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Our Team

Impact Architects

Our deeply experienced team has earned its best-in-class reputation through decades of outstanding impact-driven performance. In both building and financing facilities, we provide a level of strategic thinking, practical know-how, staunch advocacy, and passionate commitment to client missions that can be found nowhere else.

Work With Us

OUR LEADERSHIP

Alan Washington

President and CEO

Alan organizes his day around his belief that every community should have the real estate facilities it needs to enable its members to lead rich and vibrant lives. Throughout a distinguished career spanning more than two decades, Alan has continuously paved the way for transformational results through expertise, diligence, and innovation. Since joining 22Beacon in June of 2022, Alan has worked to optimize the company’s functions and prepare it for its next phase of success. Prior to joining 22Beacon, Alan served as the Executive of Real Estate for Success Academy Charter Schools, where he spearheaded the organization’s multi-year pursuit of more than $1 billion in future growth. Over a five-year period, Alan built the entire Real Estate organization from the ground up, launched a $455 million project — including the construction of a first-of-its-kind-and-scale K-12 campus in New York City. Earlier in his career, Alan led efforts to revitalize Downtown Brooklyn as part of his work as Director of Real Estate & Planning and Managing Director, Real Estate & Economic Development, for the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership. His efforts helped to bring more than 3 million square feet of new commercial space and more than 3,000 new elementary school seats to this previously underutilized part of New York. Alan is an alumnus of Dartmouth College; he earned his Master of Science in Real Estate from NYU. Alan is proud of his long tenures as Board Member of multiple organizations, including Harlem Academy in New York City and Camp Timanous in Raymond, Maine. He also knows that mistakes are often among our best teachers, a lesson he has learned over years of experience — and that one time when he attempted to roast a holiday turkey without first removing the little plastic container of giblets.

What Sets Us Apart

We Progress with Conviction.

The people who make up our team are not headline-seekers. We are a group of individuals united by a fervent belief in the ability of mission-driven organizations to build a better, more equitable world.

We Stay the Course.

The long tenure of our team translates into a deep understanding of the market, the history of the charter school movement and the future of community-building in all corners of the country.

Our Differences Make Us Stronger.

We are a diverse group, and we bring a range of experiences and viewpoints to our work. But one thing we have in common is our commitment to rolling up our sleeves every day to get results for our clients and those they serve.

Michael Curran

Board Chair

Michael J. Curran blends his legal, teaching, leadership, and management experience in order to help individuals and organizations reach their full potential. He is able to leverage his extensive background in growing, improving and leading companies and business units by working with people who desire to realize higher levels of satisfaction and potential. Michael practiced law for seven years at the beginning of his career and then spent the past three decades working for public and private companies in the commercial real estate investment management industry. He has served as President, CEO, Partner, COO, and Senior Managing Director transforming organizations and motivating the people with whom he worked to learn and achieve far more than they thought possible.

Ember Reichgott Junge

Board Vice-Chair

Former Minnesota State Senator Ember Reichgott Junge is author of Minnesota’s 1991 first-in-nation charter school law, a winner of the 2000 Innovations in American Government Award from Harvard University’s JFK School of Government. The 18-year legislator served as Senate Assistant Majority Leader before stepping down from public service in 2000. In honor of the 20th anniversary of chartering, Reichgott Junge wrote Zero Chance of Passage: The Pioneering Charter School Story, a candid memoir of her challenging journey of pioneering the first charter school law from idea to national movement. The book has won multiple national awards, including 2013 Grand Prize Winner of Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards, and Third Grand Prize Winner for Nonfiction Books in the 2013 Next Generation Indie Book Awards (www.embercommunications.com). Reichgott Junge is an international education policy leader and spokesperson for charter public schools, having presented in 34 states, Guam, Canada and India. She consults with K-12 education, chartering, business and philanthropy entities around the U.S. She is past founding board member of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, and current board vice chair of Maryland-based Charter Schools Development Corporation (CSDC), copublisher of Zero Chance of Passage. She was inducted into the National Charter Schools Hall of Fame in 2008, and received the Brian Bennett Education Warrior Award from Democrats for Education Reform in 2012. She served as founding board chair of Level Up Academy, a Minnesota charter school that opened in fall, 2015. As President of Ember Communications, Inc., Reichgott Junge is a national speaker and trainer on leadership, messaging, strategic communications, and public services redesign for leaders in business, nonprofit and government sectors. In addition to public service, she draws on over thirty-five years of experience in business and nonprofit law, five years as nonprofit executive for a large human services organization, twenty years of media messaging as frequent television political analyst, former radio host, and editorial writer, and lifetime of board service, including Citizens Independent Bank, Twin Cities United Way, and Minneapolis Chapter of the American Red Cross. Ember received her BA from St. Olaf College (Northfield, Minnesota), JD from Duke University Law School (Durham, North Carolina), and MBA from University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, MN). She is an avid ballroom dancer and co-founder of the nonprofit that is bringing Dancing Classrooms of Mad Hot Ballroom fame to Minnesota fifth and eighth graders. She most enjoys spending time with her husband, Michael Junge.

