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Meet our team

Our full-time staff is made up of passionate people who believe deeply in the cause of affordable housing and the promise of a more equitable New York.

Management

Karen Haycox

Chief Executive Officer

Karen Haycox is an experienced leader in the affordable housing space who joined Habitat NYC and Westchester as CEO in August of 2015. During her tenure at Habitat NYC and Westchester, Karen instituted a bold new vision for the organization, increasing the number of families served through construction and preservation from 550 to 2,021 by the end of 2021. She has also overseen the completion of Sydney House, a 56-unit co-op in the north Bronx, which will be Habitat for Humanity’s largest single-structure, multi-family development ever built.

Previous to Habitat NYC and Westchester, Karen served as Vice President, Fund Development at Southwest Solutions and held a number of senior positions with Habitat for Humanity International in Atlanta. At Habitat for Humanity International, Karen served in leadership roles on the organization’s annual Carter Work Projects and on international and domestic disaster relief efforts, including the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Hurricanes Katrina & Rita, the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Midwestern tornados in Texas, Missouri and Oklahoma as well as Superstorm Sandy.

Karen is deeply involved in the LGBTQ+ and housing communities, including as a board member of Rainbow Railroad, an international organization helping people escape state-sponsored violence, and find safety and freedom from persecution as LGBTQ+ individuals; and as a former board member of Stonewall Community Development Corporation, an organization dedicated to providing New York’s LGBTQ+ seniors with supportive, affordable and safe housing options.

She also serves on the boards of the New York City-based Housing Partnership, which assists in the development, promotion, and revitalization of New York City’s affordable homeownership and rental housing and, the New York State CDFI Coalition providing advocacy and resources for New York State Community Development Financial Institutions.

Karen received her degree in Creative Cinematography, Film & Television from Humber College in Toronto, Canada, and enjoyed a successful career as a producer in advertising, film and communications before she transitioned to the affordable housing sector.

Matt Dunbar

Chief Strategy Officer & Executive Vice President

Matt Dunbar oversees development, communication and implementation of the organization’s strategic vision focusing on efficient, effective and sustainable organizational growth and mission-aligned impact. For more than a decade, Matt has served in numerous leadership roles across the organization and played a pivotal role in strengthening delivery of services to a diverse cross-section of constituents. Throughout his tenure, Matt has been a tireless advocate for innovative and long-lasting affordable housing policy and spearheaded the co-founding of Interboro Community Land Trust and the expansion of the organization’s geographic footprint to include Westchester County. Matt also oversees Habitat NYC and Westchester’s global engagement, and leads annual Global Village trips to destinations across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Matt has nearly 20 years of experience working with diverse faith communities on social, racial and economic justice issues. He represents Habitat NYC and Westchester on The NY Housing Conference’s Advisory Board, the Coalition for Affordable Homes, on Habitat for Humanity International’s U.S. Council Advocacy Committee and Public Policy Solutions Taskforce and, served as facilitator for the Manhattan Borough President’s Taskforce on Religious Facilities. He received his B.A. from Pepperdine University, his M.A. from New York University, and is one of more than 7 million adults thriving blind in America.

Christopher Illum

Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President

Christopher Illum is the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President for Habitat NYC and Westchester. Chris received his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Temple University in 2005 and master’s degree from Hunter College Department of Urban Planning and Policy in the winter of 2010. Since 2007, Chris has been working in different roles developing and preserving low- to moderate-income housing here in New York City.

Charlotte Bell

Vice President, Housing Services

Charlotte has been working in affordable housing preservation and community development in NYC for over a decade. Prior to joining the team at Habitat NYC and Westchester, she was the Assistant Director of Co-op Preservation at the Urban Homesteading Assistance Board (UHAB). Before moving to NYC, Charlotte was a Peace Corps volunteer in Sololá, Guatemala where she worked with local communities in implementing infrastructure projects to improve health and environmental conditions in elementary schools. Charlotte is a graduate of Temple University, and holds a master’s of science from The New School in Environmental Policy and Sustainability Management. Charlotte is also a Loan Officer for the Habitat NYC Community Fund.

Daniel Fielding

Director of Strategic Partnerships, Habitat NYC Community Fund

Dan is the Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Habitat NYC Community Fund, where he is responsible for capitalization and organizational strategy. Dan also oversees the loan processing and underwriting functions and is the staff liaison to the Credit Committee. Dan previously held the role of Director of the Homeownership Program at Habitat NYC and Westchester. Prior to joining Habitat, he worked in sales and trading for both JPMorgan and Bear Stearns. Dan is a trustee of Hamilton College, where he graduated with a degree in Public Policy. Dan is active in his community in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn where he lives with his wife and son.

Steven Goldgrab

Chief Financial Officer

Steven Goldgrab is the Chief Financial Officer for Habitat NYC and Westchester. He previously held roles as Habitat’s Director of Finance and VP, Finance and Administration. Steven received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Queens College and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state of New York. He previously worked at a mid-size accounting firm for 10+ years auditing a wide range of nonprofit organizations prior to joining Habitat NYC and Westchester.

