This interactive ADU workshop addresses the urgent need for attainable housing in our community, a challenge that was exacerbated by the devastation of the 2020 Labor Day Fires. As our community works to recover and rebuild, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) create a unique and practical solution to the housing crisis. This workshop will provide participants with the knowledge, tools, and strategies necessary to advocate for, develop, and effectively manage ADUs, empowering individuals to take action and collaborate on innovative housing solutions that address both the immediate recovery needs and long-term housing challenges in our region helping to alleviate the strain on our housing inventory while fostering long-term resilience.
To accomplish this, we are bringing together a diverse group of industry experts to share their experience, best practices, and resources to cover the full scope of ADU creation, from initial planning and financing to construction and property management. Property owners, builders, and community members will gain valuable insights into how they can contribute to the solution, whether by developing their own ADUs or supporting broader community efforts to create a sustainable housing future where the community works together to help solve the housing shortage and support the resilience of our neighborhoods.
11:00 am — Reception, Registration, and Light Refreshments
12:00 pm — Welcome and Introduction
12:10 pm — Keynote Address
12:30 pm — Panel Discussion with ADU Experts
2:00 pm — Break
2:15 pm — Interactive Roundtable Discussions
3:30 pm — ADU Build Readiness
3:45 pm — Closing Remarks
4:00pm — Happy Hour Networking at Phoodery
Keynote Address and Insights by Rep. Pam Marsh
Oregon State Representative Pam Marsh
Pam Marsh is now serving in her fifth term as State Representative for House District 5, Southern Jackson County. She currently serves as Chair of the House Committee on Housing and Homelessness, which addresses statewide policy to provide safe, secure, and affordable homes for Oregonians. She is also a member of the House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment and House Committee on Agriculture, Land Use, Water, and Natural Resources. Pam’s legislative priorities include clean energy development, wildfire recovery, broadband expansion, and solutions to the housing crisis. Pam’s work with wildfire survivors has reinforced for her the importance of accessible and resilient housing communities.
Expert Panelists
Derek Sherrell | Owner | That ADU Guy
Derek Sherrell is a seasoned real estate investor and ADU builder with over 25 years of experience in the building and development trades. His journey began in 1996 with a high school ADU project, which sparked a passion for construction and led him to a carpenter apprenticeship. As one of Oregon’s youngest licensed building contractors, Derek has since built a successful career in residential construction. Today, he consults with homeowners and investors on every aspect of ADU development—from planning and design to financing, construction, and long-term property management. Derek’s expertise makes him a trusted advisor for those looking to capitalize on ADUs as a sustainable housing solution.
Alex Knecht | Vice President | Pacific Wall Systems Inc.
With over 30 years of experience in the building component manufacturing industry, Alex Knecht leads business development at Pacific Wall Systems Inc., where he has played a key role in the launch of the new PacWalls Mini Project. This innovative initiative focuses on factory-built ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) products, offering affordable and efficient housing solutions for communities. Alex’s expertise in both custom homebuilding and manufacturing has enabled him to bring cutting-edge, scalable solutions to the housing market. His leadership at Pacific Wall Systems is shaping the future of modular and factory-built housing, ensuring sustainable, high-quality homes that meet the needs of today’s housing challenges.
Sheila Giorgetti | Grants Manager | City of Medford
With a strong foundation in administrative support and urban planning, Sheila Giorgetti brings extensive experience in housing and community development to her role as Grants Manager for the City of Medford. Having transitioned to the City’s Planning Department in 2018, Sheila has gained in-depth knowledge of the city’s housing initiatives, including the implementation of Medford’s ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) program. She is dedicated to advancing housing solutions through innovative policies, such as system development fee waivers and the availability of ready-built plans. Sheila’s expertise in these areas will be instrumental in further developing Medford’s housing strategies, making them more accessible and sustainable for the community.
William Wait | Owner | Elite Maintenance | ADU Owner/Property Manager
William Wait brings over 18 years of experience as a business owner and general contractor through his company, Elite Maintenance, specializing in a wide range of services, including property maintenance, construction, and home repairs. As an ADU owner and property manager, he is hands-on in both developing and managing accessory dwelling units, offering valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges of this housing solution. William’s diverse expertise in construction, real estate, and ADU management makes him a key figure in driving the expansion of sustainable and efficient housing options.
Tammy Lee Morgan | Rogue Credit Union | Construction Mortgage Loan Officer
Tammy Lee Morgan has been in mortgage lending for over 25 years and prior to that worked as an escrow officer for 5 years. Construction lending is her passion. She strives to exceed member expectations and create lasting partnerships based on trust and satisfaction. Tammy’s philosophy is: If you have a dream, let’s build it together!
Cheryl LaCombe Field & Operations Manager | Energy Trust of Oregon
Cheryl LaCombe is the Field & Operations Manager for Energy Trust’s new homes program. She has worked in the building industry for over 20 years and has managed multiple utility programs and teams. EPS New Construction is a statewide program supporting builders and owner builders in building energy efficient homes. Incentives are available to builders that build homes that are above code and inspected by third party program verifiers.