Our Staff

David has over 25 years of affordable housing and community development experience in San Francisco, his native city of New York, and nationally.  Under David's leadership, SFHDC has grown from a staff of 4.5 FTE's in June 2013 to 40 today, with an exponential increase in impact in each of SFHDC's Four Core Programs:   Added 1,200 units to SFHDC's complete Affordable Housing development portfolio; expanded Resident Services from one 30-unit site to 990 households across 8 properties; grew our Housing Counseling and Financial Empowerment program to serve over 1,000 clients annually; and launched a series of new Economic Development initiatives, including our In the Black retail store, and our Minding My Black-Owned Business technical assistance program for entrepreneurs.

Prior to joining SFHDC, David served as a principal for his national consultancy practice, where he provided technical assistance to nonprofit, for profit and public sector clients in the areas of homebuyer assistance programs, inclusionary housing, and project planning and development. Previously, while at the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency, David managed the production of more than 1,000 affordable units, negotiated the affordable housing program for the Hunters Point Shipyard, launched six loan and asset building programs totaling $12 million, and oversaw the sale of more than 400 affordable homes to low- and moderate-income families. Prior to coming to the West Coast, David led the real estate development offices of two notable nonprofit organizations in New York--Westhab, Inc., and Asian Americans for Equality (AAFE).  He began his career at the storied NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), where he managed new construction and rehabilitation programs in several neighborhoods, including East Harlem and the Lower East Side of Manhattan.

He has been a featured speaker or panelist in numerous local and national symposiums and conferences, and was featured in the Neighborworks/NCB Capital Impact film “A New Way Home: Taking Shared Equity to Scale.” David earned a BA from Columbia College, with a major in architecture and minor in film. He graduated from the NeighborWorks/Harvard Kennedy School “Achieving Excellence Program,” an executive leadership program serving approximately 50 select leaders from around the country in each cycle.

Nimish is an accomplished CFO with over 20 years of experience delivering solid results.

At SFHDC, he is extensively involved in controllership, financial reporting, grant accounting, real estate accounting, financial planning and analysis, and compliance. Prior to joining SFHDC, Nimish was the first finance executive for three venture-backed companies and a nonprofit in the education sector. He has also worked for premier companies in the healthcare, high tech, and consumer products industries. Nimish holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Indiana University, Bloomington. He is also a CPA (inactive).

Mitch comes to SFHDC with a strong background in affordable housing, economics, campaigns, and public policy. He is passionate about tackling economic and racial inequality and using data to make more accurate models of the real world. Mitch has two main roles at SFHDC: 1) evaluating SFHDC's impact on the lives of residents, financial empowerment clients, and the community and 2) advocating for policy changes to improve the lives of SFHDC’s clients and increase the affordability of housing in San Francisco. He previously worked in affordable housing policy and advocacy at SV@Home, where he helped win approvals for thousands of homes, secure critical renter protections during COVID, and inform and involve the South Bay community. Before that, he worked with a variety of Bay Area organizations including Benetech, 50+1 Strategies, Clinic by the Bay, and Global Citizen Year. Mitch is a born and raised San Franciscan and holds BAs in Economics and International and Global Studies from Brandeis University.

Links:

• If you are behind on your rent due to COVID-19, apply for rental assistance at HousingIsKey.com
• See which housing bills passed or didn't pass in the state legislature in 2021: https://alfredtwu.medium.com/2021-california-housing-legislation-highlights-de42073deebd
• Gimme Shelter is an excellent podcast to stay aware of what's happening with housing policy in California: https://calmatters.org/category/multimedia/podcasts/gimme-shelter/

Belinda has been with SFHDC for four years as a HUD-certified housing counselor. Previously, she served as a Housing Specialist with Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services, Director of Homeownership Programs for EBALDC, and a BMR Program Administrator for the Alameda Development Corporation. Her expansive knowledge and ability to connect with a broad array of stakeholders, including program participants, have earned her the admiration of our staff, partners, and community members.

Greg Pennington is a mortgage banker and entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience.  Previously co-owner of Wausau Mortgage  Corporation and Equistar Mortgage Corporation,  Greg was co-founder of 4 different companies under Sub-Chapter S or LLC status and currently works with Linda Parker Pennington under Parker  Pennington Enterprises. Greg has also worked with SF Urban CHC to create the curriculum design for first-time homebuyer programs and as the seminar facilitator and housing counselor. Greg also worked as a “hot spot” reporter on financial issues and interviewer for Bay Area Life TV. Greg attended the University of Notre Dame.

Jasmine is a Bayview Hunters Point native to the core. Her background is in advocacy, client service and public speaking, working with an array of non profit organizations and populations. She is passionate about empowering her community to reach their Homeownership and Financial Goals.

Tikila is the Operations and Compliance Assistant for SFHDC's Financial Empowerment Center.  She has been with SFHDC since 2015, and has worked in the area of housing counseling and education since 2008.