Rebecca Lee

Senior Director of Marketing & Communications

Rebecca is an unwavering believer in the power of storytelling to engage audiences and spark action. Prior to joining Habitat NYC and Westchester, Rebecca was Creative Director at The VALO Group, a social impact agency, where she led creative strategy, brand building, and design. Rebecca previously led marketing & communications at the New York City Rescue Mission, America’s first homeless shelter. Rebecca spent nearly a decade in experiential marketing, executing live brand activations, campaigns and new product rollouts at one of Australia’s largest out-of-home advertising agencies. Rebecca has a B.Com in Marketing Management and B.A. in Media & Communications.

Virginia Loperena

Vice President, Resource Development

Virginia has a decade of experience in fundraising and philanthropy, focusing on institutional, corporate, and foundation partnerships. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Virginia’s family came to New York City from Puerto Rico. Virginia is a graduate of Harvard University, and holds a master’s of education from Bank Street College of Education. Virginia is passionate about building a better city and world for future generations. She enjoys reading, running, and taking long walks in Prospect Park with her dog, Mustard.

Staff

Sofia DiPasquale

Development Operations Manager

Jennifer Faubert

Senior Director of Development Operations

Satya Fisher

Project Manager

Monique Fournillier

Grants Manager

Charles Frenkel

Volunteer Coordinator

Rick Fudge

Project Manager

Harris Gertz

ReStore Manager

Alexandra Gonzalez

Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Juliana Bernal Guinand

Director of Real Estate Development

Marnie Henricksson

Community Outreach Coordinator

Bud Highleyman

Senior Director of Construction & Construction Preservation Services

Beverley A. Hoyte

Office Administrator

Jenifer Kenney

ReStore Assistant Manager

Jesler Lino Martinez

Co-op Preservation & Organizing Project Associate

Joe Lublinkhof

ReStore Manager

Steven (Zhi Hong) Mao

Community Development Analyst, Community Fund

Kevin McCabe

ReStore Assistant Manager

Shammia McQuaig

Volunteer Experience Coordinator

Andrew Narayan

Jr Construction Manager

Donna Perry

Individual Giving Manager

Benjamin Randazzo

Construction Coordinator

Vernon Samuel

Director of Construction Preservation Services

Anders Spittal

Homeownership Programs Senior Associate

Anthony Tavarez

Director, Individual Giving

Michael Walker

Senior Manager of Corporate Relations

Isabella Watson

Director of Homeownership Programs

Habitat NYC and Westchester Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Chair – Anthony Montalto

Jaros Baum & Bolles

Chair – Anthony Montalto

Jaros Baum & Bolles

Anthony Montalto, PE, LEED AP, is an Associate Partner at Jaros, Baum & Bolles (JB&B), a New York City consulting engineering firm. He has parlayed his technical expertise into managing projects for one of New York’s top medical center’s post-Sandy restoration, Weill Cornell Medical College’s Belfer Research Building, New York Stem Cell, Columbia University Medical Center, SUNY Cobleskill, in addition to numerous high-profile financial institutions. Anthony plays a leading role in his firm’s in-house professional development program, JB&B University, of which he is a PDH-accredited professor in the HVAC division. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of New York, a U.S. Green Building Council LEED Accredited Professional, and a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), on whose Board of Governors he currently serves on the board and is a past president, and was recently honored as one of ENR New York’s 2017 Top Young Professionals. He has a longstanding history with Habitat for Humanity, having first volunteered in high school, and he was a key player on the design coordination of the Sydney House project.

Secretary – Andrea Himmel

Himmel + Meringoff Properties

Secretary – Andrea Himmel

Himmel + Meringoff Properties

Andrea Himmel is a native New Yorker, real estate professional and entrepreneur. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, Andrea spent her early career as an investment professional in the oil and gas sector. In 2016, Andrea launched an oil company in Texas, Tierra Resource Partners. Two years later, she formed a new private equity fund, Revere Resources, to invest in energy. In 2018, Andrea returned to New York to join the family business, Himmel & Meringoff Properties, where she runs acquisitions and growth for the company. She also serves on the Diversity Committee of the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), advocating for equity in work, as well as the LGBT Policy Task Force to the Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz. A passionate philanthropist, Andrea has been involved with the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program for nearly 20 years. In 2013, she launched her own organization preparing disadvantaged students in Bushwick, Brooklyn for college. Andrea is passionate about philanthropy, chess, theater, mindfulness, meditation, Central Park, the outdoors, her two dogs, yoga, tennis, and ironman triathlons.

Treasurer – Brian Smalley

Apple Bank

Treasurer – Brian Smalley

Apple Bank

Brian Smalley is a Senior Vice President in Apple Bank’s Commercial Mortgage Division. Prior to Apple Bank, Brian was a Senior Vice President in charge of Amalgamated Bank’s Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Finance Division. Before joining Amalgamated in 2010, Brian worked as a commercial real estate Vice President at M&T Bank in New York City. Brian began his career at the NYC Housing Partnership promoting the development of affordable housing in New York City. Brian earned his bachelor’s degree at Hamilton College, and he received an M.B.A. from the Columbia Business School. He lives in Fairfield, CT with his wife and two sons.

