WNC

Our Team Key Players

Select Team:
Wilfred N. Cooper, Sr.
Founder and Chairman Emeritus
Wilfred N. Cooper, Jr.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Anand Kannan
President
Melanie Wenk
Chief Operating Officer
Ann Caruana
President and Chief Investment Officer, Preservation Equity Funds
Anil Advani
Executive Vice President - Originations and Finance
Christine Cormier
Executive Vice President - Investor Relations
Darrick Metz
Senior Vice President - Originations
Camille Longino
CFO and Senior Vice President – Accounting and Finance
Gregory S. Hand
Senior Vice President - Developer Relations
Kent Mehring
Senior Vice President - Asset Management
Christina Pham
Senior Vice President - Dispositions and Fund Management
Edward Campbell
General Counsel
Dan Garrett
Vice President - Central Region
Kristin Han
Vice President - Compliance
Wendy Yan
Vice President - Underwriting
Michael Byrd
Vice President - Midwest Region
Emmet Hargrave
Vice President - Fund Management
Jessica Captanis
Vice President - Originations, West
Warren Allen
Vice President - LIHTC Production
Randy Kim
Vice President - Information Technology
Michael Egidi
Vice President - Investor Relations
Jason Brown
Controller
David Ciminelli
Vice President - Originations
Jennifer (Howard) McHugh
Vice President - Investor Relations
Ryan Thayer
Assistant Vice President - Originations
Tammy Bliss
Director - Construction Risk Management
Grace Duong
Director - Human Resources
Lindsey Duong
Director - Dispositions
Wilfred N. Cooper, Sr.
Founder and Chairman Emeritus
Wilfred N. Cooper, Jr.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Anand Kannan
President
Melanie Wenk
Chief Operating Officer
Anil Advani
Executive Vice President - Originations and Finance
Ann Caruana
President and Chief Investment Officer, Preservation Equity Funds
Christine Cormier
Executive Vice President - Investor Relations
Wilfred N. Cooper, Sr.
Founder and Chairman Emeritus
Wilfred N. Cooper, Jr.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Melanie Wenk
Chief Operating Officer
Anand Kannan
President
Anil Advani
Executive Vice President - Originations and Finance
Ann Caruana
President and Chief Investment Officer, Preservation Equity Funds
Christine Cormier
Executive Vice President - Investor Relations
Camille Longino
CFO and Senior Vice President – Accounting and Finance
Darrick Metz
Senior Vice President - Originations
Gregory S. Hand
Senior Vice President - Developer Relations
Kent Mehring
Senior Vice President - Asset Management
Christina Pham
Senior Vice President - Dispositions and Fund Management
Kristin Han
Vice President - Compliance
Wendy Yan
Vice President - Underwriting
Emmet Hargrave
Vice President - Fund Management
Warren Allen
Vice President - LIHTC Production
Randy Kim
Vice President - Information Technology
Jason Brown
Controller
Jennifer (Howard) McHugh
Vice President - Investor Relations
Tammy Bliss
Director - Construction Risk Management
Grace Duong
Director - Human Resources
Lindsey Duong
Director - Dispositions
Jim Ashby
Advisory Board Member
Christopher Beda
Advisory Board Member
Howard Heitner
Advisory Board Member
Trisha Malone
Advisory Board Member
Jenny Netzer
Advisory Board Member
Michael Novogradac
Advisory Board Member
Anil Advani
Executive Vice President - Originations and Finance
Gregory S. Hand
Senior Vice President - Developer Relations
Darrick Metz
Senior Vice President - Originations
Dan Garrett
Vice President - Central Region
Michael Byrd
Vice President - Midwest Region
Jessica Captanis
Vice President - Originations, West
David Ciminelli
Vice President - Originations
Warren Allen
Vice President - LIHTC Production
Ryan Thayer
Assistant Vice President - Originations

Wilfred N. Cooper, Sr.

Founder and Chairman Emeritus

Wilfred N. Cooper Sr, Founder and Chairman Emeritus Mr. Cooper founded WNC to specialize in development and syndication of affordable rental housing properties. Mr. Cooper, who has testified before Congress regarding low-income housing tax credits, is a life director of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a national trustee of NAHB’s Political Action Committee. He is a life trustee of the National Housing Conference, a cofounder and director emeritus of the California Housing Consortium and a member of the U.S. Vets Housing Taskforce committee. Additionally, Mr. Cooper has been inducted into the Hall of Fame at the California Homebuilding Foundation (CHF). Mr. Cooper is the recipient of the CHF Lifetime Achievement Award, the NAHB Robert J. Corletta Award and the David Reznick Lifetime Achievement Award for his achievements in the industry. Mr. Cooper earned a bachelor of arts from Pomona College.

Wilfred N. Cooper, Jr.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Wilfred N. Cooper, Jr, Chairman and CEO, and Director of WNC, President and Registered Principal of WNC Capital Corporation and Principal of Preservation Equity Fund Advisors Mr. Cooper directs WNC’s overall business operations and strategy. Prior to joining WNC in 1988, Mr. Cooper worked in government and legislative affairs in the Washington D.C. office of a multinational corporation. He is a national trustee of the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Political Action Committee, a member of the NAHB Housing Finance Committee and the board of directors of the California Building Industry Association (CBIA), a co-chair of the Affordable Housing Subcommittee of the CBIA. He is also a member of the advisory board and Political Action Committee of the National Multifamily Housing Council. Mr. Cooper earned a bachelor of arts from the School of International Service of the American University.

Anand Kannan

President

Anand Kannan, CPA, President. As President Mr. Kannan oversees the origination, acquisition and rehabilitation, and preservation of existing affordable housing properties by WNC and Community Preservation Partners (CPP), WNC's subsidiary that specializes in affordable housing preservation and development; and its joint venture partners. In his most recent position at WNC as President of CPP, his leadership enabled the group to preserve and rehabilitate over 13,000 units in 18 states with a total development cost of over $3 billion. Prior to joining WNC in 2010, he served as an associate director with a regional property developer where he developed or consulted on more than 90 affordable rental properties. Mr. Kannan received the Young Leader Award from Affordable Housing Finance in 2016. He is a former member of Vistage International and a council member in the Urban Land Institute's Workforce Housing Group. He earned a bachelor of arts in economics with an emphasis in accounting from the University of California, Berkeley.

