When Jason Pounds joined the Decatur Housing Authority (DHA) in Nebraska, he wasn’t looking for recognition. Hired as a part-time maintenance worker in February of 2025, just two weeks after the discovery of an embezzlement and fraud case, Pounds stepped into a property in disrepair and a community in need of stability. What followed is an inspiring demonstration of dedication, compassion, and hands-on leadership that earned him the 2025 HAI Group Risk Management Award for Risk Champion of the Year.
Rebuilding from the ground up
When Pounds began working at Maple Villa, a Decatur Housing Authority-owned senior housing property, he quickly saw the extent of the neglect. There were expired or missing fire extinguishers, smoke detectors that needed replacement, loose handrails, and broken plumbing and lighting fixtures. Instead of waiting for additional funding or resources, Pounds took it upon himself to start making repairs immediately, often using his own materials and tools to get the job done.
His wife also became integral to the effort, spending evenings and weekends alongside him cleaning units, painting, and preparing apartments for new residents. She even handles mowing the property’s six acres herself, helping maintain the grounds and helping restore a sense of pride throughout the community.
Restoring safety and dignity
Pounds’ approach was simple: fix what’s broken and make the property a safe, welcoming home again. He replaced broken locks, repaired sidewalks, and restored outdoor lighting so residents could safely walk the grounds at night.
One repair in particular—patching a cracked sidewalk for a resident using a walker—underscores his attention to individual safety needs.
“A lot of residents here like to go for walks,” Pounds said. “One gentleman who uses a walker was worried about tripping outside his door, so I patched the cracked sidewalk for him. It’s those little things that make a big difference for people.”
Building trust with residents
Residents quickly noticed the change. In fact, the difference was immediate, according to Executive Director Jolene Troutman.
“If residents need something fixed, it’s handled right away instead of being pushed to the side,” Troutman said.
Over time, many have started to see Pounds as more than a maintenance worker. He’s become a neighbor, a friend, and someone they can rely on.
Troutman noted that it’s not unusual for residents to stop Pounds while he’s out on the grounds to ask for help with small projects or to chat, and that sense of connection has transformed life at Maple Villa. Some residents now stop by to share stories or lend a hand, finding comfort in the strong sense of community Jason has helped rebuild.
A community effort
While much of the progress stems from Pounds’ dedication, others have also stepped up to help. The Decatur Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, city officials, and volunteers have all pitched in to restore the property. But it was Pounds’ leadership that set the tone for teamwork and accountability.
“We all want to see this place return to what it once was: A beautiful, safe home for our elderly and disabled residents,” he said.
Driven by purpose
When asked about receiving the Risk Champion of the Year Award, Pounds was humble as ever. He explained that he doesn't do it for recognition but is driven by the satisfaction of seeing residents happy and the property improving every day.
For Pounds, his work is about honoring the community’s history and supporting those who call it home.
“You have to be all in on this,” he said. “You have to have a love for the community and a genuine desire to make things better. It’s about going above and beyond what’s expected, because these residents deserve that.”
A model for others
Pounds’ dedication exemplifies the true spirit of a Risk Champion: proactive, compassionate, and community-centered. His efforts have improved safety, reduced potential risks, and strengthened trust between residents and housing staff.
For housing organizations looking to make a similar impact, Pounds’ advice is clear: “Do everything you can. It takes time, effort, and heart, but helping others live safely and comfortably is always worth it.”
To learn more about other award winners, be sure to visit our Risk Management Awards page.
For ideas on how to mitigate risk and strengthen your community, reach out to your HAI Group risk control consultant.
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