Finance and Risk Committee

Anil Fernando

Corbets Capital

Anil Fernando

Corbets Capital

Anil Fernando returned to the Board of Directors in June 2019 after he and his family moved back to New York City. Anil served as a director from 2012-2014 before moving to Palo Alto, CA for four years. Anil’s history with Habitat traces back to 1999, when he served as a volunteer in Franklin, New Hampshire. Since then, Anil has volunteered with Habitat affiliates in Maryland, Connecticut, California, the Dominican Republic, and of course, New York City with Habitat NYC and Westchester. Professionally, Anil is a Portfolio Manager with Corbets Capital, a division of Balyasny Asset Management. Previously, he was a partner of Glenview Capital Management. He has spent nearly two decades in the investment management industry with the majority of that time with Glenview. Prior to joining the investment management industry, Anil worked as an investment banking analyst at Morgan Stanley in the Transportation Group, and prior to that, as an investment banking analyst at the Development Finance Corporation of Ceylon in Sri Lanka. Anil graduated from Wesleyan University with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Computer Science, Economics, and Mathematics.

Mary Gillis

Circle

Alex Havriliak

Alex Havriliak

Alex Havriliak has over 30 years of experience managing the finances of both for profit and not for profit organizations. Prior to his decade long term as Habitat NYC and Westchester Chief Financial Officer, he was the Chief Financial Officer for Volunteers of America-GNY for 14 years. During that time, he developed long-term strategic plans that enabled the agency’s operating budget and services to expand throughout the Greater New York area. Alex spearheaded the development of real estate projects, including a shelter for domestic violence victims, a school for special needs students, and housing for low-income residents. Prior to joining Volunteers of America-GNY, Alex worked as a Controller at The Hospital for Special Surgery and an Assistant Controller at the New York Presbyterian Hospital. Alex received an M.B.A. in finance from Manhattan College and B.S. in accounting from St. Francis College.

Doug Morse

North Lake Capital

Doug Morse

North Lake Capital

Douglas Morse is a private investor with extensive experience in real estate and asset management, and is the Managing Member of North Lake Capital. His professional career began in real estate, at Colliers/ABR, focussing on commercial office leasing and management. He later joined his family real estate firm, where he was active in mortgage financing and acquisitions. In 1997, he shifted his career into investment management, becoming a Vice President of Alliance Capital Management’s Hedge Fund Group. More recently, Mr. Morse was Chief Investment Officer of Duet Alternative Investments – US, where he served as Senior Portfolio Manager, overseeing several hedge fund of fund portfolios. Mr. Morse is Treasurer of the Morse Family Foundation and is currently a Trustee of Young Audiences/NY, one of New York’s oldest and largest arts education organizations. He received his B.A. in Economics from Trinity College, Hartford.

Brian Smalley

Apple Bank

Brian Smalley

Apple Bank

Brian Smalley is a Senior Vice President in Apple Bank’s Commercial Mortgage Division. Prior to Apple Bank, Brian was a Senior Vice President in charge of Amalgamated Bank’s Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Finance Division. Before joining Amalgamated in 2010, Brian worked as a commercial real estate Vice President at M&T Bank in New York City. Brian began his career at the NYC Housing Partnership promoting the development of affordable housing in New York City. Brian earned his bachelor’s degree at Hamilton College, and he received an M.B.A. from the Columbia Business School. He lives in Fairfield, CT with his wife and two sons.

Audit Committee

David Garner

Atlas SP Partners

David Garner

Atlas SP Partners

David Garner has over 15 years of experience in the financial world and is currently a Managing Director at Atlas SP Partners, a global investment firm. Previously, he was at Credit Suisse as Co-Head of Securitized Products Trading. He had held a variety of roles within the trading business across both residential and commercial mortgages. Before Credit Suisse, he was a trader at Merrill Lynch. Over the years, he has been involved with nonprofits in the education field. David holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics from Harvard University.

Doug Morse

North Lake Capital

Doug Morse

North Lake Capital

Douglas Morse is a private investor with extensive experience in real estate and asset management, and is the Managing Member of North Lake Capital. His professional career began in real estate, at Colliers/ABR, focussing on commercial office leasing and management. He later joined his family real estate firm, where he was active in mortgage financing and acquisitions. In 1997, he shifted his career into investment management, becoming a Vice President of Alliance Capital Management’s Hedge Fund Group. More recently, Mr. Morse was Chief Investment Officer of Duet Alternative Investments – US, where he served as Senior Portfolio Manager, overseeing several hedge fund of fund portfolios. Mr. Morse is Treasurer of the Morse Family Foundation and is currently a Trustee of Young Audiences/NY, one of New York’s oldest and largest arts education organizations. He received his B.A. in Economics from Trinity College, Hartford.

Marian Zucker

S&P Global Ratings

Marian Zucker

S&P Global Ratings

Marian Zucker has devoted her over thirty year career to affordable housing finance. She is currently the Sector Lead for the USPF Housing Group at S&P Global Ratings, which includes Housing Finance Agencies, Public Housing Authorities, Community Development Financial Institutions and affordable multifamily housing transactions. Prior to joining S&P, she spent ten years with New York State Homes & Community Renewal and its component agencies, where she directed the multifamily, single family and capital markets activities. Under her leadership, HCR financed over 64,500 affordable rental units and 17,520 single-family homes. Ms. Zucker also managed the structuring, marketing and sale of all of the Agencies’ bond issues, totaling $21.8 billion. During her tenure, the Agencies were among the largest housing bond issuers in the nation. Ms. Zucker’s prior experience includes over 15 years on Wall Street financing affordable housing and affordable housing owners and in local government affordable housing positions at both Suffolk County and New York City.