Melanie Wenk

Chief Operating Officer

Melanie Wenk, CPA, Chief Operating Officer and a registered representative of WNC Capital Corporation. Ms. Wenk oversees WNC’s accounting, underwriting and portfolio dispositions groups. Prior to joining WNC in 2003, she was employed by a national accounting firm where her emphasis was on the affordable housing industry.  Ms. Wenk serves on US Bank’s Orange County Advisory Board. She is currently a member of the National Association of Home Builders.  She earned a bachelor of science in accounting from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona.

Ann Caruana

President and Chief Investment Officer, Preservation Equity Funds

President and Chief Investment Officer, Preservation Equity Fund Advisors Ms. Caruana oversees all activities of the Preservation Equity Funds.  She has more than 19 years of direct experience in the multifamily investment sector, including nearly eight years specializing in investments of affordable rental housing to create attractive economic returns for investors. 

Prior to joining WNC in 2018, she worked for four years with a private real estate equity firm where she specialized in the acquisition of affordable rental apartments generating economic returns, last serving as senior vice president of acquisitions. Prior to that, Ms. Caruana spent nine years with a publicly-traded multifamily REIT where she served in various research and investment roles, including senior director of market research, senior investment analyst and investment manager. Ms. Caruana is a member of the ULI (Urban Land Institute) Women’s Leadership Initiative and the NMHC (National Multifamily Housing Council) Emerging Leaders Committee. Ms. Caruana holds an MBA from the University of Miami, Florida and a bachelor’s degree in statistics and marketing from Miami University, Ohio.

Anil Advani

Executive Vice President - Originations and Finance

Anil Advani, Esq., Executive Vice President – Originations and Finance and a registered representative of WNC Capital Corporation Mr. Advani oversees WNC’s originations team.  He has 20 years of LIHTC experience from both a consulting and syndications perspective. Prior to joining WNC in 2011 he worked for a tax credit syndicator and two national accounting firms with a specialization in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) industry. Mr. Advani earned a bachelor of arts in economics from the University of Texas at Austin and a juris doctor from American University.

Christine Cormier

Executive Vice President - Investor Relations

Christine Cormier, Executive Vice President - Investor Relations and registered representative of WNC Capital Corporation Ms. Cormier oversees WNC’s institutional Investor Relations team, including equity raising efforts, investor due diligence and multi-investor fund closings. Prior to joining WNC in 2008, she served as a managing director for a national tax credit syndicator. Ms. Cormier serves on the board of the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition. She graduated summa cum laude from Bentley University with a bachelor of science in accounting and computer science.

Darrick Metz

Senior Vice President - Originations

Darrick Metz, Senior Vice President - Originations Mr. Metz leads WNC’s tax credit property originations team in the midwest and central states. Prior to joining WNC in 1999, he worked for a regional tax credit developer and for the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency as a Senior Housing Development Officer with responsibility for the allocation of Tax Credits and HOME funds. Mr. Metz  currently is a member of the Qualified Allocation Plan Tax Credit Advisory Committee for the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, the Minnesota Housing Multifamily Technical Advisory and the National Housing and Rehabilitation Association. He earned a bachelor of science in finance and economics from St. Cloud University.

Camille Longino

CFO and Senior Vice President – Accounting and Finance

Camille Longino, CFO and Senior Vice President - Accounting and Finance and Human Resources. Ms. Longino oversees daily operations of WNC’s accounting and finance and human resources teams. Ms. Longino is a member of the PEF Investment Committee. Prior to joining WNC, Camille worked with a private real estate equity firm where she served as the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and as Senior Vice President of asset management during her tenure. Prior to that, she spent eleven years with a diversified real estate investment firm, where she was involved in the firm’s fund management services and served in various financial reporting, investor reporting and asset management roles.  She has previously worked in the financial accounting and reporting leadership role with a variety of commercial real estate companies, ranging from private start-ups to large publicly held companies. Camille began her career as a CPA with an international accounting firm. She earned a bachelor of science in accounting from Florida State University’s College of Business.

Gregory S. Hand

Senior Vice President - Developer Relations

Gregory Hand, Senior Vice President - Developer Relations Mr. Hand is responsible for working directly with originators and key general partners on a national basis in evaluating LIHTC opportunities.  In addition, Mr. Hand works directly with WNC's Investor Relations department with regard to investor due diligence matters. Prior to joining WNC in 1998, he served as a portfolio manager with a national tax credit sponsor, a finance manager with a full-service real estate operating company and a financial analyst with a real estate development company. Mr. Hand currently sits on the advisory committee for the National Council of Housing Market Analysts and is a member of the Housing Credit Group of the National Association of Home Builders. He earned his bachelor of science in business administration and finance from Iowa State University.

Kent Mehring

Senior Vice President - Asset Management

Kent Mehring, Senior Vice President - Asset Management Mr. Mehring oversees WNC’s tax credit asset management group. Prior to joining WNC in 2013, he served as an investment advisor for a pension fund, a principal for a national tax credit investment company and a director for a low-income housing tax credit management company. He currently is a National Association of Home Builders member and a housing credit certified professional. Mr. Mehring majored in business management at Northeastern University.

Christina Pham

Senior Vice President - Dispositions and Fund Management

Christina Pham, Senior Vice President – Dispositions and Fund Management Ms. Pham is responsible for the oversight of WNC’s property dispositions. Prior to joining WNC in 2004, Ms. Pham served as WNC’s Investor Services Manager and also provided financial analysis for WNC’s portfolio management group. Ms. Pham serves on the University of California, Irvine Alumni Advisory Committee, which provides leadership training and mentorship to its members. Ms. Pham graduated from the University of California, Irvine, with a bachelor of science in economics.

