to step in and help – not everyone has that kind of support. And I totally understand and share their frustration. I have similar trouble sometimes understanding what the various forms are requesting.

What do you think could help simplify the process for affordable housing and other program applicants?

My philosophy has always been don’t require applicants or tenants to provide documentation that can be easily found with automated data. Instead, programs should take the burden off those who are disadvantaged and use automated data to complete forms required for eligibility. Automating verifications would save agencies time and money while improving customer support and assistance.

That sounds like a big process improvement. Is there a Yardi product that can help achieve that level of simplicity?

Yes. Yardi Verification Services automates the way affordable housing providers and public housing authorities verify the income and assets of their applicants.

What are the benefits of Yardi Verification Services?

Eliminating the stack of forms to fill out is a win-win for both applicants, compliance specialists and site staff, because there are no more back-and-forth requests for information. That type of work takes so much time away from affordable housing and PHA staff and frustrates the applicant or tenant, so Yardi Verification Services really helps streamline the process.

Up to 90% of income and asset verifications that run through Yardi Verification Services return verified income and asset data the same day, often within a matter of minutes. That outsourced simplicity reduces days vacant, reduces late recertifications, and leads to stronger program compliance and affordable housing and PHA communities.

How do you like to spend your spare time?

My husband and I love to explore the world around us, especially outdoors. We go camping, boating, whitewater rafting, horseback riding and hiking. Sports are also a fun way to spend time, I’m especially devoted to Cardinals baseball and Chicago Bears football. My other passion is music. I enjoy going to concerts and attending musical theatre productions.

Thanks Mary Beth, and welcome to Yardi!