NATIONAL CORE - Key Persons
Alan B. Mollohan is former Member of The United States House of Representatives, where he served 14 terms. He was first elected in 1982 to represent West Virginia's 1st Congressional District. Mr. Mollohan was appointed to the House Appropriations Committee where he served on five of its Subcommittees from 1986 to 2010. He served as Chairman of Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (NASA, NSF, OSTP, PTO, LSC) and as Ranking Member on the Subcommittee which funded the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Mr. Mollohan was an active supporter of the Department's affordable housing programs.
Prior to his election to Congress, Mr. Mollohan practiced law in West Virginia and Washington, DC. His practice included civil tort litigation, administrative law and counsel to trade associations in the areas of health and safety, environment, manufacture and transport of explosive products. A native of Fairmont, WV, Mr. Mollohan graduated from Greenbrier Military School in Lewisburg, WV. He earned an A.B. degree from the College of William & Mary and his LL.D from West Virginia University College of Law. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1970-1983.
Mr. Mollohan is married to the former Barbara Whiting of Glenville, WV. They have five children.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Planning and Acquisitions
Alexa Washburn is Senior Vice President of Planning and Acquisitions for National CORE. As an affordable housing developer and public agency program manager, Alexa has managed, prepared and implemented a variety of community development projects over her 20 year career. Her projects have been recognized with 12 awards from the American Planning Association and Southern California Association of Governments. She applies her creative land planning, design solutions, and in-depth understanding of progressive policy and implementation strategies to effectively enhance the feasibility, livability, and sustainability of National CORE's communities. Alexa is responsible for acquisitions, forward and advanced planning, environmental, entitlements, and community outreach. She also established National CORE's consulting practice, providing consulting services to public and private sector clients.
Alexa is an advanced professional in LEED Neighborhood Development (LEED AP ND), and has earned a certificate from UCLA in Affordable Housing Development, bachelor's degrees in urban planning, geography and environmental studies, and a Master's degree in public policy & administration.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Hope through Housing Foundation
Alyssa Cotter is a fundraising professional with more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit, higher education and local government settings. As Vice President for the Hope through Housing Foundation, she oversees the day-to-day operations and strategic focus of the Foundation. In her five years with Hope through Housing, Alyssa has been instrumental in building strategic partnerships and strong financial support from the community through numerous initiatives, including the creation of the Women of Hope affinity group, the launch of the Building Bright Futures Scholarship program for high-school graduates and adult learners as well as successfully raising more than $5 million to support resident programs in California, Texas and Florida. Previously, she coordinated individual giving, corporate/private foundation relations and large-scale special events. Before joining Hope through Housing, Alyssa served as director of development at the Inland Empire United Way and as director of constituent and scholarship programs for the UCR Alumni Association.
Alyssa earned her bachelor's degree in business management and master's degree in public administration from California State University, San Bernardino. Alyssa serves as incoming chair of the Board of Directors for the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Inland Empire Chapter.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Emeritus Board
Mr. Wright co-founded National CORE in 1992. Mr. Wright led a prestigious career in real estate development spanning more than 30 years. He served as a partner for Diversified Pacific Development Group and was President of the Inland Empire division of KB Homes. Throughout his real estate career, Mr. Wright built more than 5,000 entry level homes, was a three-time president of the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association and was named Builder of the Year in 1979.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Acquisitions, Florida
Ariana Brendle plays a crucial role in bringing the National CORE mission to Florida, with a focus on affordable housing as a vital step toward reducing intergenerational poverty and promoting economic mobility. Ariana has demonstrated her deep expertise in tax credits and tax-exempt bond transactions in California, Florida and Texas. She volunteers for the Miami Rescue Mission and Broward Outreach Centers, organizations that provide essential support to those in need. She also serves as Housing Committee Co-Chair for Healthy Little Havana, which advocates for initiatives that enhance the social determinants of health in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood. She holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in business administration and finance from the University of Baltimore.
Mr. Bucelo is an attorney in Coral Gables, Florida, specializing primarily in corporate, banking, real estate and transactional work. In 1991, he was appointed by former President George Bush as the first Hispanic as well as the first Floridian ever selected to the Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac). In 2002, he was appointed by President George W. Bush as Chairman of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), one of the highest appointments ever made to a Hispanic by any administration. On July 14, 2006, Mr. Bucelo became the first Cuban-American ever to ring the closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Development
In his role as Senior Vice President, Ashley Wright oversees all development activities for the organization. He has more than 25 years of experience in real estate finance and housing development. His knowledge includes entitlement, project management, development and construction of multifamily rental housing, for sale housing and commercial. He is proficient with numerous market-rate and affordable housing financing sources such as low-income housing tax credits, various state and federal programs, tax-exempt bonds, private equity and conventional financing. Ashley graduated from the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, with a focus in finance, real estate and law.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Finance and Acquisitions
Barry Oglesby, in his role as Vice President of Finance and Acquisitions at National CORE, has an extensive background in real estate investments and corporate finance. He started his career in 2005, focusing on REIT acquisitions. A key aspect of his early career was his involvement in the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy as a consultant, where he conducted in-depth analyses of Lehman Brothers' significant real estate investments leading up to their collapse. This experience afforded him a deep understanding of financial restructuring and real estate investments.