Edward Campbell

General Counsel

Edward Campbell, Esq., General Counsel with WNC. Mr. Campbell oversees WNC’s corporate and partnership legal affairs. He has 17 years of experience in the affordable housing industry representing lenders, investors, developers, and government agencies. Prior to joining WNC, He was a Partner in the affordable housing and real estate practice group at an AM Law 100 firm, and previously served as in-house counsel for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He received the 40 under 40 Award from the Nation LGBT Bar Association in 2016 and the Young Leader Award from Affordable Housing Finance in 2017. Mr. Campbell serves as member of the board of directors for the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition. Mr. Campbell earned a bachelor of arts in political science from the University of California, San Diego and a juris doctorate from Pepperdine University, School of Law.

Dan Garrett

Vice President - Central Region

Dan Garrett, Vice President - Originations Mr. Garrett is responsible for WNC’s origination efforts in the Midwest, along with Montana, Wyoming and Alaska. Prior to joining WNC, he worked for a tax credit syndication company and founded a development company. Mr. Garrett earned a bachelor’s degree from Wartburg College and a master of public administration from Drake University.

Kristin Han

Vice President - Compliance

Kristin Han, Vice President - Compliance, HCCP Ms. Han oversees property compliance for WNC’s nationwide portfolio. Prior to joining WNC in 1997, Ms. Han was a certified occupancy specialist for a nationwide property management company. She  holds the Housing Credit Certified Professional designation as well as NAHP (National Affordable Housing Professional), Certified Credit Compliance Professional, National Compliance Professional Executive (NCP) and Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) certifications. Ms. Han is on the HCCP Board and the advisory board for the property compliance section of the Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits. She is a frequently invited speaker at National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) conferences. Ms. Han attended the California State University at Long Beach.

Wendy Yan

Vice President - Underwriting

Wendy Yan, Vice President - Underwriting Ms. Yan oversees the underwriting team for new LIHTC projects for WNC. Prior to joining WNC in 2011, Ms. Yan worked as an affordable housing developer and a senior project manager for two regional development firms. She received a bachelor of science in psychology and a master of arts in urban planning from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Michael Byrd

Vice President - Midwest Region

Michael Byrd, Vice President - Originations, Midwest Mr. Byrd oversees WNC’s origination efforts throughout the central United States. Prior to Joining WNC in 2007, he worked for national nonprofit and for-profit developers. Mr. Byrd earned a bachelor of science in architecture from the University of Michigan and a master of architecture from the University of Minnesota.

Emmet Hargrave

Vice President - Fund Management

Emmet Hargrave, Vice President - Fund Management and a registered representative of WNC Capital Corporation Mr. Hargrave oversees WNC’s Fund Management group. Mr. Hargrave joined WNC in 2007, and prior to overseeing WNC’s Fund Management group, he served as the team leader of WNC’s pricing group, which is responsible for modeling WNC’s LIHTC acquisitions. He is a member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI). Mr. Hargrave attended the University of Vermont and graduated with a bachelor of science in finance.

Jessica Captanis

Vice President - Originations, West

Jessica Captanis, Vice President - Originations, Western Region. Ms. Captanis oversees WNC’s origination efforts in the Western United States. Prior to joining WNC, she worked for a community lending banker and an affordable housing development company. Ms. Captanis earned a bachelor of science in business administration with a concentration in finance from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

Warren Allen

Vice President - LIHTC Production

Warren Allen, Vice President – LIHTC Production. Mr. Allen oversees institutional investor due diligence and manages the Originations financial analysis group for WNC. Prior to joining WNC in 2017, he served as vice president of originations for a national tax credit syndicator. He was previously division controller for a multi-national plastics manufacturing firm and financial analysis manager for a national tax credit investor. Mr. Allen has a bachelor of arts degree in business administration with a concentration in finance from California State University, Fullerton, and an MBA with an emphasis in finance from the University of Southern California.

Randy Kim

Vice President - Information Technology

Randy Kim, Vice President – Information Technology. Mr. Kim oversees WNC’s information technology team. Prior to joining WNC in 2013, he served as database engineer, developer and architect in various business sectors, including real estate investment and finance companies. He is a Microsoft Certified Business Intelligence Developer and MicroStrategy certified project designer, developer and engine specialist. Mr. Kim attended California State Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo for a master’s degree in computer science and earned a bachelor’s of science degree in engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Michael Egidi

Vice President - Investor Relations

Michael Egidi, Vice President - Investor Relations. Mr. Egidi is responsible for investor equity raising efforts, due diligence, property pipelines and fund closings pertaining to WNC's proprietary funds. Prior to joining WNC in 2022, he served as a director and team lead of multi-investor/equity originations and underwriting at a multinational financial services holding company. Mr. Egidi is a member of the CFA Society of Virginia. Mr. Egidi earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, a master's degree in business administration from the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation.

Jason Brown

Controller

Jason Brown, CPA, Controller. Mr. Brown oversees the accounting, internal controls, and financial reporting functions of WNC. Prior to joining WNC in 2020, Mr. Brown worked with private and public homebuilders in various accounting and finance roles, focusing on project and corporate accounting, financial reporting, forecasting, and an ERP system implementation. Jason started his career as a Manager in the assurance services practice at Ernst & Young, where he primarily managed the audits of private real estate investment firms, commercial property developers, and operators. Mr. Brown graduated cum laude from California State University, Fullerton, with a bachelor of arts degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. Jason earned his MBA degree from the Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine, with dual specializations in digital transformation and real estate and urban development

David Ciminelli

Vice President - Originations

David Ciminelli, Vice President – Originations, Southeast. Mr. Ciminelli oversees WNC’s origination efforts in the southeast and northeast. Prior to joining WNC, Mr. Ciminelli worked for a major tax credit syndicator as an originator responsible for properties nationwide. Mr. Ciminelli also has prior experience in LIHTC acquisition and asset management. Mr. Ciminelli earned his bachelor of science in economics and finance from Westfield State University. He also holds a Master of Urban, Community and Regional Planning (MCP) and a Real Estate Finance Association Certificate in real estate finance, both from Boston University.