Mr. Kostosky has worked in the development, construction, and operation of housing for over 30 years, with an emphasis on the development of Affordable Housing. His main area of focus is financing the development of multi-family and senior housing developments, often using the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit in conjunction with other funding sources. Tom brings vast multi-family housing development experience to the development team, including projects financed through the Tax Exempt Bond Program, 4% and 9% Tax Credits, and conventional lending sources. He has developed Senior Housing, multi-family apartments, and townhome developments. Tom has been involved in site selection, rezoning, site plan approval, and financing for a portfolio of over 1,800 total units

Tom holds a BS in Urban Planning and Landscape Architecture from Michigan State University.

Sarah brings more than 18 years of experience in local government fiscal and housing policy and urban economics consulting. Sarah is involved in both new construction tax credit projects and in RAD rehab projects in San Francisco. In addition to her development project management skills, she previously specialized in assisting public agencies and nonprofits with community development strategies and funding needed capital improvements and affordable housing. Sarah has completed numerous projects for California cities addressing affordable housing development, preservation, and funding, including assessing the economic and fiscal impacts of land use and transportation policies and strategies for plan implementation and infrastructure financing, especially in infill settings and transit areas. Sarah has served as a presenter and facilitator for public workshops, trainings, and stakeholder meetings, including SPUR forums and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development technical assistance programs.

Sarah holds a Master of Public Policy from Goldman School of Public Policy, University of California, Berkeley and a BA in International Relations, Environmental and Economic Affairs, from Tufts University.

Reggie brings over 20 years of experience in multifamily and affordable housing operations and capital improvements to his role as a Project Manager. leading program development, identifying potential acquisitions, assessing project feasibility, and coordinating contractors and property management operations. Reggie is involved in all development aspects of new construction and rehab projects, along with asset management. He has been responsible for all aspects of day-to-day supervision for low- and moderate-income multi-location housing portfolios while consistently exceeding GRM%, Occupancy, and Retention Goals. He is a California Certified Residential Manager with Section 8 and Tax Credit (COS) certifications plus active participation in every phase of housing and property management for diverse client populations and broad resident demographics.

Reggie holds a BS in Pre Law Analytical Theory from the University of California, Berkeley.

John brings over 20 years of experience in the Asset Management of large portfolio of multi-family assets on the West Coast, providing annual property/portfolio budgets, and generating monthly/quarterly Variance to Budget analysis identifying causes/solutions and impact on forecasts.  John also has provided underwriting (net cash flow/NAV accretion/IRR/ROE/risk analysis) for $7BN in acquisitions, developments, and redevelopments for on-balance sheet transactions, partnerships, and Fund investments.  He also provides the ability to Integrate market research into financial performance forecasts, along with updating quarterly rolling forecasts providing notable revisions to senior staff and Operations management.

John holds a PhD/ABD from the University of California at Santa Barbara, along with a BS in Mathematics from Washington State University.

Michael has managed a $150 million acquisition portfolio consisting of 20 projects in four states; arranged, negotiated, and closed approximately 200 predevelopment, acquisition, bridge, construction, and permanent loans; negotiated and closed limited partnerships for the syndication of low-income housing tax credits and the purchase of tax-exempt bonds.

Michael brings extensive experience providing financial advisory services and technical assistance to nonprofit organizations, affordable housing developers, and small business owners; designed and managed new programs and products to maximize impact and create synergies in the areas of housing production and job creation; created strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations, municipal agencies, and investors to meet philanthropic and revenue goals; participated as a member of leadership teams to analyze market activity, develop strategies to address low- and moderate-income needs, and strategic board placements; managed start-up activity for affinity groups and related volunteer activity.

Diem is an experienced and innovative professional with over 15 years of experience and a strong background in industry and public accounting. Areas of expertise include construction, funds control, insurance and project management.

SFHCD/ Taylor Booker brings over six years of experience providing direct services to very low- and low-income communities of color, both in her capacity at SFHDC and as a Health Educator and Case Manager at the Potrero Hill Neighborhood House (PNHN). Since graduating from UC Riverside, Ms. Booker has dedicated her career to addressing urgent challenges facing at-risk youth and their families struggling with housing instability, structural barriers, lack of employment, digital literacy, domestic and street violence, substance abuse, and educational disparities. As manager of six RAD sites across San Francisco, Ms. Booker is responsible for over 1,000 households at various phases of the relocation and renovation processes, working regularly with City departments and partner agencies. Over the last three years, Ms. Booker has completed training in Trauma-Informed Care, DeEscalation Strategies, Restorative Justice, and Youth Social-Emotional Skill Development. She is a Board Member at PHNH and Bright Futures Growth and Development Center and previously served as the Executive Board member of the Hercules Teen Youth Council, for which she was awarded a Commendation for Extraordinary Efforts and Commitment to a Fellow Citizen.