Members

Dena Faccio

Voya Financial

Dena Faccio

Voya Financial

Dena Faccio is the SVP, Total Rewards, Employee Relations and Workforce Analytics at Voya Financial, Inc., a Fortune 500 financial services company whose mission is Retirement Readiness for all Americans. Dena is responsible for the Company’s executive and broad-based compensation strategies and long-term incentive plans; health, welfare, and retirement benefit strategies; employee relations; and HR analytics and insights. In this role, she also supports Voya’s Compensation, Benefits and Talent Management Committee of Voya’s Board of Directors in its oversight of the company’s compensation and benefits strategies; pay equity and pay transparency efforts; performance and talent management processes; and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) commitments.

Prior to joining Voya Financial, Dena spent over 12 years in PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Global HR Solutions New York practice in the Retirement and Compensation consulting practices focused on the not-for-profit sector. She advised Compensation Committees and Boards of cultural institutions, foundations, and universities on a wide range of HR issues including attracting, retaining, motivating and rewarding human capital.

Dena earned her Bachelors of Science from Towson University concentrated in Actuarial Science and her MBA from NYU’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business. Dena is a native New Yorker and currently lives in Manhattan with her husband, two children and their goldendoodle.

Ron D. Franklin

Proskauer Rose LLP

Ron D. Franklin

Proskauer Rose LLP

Ron Franklin is a partner at Proskauer Rose, LLP where he is co-head of the Global Finance Group. Ron advices clients across a broad spectrum of finance issues, including secured and unsecured lending transactions, domestic and cross-border acquisition financings, fund financings, project financings, workouts, restructurings and general banking concerns. He also counsels corporate clients regarding stock and asset acquisitions, contract negotiations and general corporate matters. Prior to joining Proskauer, Ron was a partner at Mayer Brown, LLP. He received a BA from Occidental College, an MBA from Columbia Business School and a JD from the University of Michigan Law School. Ron has been a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity for over twelve years.

Marc Heinrich

City of New York

Marc Heinrich

City of New York

Marc has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity New York City for more than 10 years. He is the founder of the Dalton School’s campus chapter, one of Habitat NYC and Westchester’s first campus chapters. Since then he has participated in many builds in NYC and across the country. He currently serves as an advisor to Montana Governor Steve Bullock, and was formerly the Policy Director for Governor Bullock’s campaign for President and a Senior Policy Advisor on Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s presidential campaign. Previously, he served as Director of Strategy for the Center on Rural Innovation – a nonprofit focused on rural economic development – and worked as a consultant at McKinsey and Company.

Brian Lichter

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

Brian Lichter

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

Brian Lichter is a partner in the Real Estate Group at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, one of the world’s premier law firms, where he represents owners, developers, funds, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and other financial institutions in a broad range of commercial real estate transactions. He concentrates on the acquisition and disposition of office, retail and multifamily properties, joint ventures, commercial mortgage, mezzanine and construction financings, preferred equity investments, and debt restructurings. Prior to joining Davis Polk in 2013, Brian was a partner in the Real Estate Department at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, where he spent the first 11 years of his career. Brian has served in a number of roles at UJA‐Federation of New York and is currently a member of its Board of Directors and of its Real Estate Council as well as the chair of its Loan Funds Task Force. Brian also serves as a next generation trustee of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. He received a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from New York University School of Law. Brian’s wife, Blair, is a member of Habitat NYC and Westchester’s Leadership Council.

Christine McGuinness

ArentFox Schiff

Christine McGuinness

ArentFox Schiff

Christine McGuinness is a business lawyer, combining knowledge of real property and other commercial assets with on-the-ground experience. She is a Partner and member of the Executive Committee at ArentFox Schiff, a national law firm with over 600 attorneys in nine offices. She represents real estate developers and lenders in all aspects of commercial real estate, as well as individuals and corporations in the acquisition, leasing and financing of corporate jets and fractional aircraft interests. She is also committed to several important pro bono causes. She previously served as board member of Habitat for Humanity NYC from 2008-2015, rejoining the Board in 2017. She also currently provides guidance and representation at the Leviticus Fund in connection with the financing of low-income housing.

Peter J. Murray

Dolphin Property Services, LLC

Peter J. Murray

Dolphin Property Services, LLC

Peter Murray is the founder and owner of Dolphin Property Services, LLC, a full service property management and consulting firm specializing in affordable housing. Prior to forming Dolphin Property Services, he was the development partner for Loewen Development. During his 20 years at Loewen, Mr. Murray completed 23 developments (mostly affordable) with over 1,800 housing units as well as ancillary commercial space. As the development partner, Mr. Murray oversaw acquisition, municipal approvals, financing, loan administration and marketing. Mr. Murray has a BA in Political Science and Urban Studies from Washington University in St. Louis and a JD from the University of Miami School of Law. Mr. Murray is admitted to the Florida and New York Bar and is an Executive Board Member of the New York State Association of Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH).