Jennifer (Howard) McHugh

Vice President - Investor Relations

Jennifer (Howard) McHugh, Vice President - Investor Relations. Ms. McHugh is responsible for WNC’s equity raise efforts, investor due diligence and multi-investor fund closings. Ms. McHugh has over 14 years of multifamily housing experience. Prior to joining WNC in 2020, Ms. McHugh worked as Vice President and Fund Manager of the national and regional multi-investor platform for a national tax credit syndicator. Prior to her investor relations role, Ms. McHugh was responsible for the origination and acquisition closings of low income housing tax credit investments. Ms. McHugh graduated with honors and holds both a bachelor of science in corporate finance and accounting and a master in business administration with a concentration in finance from Bentley University.

Ryan Thayer

Assistant Vice President - Originations

Ryan Thayer, is Assistant Vice President – Originations, Southeast. Mr. Thayer oversees WNC’s origination efforts in the southeast. Prior to joining WNC, Mr. Thayer worked for a regional tax credit syndicator as an originator and underwriter responsible for properties in the southeast and mid-Atlantic states. Mr. Thayer has also worked abroad in Germany for a private equity firm investing in multifamily assets in the southeastern United States. Mr. Thayer earned his bachelor of arts in economics from The Ohio State University.

Tammy Bliss

Director - Construction Risk Management

Tammy Bliss, Director - Construction Risk Management. Ms. Bliss oversees the construction risk management department at WNC. Prior to joining WNC in 2013 she worked as a lender, developer, property manager and business owner.  Ms. Bliss earned an associate of arts degree in communication studies from Coastline College. Currently, Ms. Bliss holds a California broker license and real estate license. She is a member of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, the California Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. Ms. Bliss also is an accredited independent rental owner professional.

Grace Duong

Director - Human Resources

Grace Duong, Human Resources Director Ms. Duong oversees all aspects of WNC’s human resource activities. Prior to joining WNC in 2011, she directed HR initiatives in established organizations and entrepreneurial ventures. Ms. Duong currently is a member of Society for Human Resources Management and Professionals in Human Resources Association. She earned a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of California, Riverside before attending Pepperdine University where she received a  master of business administration and a certificate in dispute resolution.

Lindsey Duong

Director - Dispositions

Lindsey Duong, Director – Dispositions. Ms. Duong oversees the disposition of LIHTC assets in the WNC portfolio, many of which have reached or exceeded the 15-year compliance period. Ms. Duong joined WNC in 2011 and gained LIHTC experience in WNC’s Asset Management department before transferring to the Dispositions department. She holds an associates degree from FIDM.

Wilfred N. Cooper, Sr.

Founder and Chairman Emeritus

Wilfred N. Cooper Sr, Founder and Chairman Emeritus Mr. Cooper founded WNC to specialize in development and syndication of affordable rental housing properties. Mr. Cooper, who has testified before Congress regarding low-income housing tax credits, is a life director of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a national trustee of NAHB’s Political Action Committee. He is a life trustee of the National Housing Conference, a cofounder and director emeritus of the California Housing Consortium and a member of the U.S. Vets Housing Taskforce committee. Additionally, Mr. Cooper has been inducted into the Hall of Fame at the California Homebuilding Foundation (CHF). Mr. Cooper is the recipient of the CHF Lifetime Achievement Award, the NAHB Robert J. Corletta Award and the David Reznick Lifetime Achievement Award for his achievements in the industry. Mr. Cooper earned a bachelor of arts from Pomona College.

Wilfred N. Cooper, Jr.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Wilfred N. Cooper, Jr, Chairman and CEO, and Director of WNC, President and Registered Principal of WNC Capital Corporation and Principal of Preservation Equity Fund Advisors Mr. Cooper directs WNC’s overall business operations and strategy. Prior to joining WNC in 1988, Mr. Cooper worked in government and legislative affairs in the Washington D.C. office of a multinational corporation. He is a national trustee of the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Political Action Committee, a member of the NAHB Housing Finance Committee and the board of directors of the California Building Industry Association (CBIA), a co-chair of the Affordable Housing Subcommittee of the CBIA. He is also a member of the advisory board and Political Action Committee of the National Multifamily Housing Council. Mr. Cooper earned a bachelor of arts from the School of International Service of the American University.

Anand Kannan

President

Anand Kannan, CPA, President. As President Mr. Kannan oversees the origination, acquisition and rehabilitation, and preservation of existing affordable housing properties by WNC and Community Preservation Partners (CPP), WNC's subsidiary that specializes in affordable housing preservation and development; and its joint venture partners. In his most recent position at WNC as President of CPP, his leadership enabled the group to preserve and rehabilitate over 13,000 units in 18 states with a total development cost of over $3 billion. Prior to joining WNC in 2010, he served as an associate director with a regional property developer where he developed or consulted on more than 90 affordable rental properties. Mr. Kannan received the Young Leader Award from Affordable Housing Finance in 2016. He is a former member of Vistage International and a council member in the Urban Land Institute's Workforce Housing Group. He earned a bachelor of arts in economics with an emphasis in accounting from the University of California, Berkeley.

Melanie Wenk

Chief Operating Officer

Melanie Wenk, CPA, Chief Operating Officer and a registered representative of WNC Capital Corporation. Ms. Wenk oversees WNC’s accounting, underwriting and portfolio dispositions groups. Prior to joining WNC in 2003, she was employed by a national accounting firm where her emphasis was on the affordable housing industry.  Ms. Wenk serves on US Bank’s Orange County Advisory Board. She is currently a member of the National Association of Home Builders.  She earned a bachelor of science in accounting from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona.

Anil Advani

Executive Vice President - Originations and Finance

Anil Advani, Esq., Executive Vice President – Originations and Finance and a registered representative of WNC Capital Corporation Mr. Advani oversees WNC’s originations team.  He has 20 years of LIHTC experience from both a consulting and syndications perspective. Prior to joining WNC in 2011 he worked for a tax credit syndicator and two national accounting firms with a specialization in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) industry. Mr. Advani earned a bachelor of arts in economics from the University of Texas at Austin and a juris doctor from American University.