Brian Casey

Board Member

Brian Casey is an accomplished real estate finance executive with over three decades of experience in commercial lending, asset management, and capital deployment. Prior to retiring in 2023, Brian most recently served the last 10 years as a Senior Managing Director at Walker & Dunlop, specializing in sourcing and underwriting discretionary capital for multifamily bridge loans across the country. Brian has expertise in credit process review, merger and acquisition valuation, and commercial lending. Prior to Walker & Dunlop, Brian held key leadership positions at prominent financial institutions. As Managing Director and Head of Real Estate Debt Strategies at MetLife Real Estate Investors, he oversaw domestic and international commercial mortgage production and portfolio management. His responsibilities included chairing the Real Estate Debt Investment Committee with $125 million authority and managing a $42 billion mortgage portfolio. His diverse background and extensive experience make him a respected figure in the real estate finance industry.

Brian Neal

Board Member

Brian Neal is an entrepreneurial leader working to advance causes that support underserved students and their families. Since 2016, Brian has served as the chief executive officer for Accelerate Great Schools, a multimillion-dollar fund helping to ensure every student in Cincinnati has access to high- quality school options. Prior to this role, Brian served as the education program officer for the Farmer Family Foundation, a private foundation that invests in causes that promote educational opportunities for under privileged youth, stability for the economically disadvantaged, and healthcare research. Brian has worked across various sectors to support Ohio students and families. Most notable was his work as the Ohio Director for the SEED Foundation’s Ohio expansion effort, a $60M campaign to launch Ohio’s first public, college-preparatory boarding school for underserved children. Brian has also assisted parents/caregivers in advocating for their student’s success through leading the U.S. Department of Education’s Ohio Parent Information and Resource Center and was a founding resource coordinator during the Cincinnati Public Schools’ district-wide Community Learning Centers launch. Brian’s efforts have led to statewide policy changes, Ohio-specific public-private partnerships, and strong local and statewide community collaborations. Brian received his bachelor’s degree in business management and marketing from the University of Cincinnati. He is passionate about giving back and volunteers on several non-profit boards, including Every Child Succeeds (Cincinnati, OH), Consider the Poor (Columbus, OH), and Educate NKY (Northern Kentucky). Brian is happily married and is the proud father of three daughters.

Christina Ryan Digiulian

Board Member

Christina Ryan is the Managing Director for the Greater Washington Market at Hartman Executive Advisors, where she has worked since 2007. As Hartman’s first employee, for nearly a decade she has diligently worked to change how many of the top executives in the nation’s capital and in the Baltimore metropolitan region perceive technology – from that of a “necessary evil” to one of the greatest underutilized sources for revenue growth, strategic insight and competitive advantage. To Christina, collaboration is the key to success. Since technology catalyzes change at an incredibly rapid pace, she believes that Hartman’s executive level subject matter experts who deeply understand unique industry challenges are true game-changers for the C-Suite. An advocate for helping executives navigate the intersection of technology and business, her greatest satisfaction comes from connecting business leaders with Hartman advisors who can help them reach their strategic goals. Outside of the office, Christina enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants and spending time with family. She is an active volunteer in her community, serves as a mentor to other young professionals, and is a member of several professional organizations. Christina obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Marketing from Elon University.

Darrin Glymph

Board Member

Mr. Glymph is a Partner and Head of the Public Finance team in the Washington, D.C., office of Orrick, Herrington &Sutcliffe LLP and a Band 1 ranked public finance lawyer by Chambers USA. He has over 30 years of municipal bond and public finance experience. Mr. Glymph's practice focuses primarily on transactional matters, such as general obligation and revenue financings, economic development incentives, financings for charter schools and other non-profit organizations, securities law matters and legal issues relevant to state and local governments. He has served as bond counsel to the District of Columbia (the “District”) on numerous general obligation financings and off-balance sheet economic development incentives, including the District’s first Public-Private Partnership (P3) transaction, Income Tax Secured Revenue Bonds and tax increment financing (“TIF”) financings. In addition, Mr. Glymph has also worked with other municipalities, including the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County, Maryland, the City of Richmond, Virginia and the City of Detroit, Michigan. He is a member of the District of Columbia Bar and the Virginia Bar and attended Williams College, Williamstown, MA and Tulane University School of Law, New Orleans, LA. Mr. Glymph is very active in local and civic organizations and is the Treasurer of Friendship Public Charter School, in Washington, D.C., Chairman of the Wanda Alston Foundation, a former commissioner on the District of Columbia Commission on Arts and the Humanities and the former Chairman of the District of Columbia Small and Local Business Opportunity Commission.