Diana Reyna

Diana Reyna Strategic Consulting

Diana Reyna

Diana Reyna Strategic Consulting

Diana Reyna is the founding principal at Diana Reyna Strategic Consulting, LLC. Diana Reyna offers an extensive and vast network, incredible experience in both the public sector and private sector. Diana Reyna brings a unique and innovative perspective to the clients she represents. She is driven by an ethical responsibility to not only the clients it serves, but to the communities her work may impact. Diana Reyna Strategic Consulting LLC’s success is based on conscientious results, striving for excellence to achieve client’s goals. Diana Reyna is the former Deputy Brooklyn Borough President for Brooklyn (2014-2017), and a former New York City Council Member for the 34th Council District (2001-2013), which includes Williamsburg and Bushwick as well as Ridgewood in Queens. For over twenty years, Diana Reyna had demonstrated an outstanding commitment to communities across Brooklyn and Queens through government service and advocacy. As a New York City Council Member representing the 34th Council District she garnered citywide attention for her efforts in championing affordable housing, economic development, improving equity in education, park space, waste and environmental justice as well as expanding youth and senior services. Diana Reyna holds a Bachelor’s degree from PACE University and was the first Dominican American woman elected to public office in New York State.

Ashley Neil Serrao

Tradeweb

Ashley Neil Serrao

Tradeweb

Ashley Neil Serrao heads U.S Corporate Development and Global Investor Relations at Tradeweb Markets LLC. He currently serves on Tradeweb’s Operating Committee and Co-Chairs the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee. He is responsible for Tradeweb’s U.S. growth, M&A and partnership strategy, competitive intelligence and managing communications with equity investors. He served on Tradeweb’s 2019 IPO and 2019/2020 secondary Executive Committee. He has been recognized by Business Insider as one of Wall Street’s rising stars in 2019.

Prior to joining Tradeweb in 2017, Ashley was an equity research analyst at Credit Suisse for nine years. There he was recognized for his coverage of Brokers, Exchanges and Asset Managers by Institutional Investor as a Rising Star in 2016, Thomson Reuters/Starmine as a top 10 stock picker in the United States across sectors in 2016 and by Bloomberg as one of America’s Best Analysts in 2014.

He graduated with a BA in Economics, summa cum laude from Bates College, where he was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi societies. He is a CFA and CMA charter holder.

 

Daniella Schlisser

Brown Harris Stevens

Daniella Schlisser

Brown Harris Stevens

Daniella Schlisser is a residential real estate broker with nearly two decades experience specializing in luxury cooperative, condominium, townhouse and new development sales and resale in Manhattan. Throughout her career she has ranked among the industry’s top producers, her knowledge and experience having earned her media attention locally and internationally with featured press in New York Times, NY Daily News and international television including Austria’s ORF and Germany’s RTL. A true global citizen, she was raised in New York and Vienna, attending university in Vienna and Paris and completing a Political Science degree in Paris.  Prior to her residential sales career, she held a coveted position working alongside a legendary special foreign correspondent of the Associated Press in Paris. While still in Paris, she shifted to a career in sales and merchandising at Ralph Lauren as an instrumental part of the team leading the opening of Ralph Lauren’s first and most iconic store there on the Place de la Madeleine. In addition to her professional activity, Daniella values the opportunity to give back – she enjoys providing mentorship to women emerging from financial difficulty by speaking at women’s conferences from London to Los Angeles, and serves on various committees of the UJA-Federation of New York.  Daniella has 3 children and is a long-time resident of Carnegie Hill on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

Mai Shiver

TIAA

Mai Shiver

TIAA

Mai Shiver serves as Chief Compliance Officer of Global Investments for AIG. Assuming the role in 2015, Ms. Shiver is based in New York and oversees the firm’s global securities and alternative investments compliance platform. Prior to joining AIG, Ms. Shiver served as the Global Chief Compliance Officer and Business Risk Officer of Wells Fargo’s institutional asset management practice, Wells Capital Management in San Francisco. In prior roles, Ms. Shiver served as the Managing Director and Regulatory Policy Attorney for the Pacific and Archipelago Exchanges (now NYSE) and as litigation attorney for regulated practices for the law firm now consolidated as DLA. Ms. Shiver has served in leadership positions on non-profit and professional boards including the University of California, Hastings Law School Board of Trustees; Youth Inc. New York; Habitat For Humanity NYC; International Diplomacy Council; San Francisco Opera Guild and the Financial Women’s Association of San Francisco.  Ms. Shiver holds a Bachelor of Science, Genetics from the University of Georgia and an earned a JD degree from University of California, Hastings Law School.

Kirsten Sibilia

Dattner Architects

Kirsten Sibilia

Dattner Architects

Kirsten Sibilia, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, is a Managing Principal at Dattner Architects, a New York based architecture firm with a civic and community centered approach. A vocal advocate for the value of design, Kirsten is committed to improving public life through the creation of resilient and sustainable urban density. Her enthusiasm for supporting architectural practice manifests in involvement with several leading industry organizations, including the Beverly Willis Architectural Foundation, ULI NY’s Mixed-Use Council and Design Awards Committee, the New York Building Congress’ Architects Leadership Council, and ACEC-NY’s Design-Build Committee. Kirsten holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Parsons School of Design and a Bachelor of Arts from the New School and lives in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY.

David Stein

Adobe

David Stein

Adobe

Dave Stein has been an avid volunteer for and supporter of Habitat for Humanity for nearly 20 years. He started with local builds in college, joined spring break trips, and eventually did a few Global Village trips. Dave is currently a senior engineering manager at Adobe. He was the first engineer at Behance, which was acquired by Adobe in late 2012. Dave currently serves as the Chair of Governance on the board of Chess in the Schools. He also has been on the Kings County Democratic Committee since 2018, fighting for a more transparent organization.