Rhonda Haley joined the SFHDC team as the Resident Service Coordinator for the Bayview Commons Apartments, a 30-unit rental property serving individuals and families of low income. She now serves as the Sr. Resident Services Coordinator at Bayview Commons. Here, Rhonda has worked to connect the residents with the services they need and establish ties within the broader neighborhood while working to build community within the building through programming and on-site events.

For the past 21 years, I have spent most of my time serving children, youth, and Families in the Western Addition. Organizing, hosting and partnering with other organizations is what I do best. I believe that my combination of professional experience, education and hard work makes me an asset here at SFHDC.

I am a hardworking, on-task; get-it-done type of person. I work well alone and enjoy being part of a team. When I'm not working or taking care of my family I enjoy sleeping.

Le'Kesha's useful links

• The Village Project provides a safe environment for after-school and summer enrichment programs.
• Booker T. Washington Community Center offers individuals and families the services and support they need to become self-sufficient.
• Mo’ MAGIC is a collaborative San Francisco neighborhood-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to transform the community and youth through the MAGIC of collaboration.
• Success Centers provide empowerment through education, employment and the arts.

With over 10 years of customer service experience and 3 years of community engagement development activities.  Ronald has connected with thousands of seniors through enjoyable social and physical activities. When not working, Ronald is with his family and looking for new hiking trails. He loves the adventure of travel and experiencing new places.

Links:

Stay healthy!

Make an appointment to get tested for Covid-19.

Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record

Have Fun!

Finding something to do doesn't always have to cost a lot.

My name is Shani Wyatt. I am a native San Franciscan with roots in the Western Addition and also Bayview District. I am pleased to be a part of the SFHDC team as the Resident Service Connector for Hayes Valley! As a part of the team, I strive to service my community that has helped me be the person I am today. Blessings, Shani

Raised in the Bay Area and in love with her multicultural community, Roxana's  initial career was in Dentistry & Customer service. Bringing smiles to
people's faces has motivated her to always work for her community, and she believes in serving with with love, compassion, and integrity.  In her free time, she enjoys spending time with my family and dog,  cooking, taking walks by the beach, sharing Bible teachings, and exploring our beautiful Bay Area.

Ms. Harris is a founding member of the Fillmore Merchants and Neighborhood Collaborative, and the Fillmore and Japantown for Justice Coalition. Ms. Harris has served small businesses in her community for over a decade, both as a subcontractor with the City and County of San Francisco, and on a pro bono basis. Ms. Harris is currently contracted as the Corridor Manager by OEWD for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. Ms. Harris has supported merchants along the corridor like Bruno's Pizzeria, Sheba Piano Lounge, Miyako Old Fashion Ice Cream Shop, and Jazz’z Salon with marketing, loan and grant applications, one-on-one business consultations, credit card and POS set up, and advocacy.

Ms. Harris was previously contracted by OEWD to create and implement qualitative and quantitative surveys for Lower Fillmore merchants for the previous Merchants Association over 10 years ago. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pia launched the Heritage Market, an online delivery platform to support Fillmore merchants with sales during this difficult time, and the Fillmore Marketplace, a bi-weekly market on O'Farrell and Fillmore Streets. The Fillmore Marketplace provided a location and sales opportunities for eight (8) Fillmore businesses.

Ms. Mataka comes to SFHDC after serving as a Project Manager at En2action, a community and economic development nonprofit with a history of providing technical assistance, community engagement, and capacity-building services to small businesses and merchant groups in the Fillmore, and City-wide. Previously, Ms. Mataka was the Development and Communications Manager at La Cocina, a nonprofit culinary incubator supporting racial, gender, and economic equity. Her track record includes fundraising $5MM to open the country's first women-led food hall in the Tenderloin. Jessica was raised by a low-income, single mother in the Central Valley and cares deeply about preserving working-class families' ability to live and thrive in our city.

Edward Moore is a Professional Speaker, Certified Life Coach, and Small Business Consultant with over 8 years of experience supporting small businesses to launch, grow and scale their companies. As a Coach, he specializes in helping individuals identify and eliminate the internal barriers that impede success. He is a San Francisco native and a product of the historic Fillmore district. In his free time, he enjoys immersing himself in personal development, practicing self-care, and spending time with his children.

Gabriella joined the Economic Development team as a part of the Fillmore Small Business Empowerment Hub, bringing with her extensive experience in startup and small-business coaching and education. She has over 7 years of program coordination experience, and joined SFHDC in 2022 beginning her work with the inaugural cohort of the Minding My Black-Owned Business Program as a business coach/mentor. With a background spanning many miles, Gabriella is an Ethiopian-American born in the midwest, and raised across 5 countries and 4 continents. A global nomad, Gabriella is a relatively recent transplant to the Bay Area. Graduating from Santa Clara University in 2021 with a B.S. in Economics and a minor in International Business, she was involved in policy research and community organizing in the San Jose area during her time in school. Her other areas of expertise include event facilitation, curriculum development, DE&I, sustainable development, and international political economics.