Team

Wilfred N. Cooper, Sr.
Founder and Chairman Emeritus, WNC

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 trustee emeritus 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.
President and Chief Executive Officer, WNC
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, PEF Advisors

Mr. Cooper directs the overall business strategy of WNC and PEFA. Prior to joining WNC in 1988, Mr. Cooper worked in government and legislative affairs in the Washington D.C. office of Honda North America. He is Chairman and trustee of BUILD-PAC, the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Political Action Committee. Mr. Cooper is a National Delegate and National Area Chair for NAHB and is a member of the Federal Government Affairs Committee.  He is a member of the board of directors of the California Building Industry Association (CBIA) and is 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 in Washington, D.C.

Preservation Equity Fund Advisors, LLC (PEF Advisors) is an affiliate of the WNC & Associates, Inc. (WNC) family of companies. While PEF Advisors may draw on the resources of WNC and its subsidiaries and/or affiliates through services agreements, PEF Advisors is responsible for all investment, fund management and related decisions and actions of the investment vehicles it manages, independent of WNC and its subsidiaries and/or affiliates.

Melanie Wenk, CPA
Chief Operating Officer, WNC

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, PEF Advisors

Ms. Caruana joined PEFA in 2018 and has over 20 years of multifamily housing experience, including 12 years in the affordable housing sector. She is responsible for PEFA’s overall business operations and investment decisions.

Prior to joining PEFA, 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 former member of the Emerging Leaders Committee of the National Multifamily Housing Council, last serving as Co-Vice Chair, and is a member of the Affordable Housing Committee and the Urban Land Institute affordable housing committee. She holds an MBA from the University of Miami, Florida and a bachelor’s degree in statistics and marketing from Miami University, Ohio.

Preservation Equity Fund Advisors, LLC (PEF Advisors) is an affiliate of the WNC & Associates, Inc. (WNC) family of companies. While PEF Advisors may draw on the resources of WNC and its subsidiaries and/or affiliates through services agreements, PEF Advisors is responsible for all investment, fund management and related decisions and actions of the investment vehicles it manages, independent of WNC and its subsidiaries and/or affiliates.

Seth Gellis
President, Community Preservation Partners

As President Mr. Gellis oversees the origination, acquisition and rehabilitation, and preservation of existing affordable housing properties by WNC subsidiary Community Preservation Partners. Prior to joining WNC in 2012, he served in various project, financial and asset management roles for affordable housing developers and the FDIC. Mr. Gellis is a frequent speaker at multifamily conferences and a Globe St. multifamily Influencer. He serves as Vice President of the board for the National Leased Housing Association (NLHA). Seth graduated from the University of California, Riverside, with a bachelor of science degree in business administration and from Drexel University with an MBA in finance. He is a licensed real estate broker in California and Virginia.

Anil Advani, Esq.
Executive Vice President - Syndications, WNC

Mr. Advani oversees WNC’s originations team.  He has 20 years of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (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 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, WNC

Ms. Cormier oversees WNC’s institutional Investor Relations team, including equity raising efforts, investor due diligence and 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, WNC

Mr. Metz leads WNC’s tax credit property originations team in the midwest and western states (outside of California). Prior to joining WNC in 1999, he worked for a regional market rate and 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 in the State of Minnesota as well as leading the state’s first mortgage program. Mr. Metz has participated as a member of the Qualified Allocation Plan Tax Credit Advisory Committee and Technical Advisory Group for several housing agencies and is a board member for the National Housing and Rehabilitation Association. He earned a bachelor of science in finance and economics from St. Cloud University, Minnesota.

Gregory S. Hand
Senior Vice President - Developer Relations, WNC

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.

Wendy Yan
Senior Vice President - Acquisitions, WNC

Ms. Yan oversees the acquisitions team in underwriting and structuring tax credit transactions for WNC’s closing. 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.

Kelli Ozdemir
Senior Vice President - Asset Management, WNC

Kelli Ozdemir is Senior Vice President – Asset Management. Ms. Ozdemir leads the Asset Management team, which includes Stabilized, Construction Risk Management, Compliance, and Partnership Accounting. Prior to joining WNC, Kelli served as Managing Director of Portfolio Management at a national syndicator in the affordable housing industry. Ms. Ozdemir oversaw multiple teams who worked with developer and investor clients to protect the investment. Kelli is a member of the Women’s Affordable Housing Network and is involved with the Indiana Chapter. She also volunteers at the Breakthrough T1D organization, and is President of the Indiana Chapter. Ms. Ozdemir holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Butler University.

Edward Campbell, Esq.
General Counsel, WNC
Chief Compliance Officer, PEF Advisor

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.

Preservation Equity Fund Advisors, LLC (PEF Advisors) is an affiliate of the WNC & Associates, Inc. (WNC) family of companies. While PEF Advisors may draw on the resources of WNC and its subsidiaries and/or affiliates through services agreements, PEF Advisors is responsible for all investment, fund management and related decisions and actions of the investment vehicles it manages, independent of WNC and its subsidiaries and/or affiliates.