Ann Caruana

President and Chief Investment Officer, Preservation Equity Funds

President and Chief Investment Officer, Preservation Equity Fund Advisors Ms. Caruana oversees all activities of the Preservation Equity Funds.  She has more than 19 years of direct experience in the multifamily investment sector, including nearly eight years specializing in investments of affordable rental housing to create attractive economic returns for investors. 

Prior to joining WNC in 2018, she worked for four years with a private real estate equity firm where she specialized in the acquisition of affordable rental apartments generating economic returns, last serving as senior vice president of acquisitions. Prior to that, Ms. Caruana spent nine years with a publicly-traded multifamily REIT where she served in various research and investment roles, including senior director of market research, senior investment analyst and investment manager. Ms. Caruana is a member of the ULI (Urban Land Institute) Women’s Leadership Initiative and the NMHC (National Multifamily Housing Council) Emerging Leaders Committee. Ms. Caruana holds an MBA from the University of Miami, Florida and a bachelor’s degree in statistics and marketing from Miami University, Ohio.

Christine Cormier

Executive Vice President - Investor Relations

Christine Cormier, Executive Vice President - Investor Relations and registered representative of WNC Capital Corporation Ms. Cormier oversees WNC’s institutional Investor Relations team, including equity raising efforts, investor due diligence and multi-investor fund closings. Prior to joining WNC in 2008, she served as a managing director for a national tax credit syndicator. Ms. Cormier serves on the board of the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition. She graduated summa cum laude from Bentley University with a bachelor of science in accounting and computer science.

Wilfred N. Cooper, Sr.

Founder and Chairman Emeritus

Wilfred N. Cooper Sr, Founder and Chairman Emeritus Mr. Cooper founded WNC to specialize in development and syndication of affordable rental housing properties. Mr. Cooper, who has testified before Congress regarding low-income housing tax credits, is a life director of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a national trustee of NAHB’s Political Action Committee. He is a life trustee of the National Housing Conference, a cofounder and director emeritus of the California Housing Consortium and a member of the U.S. Vets Housing Taskforce committee. Additionally, Mr. Cooper has been inducted into the Hall of Fame at the California Homebuilding Foundation (CHF). Mr. Cooper is the recipient of the CHF Lifetime Achievement Award, the NAHB Robert J. Corletta Award and the David Reznick Lifetime Achievement Award for his achievements in the industry. Mr. Cooper earned a bachelor of arts from Pomona College.

Wilfred N. Cooper, Jr.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Wilfred N. Cooper, Jr, Chairman and CEO, and Director of WNC, President and Registered Principal of WNC Capital Corporation and Principal of Preservation Equity Fund Advisors Mr. Cooper directs WNC’s overall business operations and strategy. Prior to joining WNC in 1988, Mr. Cooper worked in government and legislative affairs in the Washington D.C. office of a multinational corporation. He is a national trustee of the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Political Action Committee, a member of the NAHB Housing Finance Committee and the board of directors of the California Building Industry Association (CBIA), a co-chair of the Affordable Housing Subcommittee of the CBIA. He is also a member of the advisory board and Political Action Committee of the National Multifamily Housing Council. Mr. Cooper earned a bachelor of arts from the School of International Service of the American University.

Melanie Wenk

Chief Operating Officer

Melanie Wenk, CPA, Chief Operating Officer and a registered representative of WNC Capital Corporation. Ms. Wenk oversees WNC’s accounting, underwriting and portfolio dispositions groups. Prior to joining WNC in 2003, she was employed by a national accounting firm where her emphasis was on the affordable housing industry.  Ms. Wenk serves on US Bank’s Orange County Advisory Board. She is currently a member of the National Association of Home Builders.  She earned a bachelor of science in accounting from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona.

Anand Kannan

President

Anand Kannan, CPA, President. As President Mr. Kannan oversees the origination, acquisition and rehabilitation, and preservation of existing affordable housing properties by WNC and Community Preservation Partners (CPP), WNC's subsidiary that specializes in affordable housing preservation and development; and its joint venture partners. In his most recent position at WNC as President of CPP, his leadership enabled the group to preserve and rehabilitate over 13,000 units in 18 states with a total development cost of over $3 billion. Prior to joining WNC in 2010, he served as an associate director with a regional property developer where he developed or consulted on more than 90 affordable rental properties. Mr. Kannan received the Young Leader Award from Affordable Housing Finance in 2016. He is a former member of Vistage International and a council member in the Urban Land Institute's Workforce Housing Group. He earned a bachelor of arts in economics with an emphasis in accounting from the University of California, Berkeley.

Anil Advani

Executive Vice President - Originations and Finance

Anil Advani, Esq., Executive Vice President – Originations and Finance and a registered representative of WNC Capital Corporation Mr. Advani oversees WNC’s originations team.  He has 20 years of LIHTC experience from both a consulting and syndications perspective. Prior to joining WNC in 2011 he worked for a tax credit syndicator and two national accounting firms with a specialization in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) industry. Mr. Advani earned a bachelor of arts in economics from the University of Texas at Austin and a juris doctor from American University.

Ann Caruana

President and Chief Investment Officer, Preservation Equity Funds

President and Chief Investment Officer, Preservation Equity Fund Advisors Ms. Caruana oversees all activities of the Preservation Equity Funds.  She has more than 19 years of direct experience in the multifamily investment sector, including nearly eight years specializing in investments of affordable rental housing to create attractive economic returns for investors. 

Prior to joining WNC in 2018, she worked for four years with a private real estate equity firm where she specialized in the acquisition of affordable rental apartments generating economic returns, last serving as senior vice president of acquisitions. Prior to that, Ms. Caruana spent nine years with a publicly-traded multifamily REIT where she served in various research and investment roles, including senior director of market research, senior investment analyst and investment manager. Ms. Caruana is a member of the ULI (Urban Land Institute) Women’s Leadership Initiative and the NMHC (National Multifamily Housing Council) Emerging Leaders Committee. Ms. Caruana holds an MBA from the University of Miami, Florida and a bachelor’s degree in statistics and marketing from Miami University, Ohio.