James Goenner

Board Member

Jim Goenner serves as President & CEO of the National Charter Schools Institute, a mission driven organization dedicated to transforming education through the relentless pursuit of excellence. Jim joined the charter schools movement in 1995, and has played an influential role in its evolution ever since. In 2010, his pioneering efforts earned him an induction into the National Charter Schools Hall of Fame. Prior to joining the Institute, Jim served as the Executive Director of The Governor John Engler Center for Charter Schools at Central Michigan University, where he led the first and largest university authorizer of charter public schools in the nation. Under his leadership, CMU became known as the “gold standard” for charter school authorizing, earning recognition from both the U.S. and Michigan Departments of Education. Jim helped found and chaired the board of directors of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (2007-2010) and the Michigan Council of Charter School Authorizers (2002-2010). He also helped found and served as the first President of the Michigan Association of Public School Academies (1996-1998), which serves as the unified voice of Michigan’s charter schools movement. Jim currently serves on the board of The Center for Education Reform, the leading voice and advocate for lasting, substantive and structural education reform in the U.S., on the board of the Charter Schools Development Corporation which specializes in helping charter schools with facility and financing needs, and on the National Advisory Board for Pathways in Education, Opportunities for Learning and Options for Youth. Jim has testified before numerous policymaking bodies, including the United States Congress, and was invited by the U.S. Department of Education to serve on the advisory board of the National Charter Schools Resource Center. He has received gubernatorial appointments from Governors John Engler and Jennifer Granholm. He earned his doctorate in educational administration from Michigan State University and has authored numerous articles, including “Charter Schools: Revitalizing Public Education,” which appeared in Phi Delta Kappan and “Michigan’s Chartering Strategy,” which appeared in the Summer 2012 issue of Education Next. Jim and his wife, Theresa, have seven children and two grandchildren.

Jay Hromatka

Board Member

Jay Hromatka is a Managing Director in the public financing and investment banking group at Piper Sandler. Prior to that, he was an Executive Vice President with HJ Sims, a privately held investment bank and one of the country’s oldest underwriters of tax-exempt and taxable bonds. He has more than 30 years of experience as a public finance professional providing investment banking services to governmental entities throughout the country. For the past 19 years, Mr. Hromatka worked extensively as a senior banker specializing in structuring and underwriting more than 100 charter school transactions that financed over $1 billion in facility projects. Throughout his career, Mr. Hromatka has acted as lead banker on financings across the country and has developed a significant base of experience and relationships with diverse clients ranging from charter schools to state and local governments, school districts and not-for-profit agencies. Mr. Hromatka holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Minnesota. He is active in many civic and not-for-profit organizations.

Lanette Dailey-Reese

Board Member

Lanette Dailey-Reese is currently serving as the founding executive Director of the Capital Experience Lab. She and a dynamic group of educators are committed to launching an innovative school model that immerses students in place-based learning experiences within the robust museum, research and cultural centers of DC. Prior to this she served as the Executive Director of City Arts and Prep Public Charter School. For more than 15 years she has personally and professionally committed to increasing the quality of education by facing the diverse challenges schools face to improve student learning and achievement. Prior to working for City Arts and Prep, Lanette served as Executive Director for International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE). During her time with she worked in partnership with school leaders across the Mid-Atlantic region focused on improving student outcomes through high quality professional learning for the leaders and teachers. Her varied career includes corporate, public, charter, post-secondary, and non-profit education experiences. Lanette has a dynamic set of strengths as a visionary thinker with a systemic understanding of the optimal educational environment that is needed for teachers and students to be successful. Upon moving her family to Washington D.C., Lanette pursed volunteer opportunities within the educational community. Through a partnership with Education Board Partners she selected City Arts & Prep Public Charter School where she has served as Academic Chair for two years. Lanette is a sports enthusiast with a passion for golf, cooking and family travel. Lanette holds two graduate degrees one in Higher Education Leadership and Management from Drexel and a Community and Regional Planning degree from Temple University.

