MLCM Director Announces Retirement: Bette Newcomer’s Farewell

After 12 years at M&L Compliance Management, Director of Compliance Bette Newcomer has announced her retirement. With her career in the affordable housing industry spanning almost 30 years, we are grateful that Bette spent the last decade with our team. Bette’s final day at MLCM, and in the working world, will be on July 31, 2026. Before we say goodbye, we would like to say thank you to Bette and highlight her journey as part of our MLCM team!

A Venture into Affordable Housing

In February 1997, Bette began her work in affordable housing. While the large amount of paperwork and documentation was an original perk for her when starting out in this line of work, Bette’s enjoyment of learning the nuances of the various affordable housing programs is what drove her to pursue this as a career. Originally starting as a property manager for several Low-Income Housing Tax Credit/HOME properties, Bette decided she was ready for a change in 2014 and transitioned into the compliance side of the industry; thus, beginning her time with MLCM as a Compliance Consultant.

Moments at MLCM

Throughout her years at MLCM, Bette worked her way up from Compliance Consultant to her current role as Director of Compliance. When asked about her proudest accomplishment during her time here, she shared that becoming a trusted resource was what she valued most. The ability to provide her clients and colleagues with solid and helpful answers to their questions and compliance situations brings her joy. Being recognized as an expert and invited to speak on compliance topics at industry conferences is an honor she says still amazes her.

“I never thought when I started in this career that I would be the resource of affordable housing information that other housing professionals would be coming to for answers.”

While these professional achievements are extremely meaningful to her, Bette considers the relationships she has built along the way to be her favorite part of her time at MLCM. Both team members and clients have become her lifelong friends, and she reflects on those friendships as the greatest reward from her time with MLCM.

The Next Chapter: Retirement

Bette is looking forward to the additional time that retirement will offer, especially with her daughter getting married this October! In addition to helping with wedding planning, Bette is also planning to continue and expand upon her current volunteer work. Her favorite pass-times are reading, assembling puzzles, spending time with friends and family, and walking and playing with her dogs; Bette plans on letting the days take her where they may lead her as she enters retirement.

A Message from Bette

“Enjoy everything you do; life is short, don’t sweat the small stuff. Take time to offer a kind word to another person, smile at each other, and never take yourself too seriously! Last, but not least, go ahead and eat the cake!”

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