Christine Cormier

Executive Vice President - Investor Relations

Christine Cormier, Executive Vice President - Investor Relations and registered representative of WNC Capital Corporation Ms. Cormier oversees WNC’s institutional Investor Relations team, including equity raising efforts, investor due diligence and multi-investor fund closings. Prior to joining WNC in 2008, she served as a managing director for a national tax credit syndicator. Ms. Cormier serves on the board of the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition. She graduated summa cum laude from Bentley University with a bachelor of science in accounting and computer science.

Camille Longino

CFO and Senior Vice President – Accounting and Finance

Camille Longino, CFO and Senior Vice President - Accounting and Finance and Human Resources. Ms. Longino oversees daily operations of WNC’s accounting and finance and human resources teams. Ms. Longino is a member of the PEF Investment Committee. Prior to joining WNC, Camille worked with a private real estate equity firm where she served as the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and as Senior Vice President of asset management during her tenure. Prior to that, she spent eleven years with a diversified real estate investment firm, where she was involved in the firm’s fund management services and served in various financial reporting, investor reporting and asset management roles.  She has previously worked in the financial accounting and reporting leadership role with a variety of commercial real estate companies, ranging from private start-ups to large publicly held companies. Camille began her career as a CPA with an international accounting firm. She earned a bachelor of science in accounting from Florida State University’s College of Business.

Darrick Metz

Senior Vice President - Originations

Darrick Metz, Senior Vice President - Originations Mr. Metz leads WNC’s tax credit property originations team in the midwest and central states. Prior to joining WNC in 1999, he worked for a regional tax credit developer and for the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency as a Senior Housing Development Officer with responsibility for the allocation of Tax Credits and HOME funds. Mr. Metz  currently is a member of the Qualified Allocation Plan Tax Credit Advisory Committee for the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, the Minnesota Housing Multifamily Technical Advisory and the National Housing and Rehabilitation Association. He earned a bachelor of science in finance and economics from St. Cloud University.

Gregory S. Hand

Senior Vice President - Developer Relations

Gregory Hand, Senior Vice President - Developer Relations Mr. Hand is responsible for working directly with originators and key general partners on a national basis in evaluating LIHTC opportunities.  In addition, Mr. Hand works directly with WNC's Investor Relations department with regard to investor due diligence matters. Prior to joining WNC in 1998, he served as a portfolio manager with a national tax credit sponsor, a finance manager with a full-service real estate operating company and a financial analyst with a real estate development company. Mr. Hand currently sits on the advisory committee for the National Council of Housing Market Analysts and is a member of the Housing Credit Group of the National Association of Home Builders. He earned his bachelor of science in business administration and finance from Iowa State University.

Kent Mehring

Senior Vice President - Asset Management

Kent Mehring, Senior Vice President - Asset Management Mr. Mehring oversees WNC’s tax credit asset management group. Prior to joining WNC in 2013, he served as an investment advisor for a pension fund, a principal for a national tax credit investment company and a director for a low-income housing tax credit management company. He currently is a National Association of Home Builders member and a housing credit certified professional. Mr. Mehring majored in business management at Northeastern University.

Christina Pham

Senior Vice President - Dispositions and Fund Management

Christina Pham, Senior Vice President – Dispositions and Fund Management Ms. Pham is responsible for the oversight of WNC’s property dispositions. Prior to joining WNC in 2004, Ms. Pham served as WNC’s Investor Services Manager and also provided financial analysis for WNC’s portfolio management group. Ms. Pham serves on the University of California, Irvine Alumni Advisory Committee, which provides leadership training and mentorship to its members. Ms. Pham graduated from the University of California, Irvine, with a bachelor of science in economics.

Kristin Han

Vice President - Compliance

Kristin Han, Vice President - Compliance, HCCP Ms. Han oversees property compliance for WNC’s nationwide portfolio. Prior to joining WNC in 1997, Ms. Han was a certified occupancy specialist for a nationwide property management company. She  holds the Housing Credit Certified Professional designation as well as NAHP (National Affordable Housing Professional), Certified Credit Compliance Professional, National Compliance Professional Executive (NCP) and Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) certifications. Ms. Han is on the HCCP Board and the advisory board for the property compliance section of the Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits. She is a frequently invited speaker at National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) conferences. Ms. Han attended the California State University at Long Beach.

Wendy Yan

Vice President - Underwriting

Wendy Yan, Vice President - Underwriting Ms. Yan oversees the underwriting team for new LIHTC projects for WNC. Prior to joining WNC in 2011, Ms. Yan worked as an affordable housing developer and a senior project manager for two regional development firms. She received a bachelor of science in psychology and a master of arts in urban planning from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Emmet Hargrave

Vice President - Fund Management

Emmet Hargrave, Vice President - Fund Management and a registered representative of WNC Capital Corporation Mr. Hargrave oversees WNC’s Fund Management group. Mr. Hargrave joined WNC in 2007, and prior to overseeing WNC’s Fund Management group, he served as the team leader of WNC’s pricing group, which is responsible for modeling WNC’s LIHTC acquisitions. He is a member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI). Mr. Hargrave attended the University of Vermont and graduated with a bachelor of science in finance.

Warren Allen

Vice President - LIHTC Production

Warren Allen, Vice President – LIHTC Production. Mr. Allen oversees institutional investor due diligence and manages the Originations financial analysis group for WNC. Prior to joining WNC in 2017, he served as vice president of originations for a national tax credit syndicator. He was previously division controller for a multi-national plastics manufacturing firm and financial analysis manager for a national tax credit investor. Mr. Allen has a bachelor of arts degree in business administration with a concentration in finance from California State University, Fullerton, and an MBA with an emphasis in finance from the University of Southern California.