Lashanya Washington

Board Member

LaShanya Washington is the Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer for CityFirst Bank and has over two decades of experience in commercial banking with a track record of executing change management processes to drive increased performance. In her current role, LaShanya manages the ongoing credit analysis of the banks diverse loan portfolio. In addition, she oversees the loan closing process for the commercial and wholesale lending divisions. As the head of the Credit Administration department, Ms. Washington is also responsible for reporting & analytics, portfolio management, CECL implementation and stress testing the portfolio. Prior to her current role, Ms. Washington was the Senior Vice President and Deputy Chief Officer and formerly the Credit Risk Manager for City First Bank. As the SVP, Deputy Chief Credit Officer and Credit Risk Manager, Ms. Washington oversaw board reporting, credit risk, reporting and managed a portfolio of complex deals including NMTC, PACE and Charter Schools. Prior to joining City First Bank, Ms. Washington spent her career in commercial banking in various capacities including underwriting, managing loan accounting, loan operations and post booking review for community and regional banks headquartered in the Washington DC metro area. Ms. Washington is a graduate of Columbia Union College with dual degrees in Business Administration and Healthcare Administration. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland. In addition, she holds a Project Management Certification with a concentration in Risk Management from George Washington University. Ms. Washington is active in her community volunteering for several non-profits as well as supporting local athletic teams by coaching and officiating events.

Tom Nida

Board Member

Tom Nida is the former Executive Vice President/Market Executive at City First Bank. Prior to City First Bank, he served as a Regional Executive for John Marshall Bank and as an Executive Vice President & Managing Director – Community Development/Non-Profit Banking for United Bank for Washington, D.C. and Maryland. Mr. Nida has been very active in the charter school movement in Washington, DC, serving as a board member and treasurer of the Arts and Technology Academy Public Charter School, for which he helped obtain DC Revenue Bond, tax-exempt financing. He was appointed to the DC Public Charter School Board by Mayor Anthony Williams in 2003, and was elected Chairman of the Board in 2004, and served in that capacity until February 2010. He also has real estate development experience, having founded and managed several land trusts focused on renovation of historic commercial properties over the past twenty-four years. Mr. Nida is recognized nationally for his expertise in charter school financing, having written two articles published in the RMA Journal. Mr. Nida graduated from the University of Wisconsin and completed an Executive Program at the Darden Graduate School of Business at the University of Virginia.

Leo V. Valdez

Board Member

Mr. Valdez has over 40 years of experience in municipal finance in the Southwest. His extensive experience includes industrial development authority bonds, sales tax (excise tax) revenue bonds, infrastructure finance, school districts, multi-family housing, single-family housing, hospitals, special needs revenue bonds, tribal finance, charter schools and New Market Tax Credit transactions. Mr. Valdez also has experience with rating agency and insurance company presentations. He has participated for many years in bond elections and tax referendums. Prior to working in the investment banking industry, Mr. Valdez worked for the United States Department of Agriculture. At the U.S.D.A., he was a specialist loan officer under the Business & Industry Loan Note Guarantee Program in Washington D.C. and later became the Chief for the program in the State of Arizona. He brings expertise in implementing government programs to assist issuers and borrowers in obtaining government loans, loan guarantees and grants. Mr. Valdez holds aBachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Business from New Mexico StateUniversity and a Master of Science degree in Finance from American University,Washington, D.C. Mr. Valdez currently sits on several charitable boardorganizations including The Arizona Foundation for Educational Advancement,Charter Schools Development Corporation, the City of Espanola Chamber ofCommerce, and the SER Foundation.

Joe Keeney

CSDC Property Corp Board

Joe Keeney has over 25 years of experience in school development, finance and operations. Joe is the Founder and Chairman of 4th Sector Solutions Inc. and School Food Solutions L3C. 4th Sector Solutions is a leading provider of charter school finance, human resources, operations, and facility development services, and School Food Solutions helps charter schools comply with the National School Lunch Program. Prior to founding 4th Sector Solutions, from 1997-2005 Joe was president of Edison Charter Schools, where he helped build one of the nation’s largest networks of public charter schools -- serving 30,000 students in 15 states. His responsibilities at Edison included school operations, client development, finance, and real estate design and construction. Joe had previously been a divisional president and chief operating officer of a Fortune 1000 global manufacturer, and a corporate strategy consultant at LEK Consulting. Joe has a BA in economics from Columbia College and an MBA with high distinction from Harvard Business School, where he was elected a Baker Scholar and received the Macy Scholarship and the Uhlmann Award. Joe also earned an EdM in education leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Abby “Ebby” Abraham

Educational Finance Analyst

Fresh out of college and ready to contribute, Abby joined the team in 2024, bringing his acute financial acumen to his role providing vital support to 22Beacon’s development and portfolio-monitoring teams. Abby provides key contributions and acumen during a project’s initial and underwriting phases, and he always keeps his eye open for ways to improve 22Beacon’s data insights. A graduate of Lehman College with a degree in Accounting, Abby is a strong believer in the power of community, and he regularly volunteers for NYC Cares. He also believes that character is forged by getting out of your comfort zone — as he demonstrated when he tried out for a crew team even though he can’t really, exactly…swim.