Dan Garrett
Vice President - Central Region, WNC

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, HCCP
Vice President - Compliance, WNC

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.

Michael Byrd
Vice President - Midwest Region, WNC

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, WNC

Emmet Hargrave is 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, WNC

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, WNC

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, WNC

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, CPA
Vice President - Accounting and Finance, WNC

Mr. Brown oversees accounting, internal controls, financial reporting, financial planning and analysis, and the company’s information technology function. Jason plays a key role in supporting WNC’s strategic, operational, and technology initiatives through disciplined financial management and systems oversight. Prior to joining WNC in 2020, Jason worked with both private and public homebuilders in a variety of accounting and finance roles, with a focus on project and corporate accounting, financial reporting, forecasting, and ERP system implementations. He began his career at Ernst & Young as a Manager in the assurance services practice, where he led audits for private real estate investment firms, commercial property developers, and operators.

Jason graduated cum laude from California State University, Fullerton, with a bachelor of arts in business administration, accounting. He earned his MBA 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, WNC

Ms. McHugh is responsible for WNC’s equity raise efforts and proprietary 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.

Erik Geho
Vice President - Investor Relations, WNC

Mr. Geho is responsible for investor due diligence and property pipelines. Prior to joining WNC in 2024, Mr. Geho structured and underwrote LIHTC debt, and equity investments across market rate, affordable, and senior multifamily housing transactions at a national finance company. Erik holds a master of business administration and a master of science in information technology from Duquesne University, along with a bachelor of science in geology from the University of Pittsburgh.

Kamisha Mack
Vice President - Acquisitions, WNC

Ms. Mack oversees the underwriting of prospective projects and works with developer partners to successfully manage deals through the closing process. Kamisha has 20 years of experience in affordable housing and finance and brings a wealth of development and structuring expertise. Prior to joining WNC, Kamisha worked for a national LIHTC equity syndicator, responsible for the underwriting and acquisition of developments with financial structures that included federal, state, historic, energy tax credits and a variety of soft and conventional sources. Kamisha has also served as a Senior Project Manager for three national affordable housing development firms, where she has been responsible for the acquisition, development and construction of more than 2,000 units and securing more than $400 million in financing. Kamisha earned her bachelors degree in business administration at California State University, Dominguez Hills, and her master’s degree in public administration at California State University, Long Beach.

Jason Nelson
Vice President - Construction Risk Management, WNC

Mr. Nelson oversees the WNC’s construction risk management department to maximize construction quality and accessibility compliance, adherence to budget and timeliness to completion. He works in conjunction with WNC’s compliance department and stabilized asset management group to estimate tax credit delivery and lease-up timelines. Mr. Nelson has 12 years of affordable housing asset management experience, focusing primarily on construction. Prior to joining WNC in 2022, Mr. Nelson worked at two other national LIHTC syndicators. Jason is a Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) and graduated from Westfield State University, Westfield, Massachusetts, with a bachelor of arts in communications and from Boston University Metropolitan College with a Master of Science in City Planning.

Kyle Rutledge
Vice President - Stabilized Asset Management, WNC

Kyle oversees WNC’s stabilized asset management team, which is comprised of 11 asset managers and over 650 assets. Kyle has worked in asset management and affordable housing for 15 years and has developed strong relationships with WNC’s developer partners over his 11-year tenure at WNC. He holds a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Louisiana State University.

Lindsey Duong
Vice President - Dispositions, WNC

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.

Ryan Thayer
Assistant Vice President - Originations, WNC

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.

Grace Duong
Director - Human Resources, WNC

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.

Belinda Oakes
Chief Financial Officer, Community Preservation Partners

Belinda Oakes serves as the Chief Financial Officer at CPP, where she has been instrumental in driving the company’s growth and operational efficiency. Under her leadership, CPP has modernized its financial infrastructure, including the successful implementation of a cutting-edge online accounting system with job costing capabilities. Belinda’s efforts have also streamlined deal processes and played a pivotal role in restructuring the accounting team to better support the company’s rapid expansion.

Belinda holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Golden Gate University.

Marie Debor
Vice President of New Construction, Community Preservation Partners

As Vice President of New Construction at Community Preservation Partners (CPP), Marie leads the company’s efforts to grow its new construction platform, overseeing complex development strategies from initial concept through financing and execution in all markets.

Before joining CPP, Marie held senior development roles at The John Stewart Company, BRIDGE Housing Corporation, and Related Companies. Marie earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of San Diego.

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Jack Aronson
Senior VP of Development & Acquisitions, Community Preservation Partners

As the Senior Vice President of Development and Acquisitions at Community Preservation Partners (CPP), Jack drives the company’s national growth strategy, identifying and securing new acquisition and development opportunities that align with the company’s mission of delivering high-quality, affordable housing. He brings a wealth of expertise and a results-oriented approach to every project he leads.