Randy Kim

Vice President - Information Technology

Randy Kim, Vice President – Information Technology. Mr. Kim oversees WNC’s information technology team. Prior to joining WNC in 2013, he served as database engineer, developer and architect in various business sectors, including real estate investment and finance companies. He is a Microsoft Certified Business Intelligence Developer and MicroStrategy certified project designer, developer and engine specialist. Mr. Kim attended California State Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo for a master’s degree in computer science and earned a bachelor’s of science degree in engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Jason Brown

Controller

Jason Brown, CPA, Controller. Mr. Brown oversees the accounting, internal controls, and financial reporting functions of WNC. Prior to joining WNC in 2020, Mr. Brown worked with private and public homebuilders in various accounting and finance roles, focusing on project and corporate accounting, financial reporting, forecasting, and an ERP system implementation. Jason started his career as a Manager in the assurance services practice at Ernst & Young, where he primarily managed the audits of private real estate investment firms, commercial property developers, and operators. Mr. Brown graduated cum laude from California State University, Fullerton, with a bachelor of arts degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. Jason earned his MBA degree from the Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine, with dual specializations in digital transformation and real estate and urban development

Jennifer (Howard) McHugh

Vice President - Investor Relations

Jennifer (Howard) McHugh, Vice President - Investor Relations. Ms. McHugh is responsible for WNC’s equity raise efforts, investor due diligence and multi-investor fund closings. Ms. McHugh has over 14 years of multifamily housing experience. Prior to joining WNC in 2020, Ms. McHugh worked as Vice President and Fund Manager of the national and regional multi-investor platform for a national tax credit syndicator. Prior to her investor relations role, Ms. McHugh was responsible for the origination and acquisition closings of low income housing tax credit investments. Ms. McHugh graduated with honors and holds both a bachelor of science in corporate finance and accounting and a master in business administration with a concentration in finance from Bentley University.

Tammy Bliss

Director - Construction Risk Management

Tammy Bliss, Director - Construction Risk Management. Ms. Bliss oversees the construction risk management department at WNC. Prior to joining WNC in 2013 she worked as a lender, developer, property manager and business owner.  Ms. Bliss earned an associate of arts degree in communication studies from Coastline College. Currently, Ms. Bliss holds a California broker license and real estate license. She is a member of the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, the California Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. Ms. Bliss also is an accredited independent rental owner professional.

Grace Duong

Director - Human Resources

Grace Duong, Human Resources Director Ms. Duong oversees all aspects of WNC’s human resource activities. Prior to joining WNC in 2011, she directed HR initiatives in established organizations and entrepreneurial ventures. Ms. Duong currently is a member of Society for Human Resources Management and Professionals in Human Resources Association. She earned a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of California, Riverside before attending Pepperdine University where she received a  master of business administration and a certificate in dispute resolution.

Lindsey Duong

Director - Dispositions

Lindsey Duong, Director – Dispositions. Ms. Duong oversees the disposition of LIHTC assets in the WNC portfolio, many of which have reached or exceeded the 15-year compliance period. Ms. Duong joined WNC in 2011 and gained LIHTC experience in WNC’s Asset Management department before transferring to the Dispositions department. She holds an associates degree from FIDM.

Jim Ashby

Advisory Board Member

Jim Ashby has more than 25 years of experience as a successful entrepreneur and business leader in the healthcare, construction and technology industries. He is a past COO of Banfield Pet Hospital, which owns over 1,000 veterinary care clinics located in the United States, Mexico and the United Kingdom. Prior to Banfield, Mr. Ashby served as President and CEO of CareMeridian, a $46 million provider of healthcare services with 16 facilities throughout the southwest. He has served on various philanthropic boards. Jim holds a master’s degree in business administration from San Diego State University and a bachelor’s degree in biology and Spanish from the University of Redlands where he graduated a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

Christopher Beda

Advisory Board Member

Beda is a partner with Wabash Partners, a private real estate investment firm that focuses on multifamily real estate, which he founded in 2018. Prior to Wabash Partners, Beda was a founding partner at Carmel Partners Inc., where he helped the multifamily investment firm raise and invest $4 billion in equity from 2004 to 2017. Previously, Beda spent approximately 10 years as the acquisitions and dispositions officer for the western U.S. at Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR), during which time he helped the firm acquire more than 200,000 apartment units. Beda graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

Howard Heitner

Advisory Board Member

Howard Heitner has over 35 years of experience in finance, law and affordable housing. He has formerly served at the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, D.C.; as JRK Residential America President and investment committee member; COO of SunAmerica Affordable Housing Partners and partner at O’Melveny & Myers LLP. He has also served as Chairman of the Board of the Los Angeles Conservancy and is a member of the Hollywood Community Housing Board, Shelter Partnership Board, Menorah Housing Foundation Board, Curtis School Board and Adobe Community Board’s finance committee. Mr. Heitner graduated from Bucknell University with a bachelor’s degree and MBA and from the University of Chicago with a juris doctorate.

Trisha Malone

Advisory Board Member

Trisha Malone is president and chief investment officer at Anton Development Company, a developer, builder, owner and operator of market rate and affordable housing. She provides strategy and vision to the company, and leads operations, including investments in ground-up apartment developments, capital formation, affordable housing, asset management and dispositions. Malone, who has been with Anton Development Company since 2000, co-chairs its executive committee. She began her career in public accounting, where she acquired experience in the tax and audit industries, focusing on real estate and non-profit clients. Malone earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from California State University, Sacramento. She earned her California certified public accountant license and is  a member the Urban Land Institute Multifamily Silver Council.

Jenny Netzer

Advisory Board Member

Jenny Netzer has been a member of WNC’s Advisory Board since March 2018 and has more than 30 years of experience in the affordable housing and renewable energy industries. Ms. Netzer is CEO of TCAM, an independent investment manager which provides asset management, advisory and consulting services to owners and funders of affordable housing. Prior to joining TCAM, Ms. Netzer spent 21 years in the affordable housing and the renewable energy industries with MMA Financial and its predecessor organizations, Lend Lease Housing and Community Investing and Boston Financial. Ms. Netzer led the development of new business for MuniMae, leading the company’s entrance into the renewable energy business and expanding its affordable housing investment activities internationally. She also led the company’s affordable housing tax credit business, including capital-raising, investment, and asset management. Ms. Netzer has also served as Deputy Budget Director for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; at Yale University as Assistant Comptroller, and at the Massachusetts Department of Public Welfare as a budget analyst and Assistant Deputy Commissioner. She has a master’s in public policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and an AB from Harvard College.