Amy Gateau

Staff Accountant

Amy’s 22Beacon responsibilities don’t require her to recite the alphabet backwards…but she can! More often, Amy is called upon to provide day-to-day accounting and support in 22Beacon’s Maryland office. Since joining the team in 2023, Amy has maintained all bank accounts, note payables, accounts receivables, and monthly billing for 22Beacon and its subsidiaries and affiliates. Amy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Ave Maria University.

Andrea Gallo

Staff Accountant

Andrea joined 22Beacon in 2023. She is responsible for loan portfolio maintenance, month-end close financial reconciliations, and general accounting. Andrea holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from The University of Baltimore and cites a quote from The Lorax by Dr. Seuss: “UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” This quote galvanized her as a young child and is the reason for her caring, get-involved, take-on-the-world personality.

Britt Kozlewski

Business Analyst

Britt Kozlewski joined the organization in 2017. Britt stays very busy providing invaluable insights and analysis to the team — her bow and arrow accuracy rival her analytic prowess. Britt oversees 22Beacon’s portfolio monitoring process, contributes to financial planning, and takes on ad hoc analyses in support of strategic priorities. Britt also serves the crucial role of developing and monitoring KPIs to ensure 22Beacon’s long-term success. Before moving into her current position, Britt previously supported 22Beacon’s project managers and school clients as a Project Accountant, ensuring overall project success from construction through completion. Prior to joining 22Beacon, Britt worked for a large global asset management firm in the Fixed Income Fund Accounting department. She also held a Senior Accountant position at a major income investment organization. Britt holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Elena Mengazova

Finance Manager

Elena can’t paint or draw but she can curl her tongue — though, admittedly, neither skill factors into Elena’s Finance Management responsibilities with 22Beacon. More relevantly, Elena is a dedicated finance and accounting professional with extensive experience in organizational financial management and system implementation. Since joining the team in 2024, Elena has successfully led multiple major-system implementations, including the transition to Sage Intacct and Salesforce, while managing all aspects of day-to-day accounting operations. She has strong knowledge of GAAP, government regulations, and automated financial systems, with expertise in data interpretation, forecasting, and variance analysis, making her a valuable asset to every 22Beacon team. Elena holds dual Master’s Degrees in Civil Engineering & Construction and Accounting & Finance from South Ural State University.

Glenn Klein

Vice President of Accounting

A devotee of all things Finance and self-described gym rat, Glenn is a highly accomplished executive with a career spanning more than 30 years. Since 2023, Glenn has been instrumental in reshaping 22Beacon’s financial policies to enhance accounting and finance oversight performance. While catching a stack of quarters from his elbow may not directly balance the budget — it certainly shows he’s got the dexterity to handle our financial acrobatics. But his true expertise lies in analyzing existing procedures and spearheading the implementation of innovative policies that optimize performance, reduce costs, and streamline operations. Glenn takes great pride in mentoring and developing talent and fostering sustainable growth within companies. Before joining 22Beacon, Glenn was the Chief Financial Officer at Forrester Construction and has an enviable record of accomplishment in leadership positions with organizations including Bluestar Telehealth and AAFCPA, Inc. Glenn holds a Bachelor of Science in Business, Accounting from the University of Maryland, and a Master of Business Administration in Business Finance from the University of Phoenix.

James Zavala

Project Manager of Real Estate Construction

When he’s not adding to his embarrassingly large collection of action figures, making friends with all cats, or tying his entire emotional wellbeing to the current Formula One season, James devotes all of his time, energy, and creativity to his Project Manager role with 22Beacon. Receiving his Bachelor’s in Environmental Design from Texas A&M University, James started his career in architecture but eventually made the switch to commercial construction where he spent most of his 18 years in the building industry. With a focus on light industrial and high end corporate interiors projects ranging up to $25 million, he gained experience on all construction management, from development and preconstruction, through on site supervision and project management, all the way through ribbon-cutting and handing over the keys to the end user. James is also a certified Project Management Professional by PMI and has received both the accreditations for Building Design & Construction and Interior Design & Construction for LEED by the USGBC. James joined 22Beacon in 2024 to continue his journey with purpose driven real estate, with the sole goal of making sure that every project and process meets the highest standards for quality, excellence, and efficiency.

Jennifer Ford

Executive Assistant/Office Manager

Texas native, cat lover and avid reader, Jennifer Ford joined the organization in 2023. She is primarily responsible for providing office and administrative support to the leadership team. She works closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that day-to-day 22Beacon operations run as aerodynamically as a ski suit. Jennifer has over 20 years of experience providing administrative support to Senior Leadership. Prior to joining 22Beacon, Jennifer spent six years at Colliers International, where she refined her real estate and project management skills. Jennifer received her Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management from Ashford University.