Before joining CPP, Jack served as the Director of Capital Markets at the Tax Credit Group of Marcus & Millichap (now CBRE Affordable Housing), delivering strategic valuation, research, and capital intermediary services tailored to the tax credit industry. Prior to that, Jack worked at Jackson Square Properties where he was instrumental in acquiring and managing both affordable housing and market-rate assets across the country. Jack earned his Bachelor of Arts in economics and finance from the University of Newcastle.

John Fraser
VP of Development, Community Preservation Partners

As Vice President of Development at CPP, John Fraser leads the company’s strategic growth and expansion with a focus on affordable housing. Since his promotion in 2023, John has blended confident leadership with a collaborative approach, driving change while maintaining a strong community focus. With more than a decade of experience in affordable housing, John is committed to improving communities and empowering CPP employees. His leadership is crucial to the company’s continued success as it expands its impact across the nation.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Master’s in economic development from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell.

Alexander Medeiros
Vice President - Acquisitions, PEF Advisors

Mr. Medeiros is responsible for sourcing and closing PEF acquisitions. Prior to joining WNC in 2021, he worked at a national senior housing organization where he served as a director of business development focused on ground up development. Prior to that, Mr. Medeiros spent five years with the affordable housing group of a national real estate brokerage firm where he transacted Section 42 and Section 8 assets on a national basis and last served as vice president.

Mr. Medeiros holds a Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate degree from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Washington State University.

Preservation Equity Fund Advisors, LLC (PEF Advisors) is an affiliate of the WNC & Associates, Inc. (WNC) family of companies. While PEF Advisors may draw on the resources of WNC and its subsidiaries and/or affiliates through services agreements, PEF Advisors is responsible for all investment, fund management and related decisions and actions of the investment vehicles it manages, independent of WNC and its subsidiaries and/or affiliates.

Elaine Phillis
Senior Vice President - Investor Relations, PEF Advisors

Ms. Philis oversees investor relations and capital raising efforts at PEF Advisors. She has over 20 years of experience in investor relations and real estate capital markets, including debt and equity.

Prior to joining PEF Advisors, she participated in over $3 billion of capital raised for projects including comingled funds, programmatic joint ventures and individual joint ventures with firms including Westbrook, Lend Lease and Tishman Speyer. Institutional investors have included public and private pension funds, insurance companies, endowments, foundations and sovereign wealth funds. Previously, she worked in mortgage banking with Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, placing ~$1 billion in debt, and as a commercial real estate attorney with CIGNA.

Ms. Philis earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Connecticut, a juris doctor from the University of Connecticut School of Law and an MBA in finance from New York University’s Stern School of Business.

Preservation Equity Fund Advisors, LLC (PEF Advisors) is an affiliate of the WNC & Associates, Inc. (WNC) family of companies. While PEF Advisors may draw on the resources of WNC and its subsidiaries and/or affiliates through services agreements, PEF Advisors is responsible for all investment, fund management and related decisions and actions of the investment vehicles it manages, independent of WNC and its subsidiaries and/or affiliates.

Ryan Arango
Vice President - Asset Management, PEF Advisors

Ryan Arango is responsible for all aspects of asset management with respect to PEF’s investment portfolio. Prior to WNC Mr. Arango worked for private investment firms where he was involved in the acquisition, disposition and asset management of $1.5 billion in multifamily real estate. Mr. Arango graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor of science degree in business administration and a concentration in real estate finance and international business.

Preservation Equity Fund Advisors, LLC (PEF Advisors) is an affiliate of the WNC & Associates, Inc. (WNC) family of companies. While PEF Advisors may draw on the resources of WNC and its subsidiaries and/or affiliates through services agreements, PEF Advisors is responsible for all investment, fund management and related decisions and actions of the investment vehicles it manages, independent of WNC and its subsidiaries and/or affiliates.

Jake Drexl, CPA
Vice President - Finance, PEF Advisors

Mr. Drexl is responsible for PEF Advisors’ fund management services including capital call requests, distributions, quarterly reporting, investor reporting, compliance audits, financial statement audits and tax returns. He has eight years of affordable housing experience, specializing in accounting and fund management. Prior to joining PEF Advisors in 2022, Drexl served as the director of fund accounting at a real estate investment firm that focuses on affordable housing where he oversaw financial accounting and investor reporting.

Drexl graduated from the California State University Dominguez Hills with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a concentration in accounting and is currently a licensed CPA in the state of California.

Preservation Equity Fund Advisors, LLC (PEF Advisors) is an affiliate of the WNC & Associates, Inc. (WNC) family of companies. While PEF Advisors may draw on the resources of WNC and its subsidiaries and/or affiliates through services agreements, PEF Advisors is responsible for all investment, fund management and related decisions and actions of the investment vehicles it manages, independent of WNC and its subsidiaries and/or affiliates.