Michael Novogradac

Advisory Board Member

Michael Novogradac has more than 25 years of experience specializing in affordable housing, community development and renewable energy. He is currently the managing partner in the San Francisco office of Novogradac & Company LLP. Mr. Novogradac’s focus is in real estate taxation and accounting. He is the author of numerous real estate-related tax and accounting articles and books, including the New Markets Tax Credit Handbook and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Handbook. A frequent speaker at tax credit conferences and forums throughout the country, Mr. Novogradac is very active in advocating for the inclusion of affordable housing, historic, new markets and renewable energy tax credits in federal and state policy and broadcasts a weekly podcast that focuses on tax credit issues. In addition, he serves as advisor on industry and governmental affairs for the NMTC Working Group and the LIHTC Working Group. Mr. Novogradac also serves on the executive committee of the Housing Advisory Group and the boards of directors of the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition, the National Housing Conference, the NMTC Coalition and Historic Tax Credit Coalition. Mr. Novogradac graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a bachelor’s degree in economics. He received an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley. He is licensed in California, Oregon, Maryland and Texas as a certified public accountant.

Anil Advani

Executive Vice President - Originations and Finance

Anil Advani, Esq., Executive Vice President – Originations and Finance and a registered representative of WNC Capital Corporation Mr. Advani oversees WNC’s originations team.  He has 20 years of LIHTC experience from both a consulting and syndications perspective. Prior to joining WNC in 2011 he worked for a tax credit syndicator and two national accounting firms with a specialization in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) industry. Mr. Advani earned a bachelor of arts in economics from the University of Texas at Austin and a juris doctor from American University.

Gregory S. Hand

Senior Vice President - Developer Relations

Gregory Hand, Senior Vice President - Developer Relations Mr. Hand is responsible for working directly with originators and key general partners on a national basis in evaluating LIHTC opportunities.  In addition, Mr. Hand works directly with WNC's Investor Relations department with regard to investor due diligence matters. Prior to joining WNC in 1998, he served as a portfolio manager with a national tax credit sponsor, a finance manager with a full-service real estate operating company and a financial analyst with a real estate development company. Mr. Hand currently sits on the advisory committee for the National Council of Housing Market Analysts and is a member of the Housing Credit Group of the National Association of Home Builders. He earned his bachelor of science in business administration and finance from Iowa State University.

Darrick Metz

Senior Vice President - Originations

Darrick Metz, Senior Vice President - Originations Mr. Metz leads WNC’s tax credit property originations team in the midwest and central states. Prior to joining WNC in 1999, he worked for a regional tax credit developer and for the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency as a Senior Housing Development Officer with responsibility for the allocation of Tax Credits and HOME funds. Mr. Metz  currently is a member of the Qualified Allocation Plan Tax Credit Advisory Committee for the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, the Minnesota Housing Multifamily Technical Advisory and the National Housing and Rehabilitation Association. He earned a bachelor of science in finance and economics from St. Cloud University.

Dan Garrett

Vice President - Central Region

Dan Garrett, Vice President - Originations Mr. Garrett is responsible for WNC’s origination efforts in the Midwest, along with Montana, Wyoming and Alaska. Prior to joining WNC, he worked for a tax credit syndication company and founded a development company. Mr. Garrett earned a bachelor’s degree from Wartburg College and a master of public administration from Drake University.

Michael Byrd

Vice President - Midwest Region

Michael Byrd, Vice President - Originations, Midwest Mr. Byrd oversees WNC’s origination efforts throughout the central United States. Prior to Joining WNC in 2007, he worked for national nonprofit and for-profit developers. Mr. Byrd earned a bachelor of science in architecture from the University of Michigan and a master of architecture from the University of Minnesota.

Jessica Captanis

Vice President - Originations, West

Jessica Captanis, Vice President - Originations, Western Region. Ms. Captanis oversees WNC’s origination efforts in the Western United States. Prior to joining WNC, she worked for a community lending banker and an affordable housing development company. Ms. Captanis earned a bachelor of science in business administration with a concentration in finance from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

David Ciminelli

Vice President - Originations

David Ciminelli, Vice President – Originations, Southeast. Mr. Ciminelli oversees WNC’s origination efforts in the southeast and northeast. Prior to joining WNC, Mr. Ciminelli worked for a major tax credit syndicator as an originator responsible for properties nationwide. Mr. Ciminelli also has prior experience in LIHTC acquisition and asset management. Mr. Ciminelli earned his bachelor of science in economics and finance from Westfield State University. He also holds a Master of Urban, Community and Regional Planning (MCP) and a Real Estate Finance Association Certificate in real estate finance, both from Boston University.

Warren Allen

Vice President - LIHTC Production

Warren Allen, Vice President – LIHTC Production. Mr. Allen oversees institutional investor due diligence and manages the Originations financial analysis group for WNC. Prior to joining WNC in 2017, he served as vice president of originations for a national tax credit syndicator. He was previously division controller for a multi-national plastics manufacturing firm and financial analysis manager for a national tax credit investor. Mr. Allen has a bachelor of arts degree in business administration with a concentration in finance from California State University, Fullerton, and an MBA with an emphasis in finance from the University of Southern California.

Ryan Thayer

Assistant Vice President - Originations

Ryan Thayer, is Assistant Vice President – Originations, Southeast. Mr. Thayer oversees WNC’s origination efforts in the southeast. Prior to joining WNC, Mr. Thayer worked for a regional tax credit syndicator as an originator and underwriter responsible for properties in the southeast and mid-Atlantic states. Mr. Thayer has also worked abroad in Germany for a private equity firm investing in multifamily assets in the southeastern United States. Mr. Thayer earned his bachelor of arts in economics from The Ohio State University.