Jeri Wilkins

Accounts Receivable & Payable Specialist

With a fastidious gift for calculation (that undoubtedly explains her mastery of the Mancala board), Jeri is responsible for the daily maintenance of 22Beacon’s accounts payable and accounts receivable ledgers, in addition to other accounting and office management duties. Prior to joining 22Beacon in 2024, Jeri spent 10 years in property management, where she also provided full-cycle recruiting and accountancy support to leadership roles. Jeri is very involved in community volunteering for organizations such as Adopt A Family, Catholic Charities, Support Our Troops, Baltimore Hunger Project, and Luminis Health. Jeri holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Morgan State University. She is also a Certified National Apartment Leasing Professional.

Kaitlin Catania

Project Coordinator

Armed with the rare ability to properly fold a fitted sheet (yes, really!), Kaitlin Catania joined 22Beacon in 2025 as a Project Coordinator, drawn to work alongside caring, intelligent people who share her passion for education. Kaitlin has mastered both the general contractor and development sides of the business, leading projects of all scopes — everything from healthcare facilities to quick-service restaurants — throughout her (more than) eight years in the construction industry. A graduate of Texas State University with a BFA in Communication Design, Kaitlin brings creativity to every project she touches. Before joining 22Beacon, she proved her valorous spirit by embarking on a solo journey through Southeast Asia — an experience that became her life’s best adventure. When she’s not managing projects with precision, you’ll find her at the penguin exhibit with her son James (their shared obsession!), treasure hunting at estate sales, or soaking up the sun at the beach.

Laura Fiemann

Chief Development Officer

Laura has built a multi-decade career in public finance (and even paused college to attend culinary school!). Since joining 22Beacon in 2010, she has been instrumental in developing the organization’s lending platform and leading its CDFI and direct lending initiatives nationwide. From 2012 to 2023, she also spearheaded 22Beacon’s property development efforts across the western U.S. As Chief Development Officer, Laura leads the business development team across lending, real estate development, and technical assistance. She collaborates with the CEO to cultivate key partnerships and works closely with the CIO to ensure capital availability for all projects. In this role, she helps uphold 22Beacon’s organizational values and commitment to equity in all deployment strategies. Prior to joining 22Beacon, Laura worked extensively with municipalities and nonprofits on project finance solutions. As a bond underwriter with a regional broker-dealer and Vice President at a private capital firm, she honed the expertise she now applies to charter school facilities financing.

Lindsay Erickson

Project Manager

Lindsay is primarily responsible for providing project support for continuous improvement activities for every corner, crevice, nook, alcove, closet, crawl space, doorway and common area of the 22Beacon operation. She also works closely with internal and external stakeholders and in collaboration with the Chief of Staff to support 22Beacon’s Board of Directors. Given her interior eye, Lindsay makes sure all we do is with high style. Prior to joining 22Beacon in 2018, Lindsay spent 11 years in healthcare, providing administrative support to senior leadership. During that time, she gained a unique perspective about operational workflows and process improvement (though, according to her daughter, Lindsay did not gain the ability to carry a tune). Lindsay holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and Society from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Mark Korinets

Sr. Loan Officer

With a sharp mind that has devised plots for dozens of as-yet unwritten novels, and skilled hands that can assemble Ikea furniture in a blink, Mark goes to work every day in service of 22Beacon’s nationwide charter school facility financing operations. Mark works closely with the entire 22Beacon team across all aspects of the lending process, from loan origination and underwriting to deal structuring and closings. Mark's work provides crucial support to 22Beacon's mission-driven partners and stakeholders as they seek to create positive change in communities nationwide. Prior to joining 22Beacon in 2024, Mark worked at a New York City-based real estate firm focused on non-profit and charter school facility development. His contributions enabled the delivery of over 325,000 square feet across New York City's five boroughs.

Mark Zeizel

Senior Vice President, Real Estate Investments & Strategy

Understanding the importance of reading rivers and charting a ‘line’ from his whitewater kayaking days, Mark now leads in navigating real estate investments and strategy for 22Beacon as SVP of its Strategic Advisory practice and Real Estate Investments. Mark leverages his deep knowledge from a 20+ year career in real estate investments and financing to benefit communities across the country. Mark’s primary responsibilities include the assessment and road mapping of real estate investments for our Turnkey Development projects to ensure success for our school partners and alignment with 22Beacon’s strategic direction. Mark also provides strategic facilities counsel to charter school clients during the early start-up years and guides schools through their entire facilities life cycle. Mark is a CFA Charterholder and holds a Master of Real Estate Development from the University of Southern California, and Bachelor of Arts with a Business Management concentration from Gettysburg College. Mark also previously served as a member of the Board of Trustees for City Arts and Prep Public Charter School in Washington, D.C.