NYC Habitat Board of Directors

Chair – Diana Reyna

Diana Reyna Strategic Consulting

Chair – Diana Reyna

Diana Reyna Strategic Consulting

Diana Reyna is the founding principal at Diana Reyna Strategic Consulting, LLC. Diana Reyna offers an extensive and vast network, incredible experience in both the public sector and private sector. Diana Reyna brings a unique and innovative perspective to the clients she represents. She is driven by an ethical responsibility to not only the clients it serves, but to the communities her work may impact. Diana Reyna Strategic Consulting LLC’s success is based on conscientious results, striving for excellence to achieve client’s goals. Diana Reyna is the former Deputy Brooklyn Borough President for Brooklyn (2014-2017), and a former New York City Council Member for the 34th Council District (2001-2013), which includes Williamsburg and Bushwick as well as Ridgewood in Queens. For over twenty years, Diana Reyna had demonstrated an outstanding commitment to communities across Brooklyn and Queens through government service and advocacy. As a New York City Council Member representing the 34th Council District she garnered citywide attention for her efforts in championing affordable housing, economic development, improving equity in education, park space, waste and environmental justice as well as expanding youth and senior services. Diana Reyna holds a Bachelor’s degree from PACE University and was the first Dominican American woman elected to public office in New York State.

Rick Gropper

Camber Property Group

Rick Gropper

Camber Property Group

Rick Gropper has nearly a decade of experience in real estate development throughout the 5 boroughs of NYC.  At CPG, Rick focuses on sourcing and structuring transactions using his deep relationships with various partners including investors, lenders, the community and government. Prior to co-founding CPG, Rick was Development Director at L+M Development Partners, one of the largest developers of multifamily housing in NYC. At L+M, Rick was responsible for the development and preservation of more than 5,000 units of housing totaling over $1 billion in total capitalization. Prior to joining L+M, Rick worked for a boutique adaptive reuse development firm based in New Haven, CT. He has an undergraduate degree from Connecticut College and an MS in Real Estate Development from Columbia University. Rick serves on the boards of New Yorkers for Parks, NYSAFAH 2G and the CHPC Strategic Impact Fund.

Deirdre Fisher-Kemp

New York State Affordable Housing Corporation

Deirdre Fisher-Kemp

New York State Affordable Housing Corporation

Deirdre Fisher-Kemp is an advocate for social justice and housing equality with over 20 years experience in the affordable housing industry. Deirdre believes housing is the foundation of every community and her passion and advocacy is effectuated by her exploring ways to assist local community development corporations, and faith-based organizations develop a successful housing program. In her current position as Senior Project Manager with the New York State Affordable Housing Corporation, a subsidiary of New York State Housing Finance Agency, Deirdre is responsible for reviewing and recommending applications for grant funding to facilitate the new construction, acquisition and rehabilitation and home improvement of affordable housing in the following regions of New York State: Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse.

Deirdre is an ordained Minister at New Light Baptist Church and serves as the Director of the Prayer and Social Justice Ministries.

Deirdre is the New York Co-Founder of the Pembroke Taparelli Arts and Film Festival, which gives artists committed to social justice a platform.

Deirdre serves as County Committee Member for the 70th Assembly District in Central Harlem.

Deirdre also volunteers for Habitat for Humanity NYC, Red Cross, City Relief, and God’s Love We Deliver.

Deirdre is a Co-Founding member of Camp Chateau in Southern France, a camp founded by women for women rooted in the values of equity, sustainability and fun.

Deirdre is the mother of two sons, and the proud grandmother of a grandson. Deirdre is a lover of the arts and loves reading.

William Kogan

Leech Tishman Fuscaldo & Lampl LLC

William Kogan

Leech Tishman Fuscaldo & Lampl LLC

William “Bill” Kogan is a Partner in Leech Tishman’s Corporate and International Practice Groups. Bill focuses his practice on corporate law, cross-border transactions, and international law—representing companies, family groups, and individuals doing business in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. He has a depth of experience in corporate, commercial and real estate transactions.

During his career, Bill has worked in the Latin American Practice Group of an international law firm and later served as General Counsel of a New York-based private investment group.

Bill uses his international background, along with his law firm and in-house experience, to bridge the legal, business and cultural gaps that often arise in cross-border transactions.  He provides the firm’s clients with practical, creative, and effective solutions to their legal and business problems.

Kenneth Morrison

Lemor Realty Corporation

Kenneth Morrison

Lemor Realty Corporation

Mr. Morrison launched his real estate career while a sophomore at Howard University, when he joined his family’s blossoming brokerage business. While the decision to postpone his studies was difficult, he subsequently became an integral part of the family business. As a result of his efforts combined with those of other principals at Lemor Realty, the firm’s initial focus on the sale and rental of property in the Harlem community shifted. From 1988 to 1993, Lemor Realty experienced tremendous growth, which resulted in the establishment of a property management division in 1993. This division quickly grew to manage over 250-300 units in New York City. In partnership with Harrison Rayford, III, Lemor Development was formed in 2012, and has become a real estate development force. As a result of strong partnership engagements, such as Enterprise NEF (LISC), Mr. Morrison has brought a wealth of knowledge to the team while providing great insight into asset management. Mr. Morrison serves on several boards including the New York Theological Seminary; Greater Harlem: Bradhurst Merchants Association and the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. He holds a BA in Science and Entrepreneurship from the University of Phoenix.

