1. capio PARTNERS
address 2222 Texoma Parkway Suite 150 Sherman, Texas 75090 phone (903)-892-7400 fax (903) 771-3644
July 28, 2015
Re: Letter of Reference for Sam Grader
I have known Sam Grader for eight years. During this time, we have become close friends,
shared parenting tips, life hacks, partnered professionally, and formed a brotherly bond.
Through it all, I have seen Sam’s dedication to his family, friends, job, volunteer work, and any
other passion he has. Since I have known him, he has always conducted himself in the most
admirable manner. I truly believe that anyone looking for a dedicated, intelligent, hard working,
and ethical person to fill a position should look no further than Sam Grader.
The five years I had the pleasure to work closely with Sam at the Dallas Housing Authority
afforded me many opportunities for both professional and personal growth. When I was initially
hired by the agency’s $150 million/year Housing Choice Voucher program in 2008, it was
considered to be ‘Troubled’ by the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), and
under extreme scrutiny by the Inspector General’s office. Through the leadership, vision, and
dedication of Sam Grader, we were able to turn this troubled agency completely around by
addressing the following areas:
•! Extensive reorganization of responsibilities
This process both redefined the areas of responsibilities for leadership/supervisors and
reduced the total program staffing from 160 employees to 105 (through attrition,
reduction-in-force actions, and disciplinary actions).
•! Revision of job performance indicators
We created new job descriptions and performance evaluations for each position, followed
by face-to-face counseling for each employee concerning the expectations.
•! Conversion of the primary software system
The software system that was previously utilized by the agency was inadequate and not in
compliance with Federal regulations. Through implementation of a compliant software
system, and training of staff, many efficiencies where identified. This assisted in
identifying redundant/obsolete positions and provided greater detail in reviewing the
quantity and quality of the staff work product.
•! Implementation of detailed job training for staff/leadership
Many of these changes required staff to perform their functions in either a new way, or
simply at a much higher level of competency. In order to ensure success, each employee,
regardless of status, was provided additional job training through detailed process
handouts, lectures, software hands-on, and personal interaction with their supervisor.
Through all of these actions, Sam was steadfast in his dedication for success. His vision and
perseverance lead this complex and politically hostile housing program towards true excellence
which resulted in positively impacting the lives of over 20,000 families in the Dallas/Ft. Worth
Metroplex. His fifteen-year career at the Dallas Housing Authority left a positive and lasting

2. capio PARTNERS
address 2222 Texoma Parkway Suite 150 Sherman, Texas 75090 phone (903)-892-7400 fax (903) 771-3644
impression on the not only those participating families, but all those that followed his thoughtful,
intelligent, and ethical leadership.
I feel that Sam Grader’s ability, integrity, drive and personality, combined with his unique
academic and professional experience, makes him an ideal candidate for any organization
wanting to set the bar at the highest level of your industry. If you are seeking a professional who
stays abreast of the field, has an intuitive understanding of technology, earns 100% staff support
and who is committed to achieve total success, then please seriously consider bringing Sam
Grader into your organization.
If you have any questions concerning my letter of recommendation for Sam, please do not
hesitate to contact me at either matthew.hogan@me.com or (217) 778-3371.
Sincerely,
Matthew C. Hogan
Director, Human Resources & Training