Michael Zajas

Chief Investment Officer

A mission-driven leader combining deep knowledge in real estate investments and finance gleaned over a distinguished 19+ year career, Michael has continuously paved the way for transformational results through expertise, diligence, and innovation. Since joining 22Beacon in 2024, Michael has worked with the leadership team to analyze all investment options and help drive 22Beacon to the next level of success. Previously, Michael managed Citizen Capital, which took strategic interests in funds focused on private equity, and real estate lending. Michael earned his Master of Real Estate Development and Finance degree from Arizona State University. He completed a Private Equity and Venture Capital executive program at Harvard Business School, and programs in Finance and Negotiations at Thunderbird School of Global Business. Despite his track record of taking on all-consuming challenges and maintaining a packed schedule, somewhere along the way Michael has managed to commit an astonishing array of ridiculous movie lines to memory.

Michele Cerwin

Chief of Staff

Michele joined 22Beacon in 2022 to pursue her goals of working with a top-tier team and leadership, helping to broaden access to quality education for all, and to show off her ability to name all 50 states in under 20 seconds. As Chief of Staff, Michele is responsible for maintaining a strong team culture, ensuring the team is aligned on 22Beacon’s mission and committed to achieving its bold goals. She works closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to oversee the overall implementation and success of the strategic plan, provides leadership across the organization to drive decisions and outcomes, develops strategy around IT, marketing, and strategic partnerships, and is leading 22Beacon’s efforts on brand identity and awareness. Michele has amassed more than 25 years of leadership experience in private and non-profit sectors, in roles such as COO, President, Principal, VP, and Executive Director positions. Prior to joining 22Beacon, Michele was most recently the Head of Board Relations and Enterprise Projects at Success Academy. She oversaw all activities of two boards from cultivation, engagement, and governance, acting as a liaison between the CEO and the Executive Leadership Team. In addition, Michele led the Continuing Improvement internal consultancy team working on cross-functional projects to drive efficiency and excellence. As committed as she is to the expansive benefits of formal education, Michele also believes in the power of gaining real-world experience and facing fears head-on. That degree of fortitude is how she came to appreciate the benefits of cold plunges, and that respect for experience is why she’ll never again hire a Lady Gaga impersonator for a teen’s birthday party.

Michelle Prosperi

Chief Operating Officer

Michelle has overall responsibility for the 22Beacon operations, including asset & grants management, investment/capitalization strategies, philanthropic partnerships, new product development, and HR. Michelle assumed her current role in January 2020, having previously served as 22Beacon’s Executive Vice President. Michelle has been with 22Beacon since its founding and has had management responsibility across all areas of the organization. She works closely with the President & CEO to implement strategic and business plans, identify potential funding sources, and manage corporate assets and personnel. Prior to joining 22Beacon, Michelle was the Program Director of Women’s Leadership Programs at the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. She also worked as a legal assistant for the Federal Education Association and served as a substitute teacher for the Arlington County, Virginia Public Schools. Michelle holds a Master’s Degree in Education Policy from George Washington University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from Tulane University. And when it comes time to wrap a gift, no one can whip up a seamless package with all the flourishes like Michelle.

Nagesh Tammara

Senior Vice President, Legal Affairs

Having launched and concluded his plans for avid marathoning with one race in 2005, Nagesh is free to follow other pursuits. His most fervent passion is his position as 22Beacon’s legal advisor and thought partner, providing proactive insight on strategy, internal operations, and client projects — all in service of the standard of excellence that 22Beacon is known for. Prior to joining 22Beacon in 2024, Nagesh served at the District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), where he supported over $100M in transactions for over 30 different charter schools. Additionally, Nagesh assisted with the launch of several career and technical development programs to further OSSE’s commitment to provide all learners with the opportunity to better themselves through education. With an expertise in areas from federal and local laws to educational grants, higher education opportunities, school choice policies and student privacy protections, Nagesh brings a deep understanding of the charter school space to his legal and policy insights. Nagesh holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and his Juris Doctorate from Roger Williams University School of Law and is licensed to practice law in New York, the District of Columbia, and the US. Virgin Islands as well as a distinguished member of the Supreme Court Bar.

Rebecca Salvo

Senior Vice President, Real Estate Development

Rebecca collaborates with the CDO on strategic planning of new and growth markets aligned to our mission with a focus on market entry through partnerships. She leads property development and facilities construction processes on behalf of our charter school clients, including design development and construction, through to occupancy and school success with a growing team of real estate professionals. Rebecca represents 22Beacon and its charter school clients with commercial banks, CDFIs and landlords. Prior to joining 22Beacon in 2006, Rebecca worked in the financial industry in both the fixed income and equity sides of the industry. Rebecca received her MBA through the University of Maryland’s Executive Program. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing / Communication from the University of Pittsburgh. And as an avid fan of the world of fashion, her fashion-forward mindset translates into innovative real estate solutions that make every project a runway star.