Claudia Schrader

Kingsborough Community College

Claudia Schrader

Kingsborough Community College

Dr. Claudia V. Schrader took the helm as president of Kingsborough Community College (KCC) of The City University of New York (CUNY) in September 2018. She is the College’s 7th president, and she holds the distinction of being the first African-American in the College’s history to hold that office.

Education has served as a vehicle for Dr. Schrader. She was born and raised on St. Croix, the largest of the United States Virgin Islands. She earned her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and her Master of Arts, Master of Education, and Doctorate of Education from Columbia University, Teachers College. Dr. Schrader also obtained a certificate from the Institute for Educational Management at the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University.

Prior to becoming president at Kingsborough, she served as provost and senior vice president at Bronx Community College, CUNY; as associate provost at William Paterson University of New Jersey; and as associate provost at Medgar Evers College, CUNY, where she also held faculty rank with tenure. Dr. Schrader also taught as an adjunct at Teachers College, Columbia University, Bank Street College, and the College of New Rochelle. Her professional service includes serving as a peer evaluator for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education; membership on the American Association of Community College’s (AACC) National Council for Black American Affairs; and a 3-year term on the AACC Commission on Diversity, Inclusion and Equity.

In 2021, the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program selected her as one of 25 leaders for the 2021-2022 class of the Aspen New Presidents Fellowship. Dr. Schrader currently serves on the Boards of ITHAKA and the Higher Education Resource Services (HERS). Dr. Schrader was recognized as one of three recipients of the 2022 AAC&U-Cengage Inclusion Scholarship. Awarded by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) and education technology company Cengage, the scholarship is awarded to currently serving campus presidents in recognition of their outstanding leadership to advance equitable liberal education. In 2021, she inducted into the Rutgers African American Alliance Hall of Fame and was recently named as part of the Power Women of Brooklyn an honor for women who make Brooklyn the thriving and vibrant place it is to work, live and do business.

Dr. Schrader believes strongly in giving back to her to both her local and global community. Recognizing that incoming students were missing out on the excitement of beginning their college experience on campus, in 2020 she created the KCC Welcome Wagon. Dr. Schrader traveled around Brooklyn and throughout NYC’s other boroughs to meet incoming students at their homes and jobs to welcome them to KCC and assure them that they would find KCC and its President accessible, available, and ready to support their success. Her efforts have been featured in the NY Daily News, InsideHigherEd.com, Forbes, Positive Community Magazine and in number of other local newspapers. Dr. Schrader is a Life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® and is an active member of the Eta Omega Omega chapter in the Bronx, where she has served as Recording Secretary, co-chair of the Rites of Passage Program for Teenage Girls and chair of the Leadership Committee. Since 2006, she has served her global community as a volunteer with the Habitat for Humanity Global Village program, building 21 homes throughout countries in Africa, Asia, Central America, and Southeast Asia.

Westchester Habitat Board of Directors

Chair – Peter J. Murray

Dolphin Property Services, LLC

Chair – Peter J. Murray

Dolphin Property Services, LLC

Peter Murray is the founder and owner of Dolphin Property Services, LLC, a full service property management and consulting firm specializing in affordable housing. Prior to forming Dolphin Property Services, he was the development partner for Loewen Development. During his 20 years at Loewen, Mr. Murray completed 23 developments (mostly affordable) with over 1,800 housing units as well as ancillary commercial space. As the development partner, Mr. Murray oversaw acquisition, municipal approvals, financing, loan administration and marketing. Mr. Murray has a BA in Political Science and Urban Studies from Washington University in St. Louis and a JD from the University of Miami School of Law. Mr. Murray is admitted to the Florida and New York Bar and is an Executive Board Member of the New York State Association of Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH).

Lizette A. Cantres

Retired Attorney

Lizette A. Cantres

Retired Attorney

Lizette A. Cantres is a retired attorney who worked tirelessly in the public interest and regulatory law for more than thirty years. Growing up in the Bronx on Charlotte Street, Ms. Cantres’ life and career has given her a deep passion and understanding of issues in housing. Most recently, Ms. Cantres coordinated the effort to establish the Metro NY area division of Specialisterne, an international, non-profit organization that trains and places people with Autism Spectrum Disorder in IT and other fields that provide permanent jobs at market wages. She has worked in the health care industry, establishing Medicare HMO start-ups, working to expand opportunities for care in New York and Puerto Rico. Ms. Cantres also spent much of her career in public service, having served as counsel to the New York State Consumer Protection Board, the New York State Assembly Speaker, and the New York State Department of Education. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Spanish from Wesleyan University, she earned her Juris Doctorate from the New York University School of Law.