While at KPMG, Barry acquired significant corporate finance and audit expertise, which furthered his proficiency in these essential finance areas. At AIMCO, a leading multifamily REIT, Barry Oglesby played a key role in executing several property redevelopments within their portfolio, thereby enhancing his experience in adding value to real estate. In his current position at National CORE, he leads the effort in the acquisition of existing multifamily properties and is also actively involved in capital fundraising initiatives. These roles demonstrate his ability to help lead National CORE's expansion of its portfolio through financial acumen and property acquisitions. Barry Oglesby holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Auburn University and a master's degree in finance from the University of Illinois. These qualifications, combined with his professional experience in corporate finance and real estate, contribute to his role at National CORE.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Construction
Chris Killian, Senior Vice President of Construction, began his career at National CORE in 2004 as an onsite Construction Superintendent and has held various positions within the organization, including Construction Manager and Vice President of Estimating. During his tenure with National CORE, he has been responsible for the construction and renovation of more than 1,240 apartment units, valued at approximately 215 million dollars. Prior to joining National CORE, Chris spent five years with the Fontana Unified School District, where as a Project Manager he was involved in the construction of four new schools with a total value of 103 million dollars. He also was responsible for the coordination of infrastructure and installation of numerous modular facilities during his time with the school district. Chris has a BS from the University of Redlands, and has taken course work in construction and supervision from Riverside Community College. He is a licensed General Contractor(B) in the State of California.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Property Management
Courtney Richard, Senior Vice President of Property Management, has been a member of the National CORE team since 2012 and has worked in property management since 2009. In her role, she oversees the operations and management of National CORE's 100+ affordable housing communities and a team of more than 300. She is responsible for setting strategic goals for National CORE's largest division to meet the growing needs of National CORE's expanding portfolio and new business lines.
In 2012, Courtney was instrumental in bringing relocation services in-house. Under her leadership, the team has launched a lucrative business line for National CORE, offering third-party services. Her unique approach to relocation minimizes resident hardship and provides consistent communication with residents while complying with mandated regulations.
Courtney has been recognized for her accomplishments by the Southern California Association on Nonprofit Housing (SCANPH) and Affordable Housing Finance. She holds multiple certifications, including RAD Project-Based Voucher, Rental Assistance Certification and Tax Credit Specialist. She graduated from Cal State San Bernardino with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Job Titles:
- in 2014 As Senior Vice President of Property Management
- Senior Vice President of Property Management
Daniel W. Lorraine joined National CORE in 2014 as Senior Vice President of Property Management, where he oversees a portfolio of more than 9,000 units in California, Arkansas and Texas, and leads the organization's environmental sustainability efforts. Previously, Dan was Senior Vice President of Property Management at The Community Builders in Boston, overseeing a division responsible for managing nearly 9,000 units across fourteen states and the District of Columbia. While with The Community Builders, he led a cutting edge division that thrived in difficult markets and managed complex properties. He joined the company in 2008 after six years as regional manager for Trans World Entertainment Corp. in Albany, N.Y. He also spent 18 years in management positions for Woonsocket, R.I.-based CVS Pharmacy.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Operations
Dorrie Bryan began her career with National CORE in 1995 as the Executive Assistant to our Founder and CEO. After graduating from the University of California Riverside Human Resources Certificate Program in 1999, Dorrie was promoted to Vice President of Human Resources and Operations. In her current role, she is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, administering, and budgeting for all areas of employment, compensation, benefits, training, employee relations, legal compliance, affirmative action, and health and safety programs, for National CORE's 400+ employees. Other professional affiliations include Professionals in Human Resources Association and the Society of Human Resources Management.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Emeritus Board
- EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Kingston, as President and CEO of Century Housing Corporation for 18 years directed the financing of more than 14,000 affordable/workforce households, in 250 housing developments, in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California. While originating more than $450 million in housing loans, he also led Century to initiate "More Than Shelter® Services, Inc." to assist underserved communities and families with after-school tutoring, job training and placement, transitional housing for homeless veterans, childcare, health and wellness for seniors, and creation of two charter middle schools. Now retired, Mr. Kingston served three years as the Chairman of the National Housing Conference, the nation's oldest advocacy organization for affordable housing. He is a member of several national and state non-profit boards, including the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the NHC, and the California Housing Consortium, and is a long-time member of the Urban Land Institute.