Risa Assakul

Senior Financial and Investment Analyst, Real Estate

Bangkok-born Senior Financial and Investment Analyst Risa Assakul joined 22Beacon in June 2023. She is part of the development team and is responsible for pipeline identification, project management, underwriting and budget maintenance for new projects. Her work also involves overseeing special projects and supporting the scaling efforts of the Strategic Advisory practice. Risa’s interest in education began early, fostered by her childhood love of Marcus Pfister’s The Rainbow Fish and its lessons about the importance of humility and community. Prior to joining 22Beacon, Risa was the Director of Real Estate Growth & Strategy at a charter network in New York City. She also led the development of Brighton College International School Bangkok’s 1.2 million sq. ft. campus located in Bangkok, Thailand. Risa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences and Economics from New York University and an MBA in Strategy from Columbia Business School. When Risa is not helping school leaders turn their visions into reality, she can be found SCUBA-ing about a suitable body of water, or passing you by as she pursues her daily 10,000 steps.

Shanta Bacon

Accounting Manager

Financial whiz and one-time-only, never-again skateboarder, Shanta initially joined 22Beacon in 2015 as our first dedicated project accountant. Shanta is primarily responsible for performing all of the project accounting, financial reporting and compliance functions for the real estate development and loan programs of 22Beacon and its affiliates. Shanta also works closely with 22Beacon project managers to provide administrative support to projects, assist with property acquisitions and sales, and communicate with prospective investors, lenders, and capital providers as appropriate. Prior to joining 22Beacon, Shanta spent 10 years in private and public accounting with both real estate and construction companies where she gained a unique perspective on multiple forms of development. Shanta holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Simmie Singh

Project Accountant

Since joining 22Beacon in 2023, Simmie has seen dozens of projects of all scopes come to fruition. Simmie is primarily responsible for performing the project accounting, financial reporting, and compliance functions for the real estate development and loan programs of 22Beacon and its affiliates. She also works closely with project managers to provide administrative support to projects, assist with property acquisitions and sales, and communicate with prospective investors, lenders, and capital providers as appropriate. Prior to joining 22Beacon, Simmie worked in the real estate and construction industry, providing project support, maintaining budgets, developing cashflow forecasts, and assisting with audits. Simmie has over 16 years of experience in the accounting field and brings a unique perspective to managing finances for 22Beacon’s real estate projects. Simmie earned a Master's Degree in business administration from Norwich University. Along with her accounting and communications smarts, Simmie possesses a muscular party-planning gene…which she is eager to unleash when the proper occasions present themselves.

Sriram Chintamaneni

Project Manager of Real Estate Construction

Sriram is all-in on the world of construction. Prior to joining 22Beacon in 2024, Sriram amassed over a decade of experience in the NYC construction and real estate industry working with general contractors and developers…and when he’s not doing it professionally, Sriram spends a lot of DIY-time on his own house. Sriram holds a Master’s of Business Administration from NYU Stern and a Bachelor’s of Architecture from Syracuse University.

Taylee Lawson

Project Coordinator

With an architect’s eye for detail (and a talent for lifting one eyebrow), Taylee Lawson joined 22Beacon in 2025 as a Project Coordinator, bringing a deep passion for creating high-quality educational spaces that are both functional and meaningful. Taylee works closely with contractors, architects, and other stakeholders to ensure project success from initial concept through execution. When not overseeing project budgets or in the field, you can find her tackling a DIY project with the same level of precision she brings to work. Before joining 22Beacon, Taylee accumulated over five years of experience in construction management and owner’s representation, seamlessly juggling a wide-range of projects including office renovations, multifamily housing, and industrial developments. A proud graduate of Prairie View A&M University, Taylee holds both a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Master of Architecture. She is currently pursuing her National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) certification — though she admits this challenge is slightly less daunting than her first roller coaster ride!

Tim Behrens

Facilities Coordinator

Using the part of his brain that is not a repository for a regrettable amount of useless sports trivia, as a Facilities Coordinator at 22Beacon, Tim ensures the efficient operation and maintenance of school buildings and grounds. With a focus on creating safe, functional, and inspiring learning environments, Tim coordinates maintenance and repair schedules, oversees vendor relationships, and manages compliance with building codes and safety standards. Prior to joining 22Beacon in 2015, Tim worked in the financial industry in both construction and property management.