Farid Cardozo

Group PMX, LLC

Farid Cardozo

Group PMX, LLC

Mr. Cardozo is the president and chief operating officer of Group PMX LLC. In this senior leadership role, he actively oversees all operations and project-related staff assignments while ensuring that the firm’s growth and marketing strategies are realized. Mr. Cardozo also establishes corporate financial goals and objectives, including communicating with analysts to review assets and financial metrics. Possessing 25 years of pre-construction, design, construction, and project and program management experience, he is frequently called upon to provide executive-level oversight of multidisciplinary project teams engaged in multibillion-dollar assignments throughout the New York metropolitan area. While serving as either principal in charge or project director, he has used his senior project management, project controls, and scheduling expertise during a variety of efforts for public- and private-sector clients across numerous market sectors, including healthcare, higher education, governmental/municipal facilities, criminal justice, residential and commercial developments, and transportation infrastructure. As the owner’s representative, he often represents clients’ interests on complex, time and cost-sensitive programs and projects. During his leadership on various assignments, Mr. Cardozo has proven that even the most challenging projects can be accomplished when the right project controls tools are used together with a proactive, collaborative team approach. 

Adam Hellegers

L+M Development Partners

Adam Hellegers

L+M Development Partners

Co-General Counsel + Partner at L+M Development Partners and General Counsel for L+M Fund Management, Adam Hellegers is jointly responsible for the supervision of the legal staff with a dedicated focus on transactional activity. Adam joined L+M in 2010, and has previously held roles at L+M as a Development Co-Director of Preservation, as well as several legal positions. Prior to his L+M tenure, Adam worked within the real estate department at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC), was an attorney at Michael, Levitt & Rubenstein LLC, captive firm of Related Companies, and began his career working with the New York City Parks Department. Adam holds a BA magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and a JD cum laude from Northwestern University School of Law, where he received an academic award for urban and federal housing policy research. Adam participated in Coro Leadership NY XVII, is a former Chair of the New York City Bar Association’s Housing and Urban Development Committee and is the former chair and current board member of the Osborne Association.

Marie Moreno

Orange Bank & Trust

Marie Moreno

Orange Bank & Trust

Marie Moreno is a Vice President at Orange Bank & Trust who is passionate about educating clients about their financial needs. With over 30 years in the banking industry, Marie believes that establishing strong communication with clients and earning their trust are key to understanding clients’ financial profile and executing planning strategies for any future transactions.

Marie began her career at Citibank where she served a variety of clients including family businesses, retired corporate executives, managing directors and general partners of hedge funds, and international individuals.

Marie enjoys spending time with her family in Pound Ridge, where she has been a resident for over 30 years. With her husband Luis, she raised her two daughters in Pound Ridge who have recently purchased their own homes and are returning as residents with their own families.

Marie is on the Housing Board in Pound Ridge.

Marie is on the board of the Larchmont/Mamaroneck Lions Club. She is also a member of many bar associations and business chambers located throughout Westchester.

Marie was born and raised in France with Spanish parents and moved to New York in 1987. She is fluent in French, Spanish and English.

Alexa Sewell

Settlement Housing Fund Inc.

Real Estate Council

Co-Chairs

Andrea Himmel

Himmel + Meringoff Properties

John Isaacs

CBRE, Inc.

Doug Morse

North Lake Capital

Members

Jonathon Blackwell

WatermanCLARK

Helena Durst

The Durst Organization

Bess Freedman

Brown Harris Stevens

Josh Glick

Vornado Realty Trust

Miriam Harris

Priya Living

Susan Hewitt

Cheshire Group LLC

Jonathan Iger

Sage Realty Corporation

Tonye Jack

Highline Construction Group

Will Matthews

City National Bank

Anthony Montalto

Jaros, Baum & Bolles

Kenneth Morrison

Lemor Development Group LLC

Jacob and Daniel Rad

Radson Development

Max Rayetsky

Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, LLP

Brenda Rosen

Breaking Ground

Ben Shavolian

Shelter Rock Builders LLC

Beatrice Sibblies

Village Harlem + BOS Development

Leadership Council

Chair – Christine McGuinness

ArentFox Schiff LLP

Michael Anagnos

SK Capital Partners

Chris Bennett

S&P Global

Emily Bergl

Actor

Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte

New York State Assembly

Liz Blake

Habitat for Humanity International (retired)

Les Bluestone

Blue Sea Development

Contessa Brewer

MSNBC

Erica Buckley

Nixon Peabody

Amy Carlson

Actor

Matt Galligan

CIT

Pastor Zidde Hamatheite

Wayside Baptist Church

Charlie Hammerman

Disability Opportunity Fund

Carmen Hughes

Edelweise Consulting

Karim Hutson

Genesis Companies

John Isaacs

CBRE, Inc.

Blair Lichter

Attorney

Stefanos J. Marcopoulos

American Express

Pastor Gilford T. Monrose

Mt. Zion Church of God 7th Day

Lee Olesky

Tradeweb Markets

Erika Parkins

B Capital

Martha Parrish

MVP & Company

Richard Roberts

Red Stone Equity Partners

HYP Board

Angelina Fung

Board Co-Chair

Monique Siaw

Board Co-Chair

Kelly Thompson

Advocacy Chair

Reuben Salcedo

Fundraising Chair

Anupam Dutta

Operations Chair

Nicole Carter

Marketing Chair

Women Build Council

Jyothi Grama

Council Co-Chair

Shana Hennigan

Council Co-Chair

Alison R. Bregstein

Membership Chair

Erin Wolfe

Marketing Chair

2024 Annual Gift Campaign
With your 2024 renewal gift, you’ll advance our mission to preserve and build more safe, affordable housing—and ensure that all of us can own a piece of our communities.