Job Titles:
- Principal With Woodberry Associates
Mr. Clingham is a Principal with Woodberry Associates, a Washington, D.C. public and government affairs firm. He assists corporations and not-for-profit organizations develop and implement strategies to get their voices heard before Executive Branch Agencies and the United States Congress. Mr. Clingham's expertise focuses on the education, health care, financial services and appropriations sectors. Previously, Mr. Clingham served as staff for a senior Member of the United States House of Representatives. Mr. Clingham holds a J.D. from the Boston University School of Law and a B.A. in Political Science from The Catholic University of America. He resides in Bethesda, MD.
Mr. Cashion is a principle of Cashion, Go & Company, LLP, a CPA firm, and Cashion Consulting, Inc., a valuation and litigation support firm. Together his businesses provide accounting, auditing, tax, business valuation, and litigation support to small and mid-sized business clients. He is a member of an array of professional associations including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the California Society of CPAs and has served on more than 20 civic organization boards in his community.
In 1991, using his own resources, Mr. Burum co-founded National CORE in response to the need for affordable housing in San Bernardino County. In 1998, wanting to provide more than shelter to low-income families and seniors, he co-founded the Hope through Housing Foundation to offer programs and services that transform the lives of residents. Today, National CORE is one of the largest national nonprofit affordable housing developers in the country.
Burum is a long-time affordable housing advocate. Early in his career, he was one of 22 real estate professionals to be appointed by Congress to serve on the Millennial Housing Commission, whose mission was to make recommendations for Federal housing policy to legislators.
During his 30 years in the development field, Burum established three successful real estate companies in addition to National CORE and Hope through Housing: (1) Diversified Pacific Communities, a builder of custom quality single family home communities throughout Southern California; (2) Diversified Pacific Opportunity Fund, founded in 2008 in response to the market downturn and has raised more than $60 million in private capital to purchase and develop land and other real estate assets; and (3) Colonies Crossroads, a land investment group that has developed a 400+-acre master planned community featuring more than 1,000 residential homes and more than one million square feet of commercial space, of which Burum is a managing partner.
Burum is active in the community serving on many nonprofit and for-profit boards and previously served on the board of Pomona Valley Habitat for Humanity and AIG Sun America's Asset Management Company.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Jill Van Balen began her career with National CORE and Hope through Housing in 2001 as the Executive Assistant for the Founder and CEO. Since then, Jill has held several positions within the organization, including Marketing and Fund Development Manager, Manager of Corporate Affairs and Grant Writer. In her current capacity, she is responsible for all corporate and business group branding, marketing and public relations to promote, enhance and grow the brands of National CORE and Hope through Housing.
Active in her community, Jill is the Past President of the Board of Directors for the Association of Fundraising Professionals Inland Empire Chapter, she also serves on the Board of Directors for the Purple Hearts and on the Board of Directors' Fundraising Committee for OPARC. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications/Marketing from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Acquisitions and Forward Planning, San Diego
John Seymour has 35 years of development and community-based experience and has been with National CORE 25 years. Responsible for acquisitions, forward planning, environmental, financing, entitlements and outreach, he has assisted in the production of more than 4,000 units including five mixed-use projects at a total development cost of over $1.4 billion. Prior to National CORE, he worked for John Seymour and Associates, the Building Industry Association and as Policy Advisor to the Chair of San Diego County Board of Supervisors. He graduated from SDSU with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and Economics.
Jovita Schofield has lived in National CORE's Villaggio development in Rancho Cucamonga since it opened in 2009. She currently works part-time for the County of San Bernardino, doing assisted care for the elderly and has previously worked as a Customer Services Manager for Walmart and as a fundraiser for the American Heart Association. She has also served on an advisory board for First 5 San Bernardino, which was created to oversee the implementation of California's Children and Families Act. She said she loves where she lives and participates in every community event. She has a great relationship with the property management staff at Villaggio and sees joining the National CORE board as a tremendous learning experience. In the future, she would like to go back to school to study social service delivery and would like to become a homeowner. She has three children and several grandchildren, two of whom live with her and her daughter at Villaggio.
Ms. Kuhns currently leads the efforts of Vandalia Heritage Foundation and Vandalia Redevelopment Corporation, sister non-profit organizations dedicated to economic revitalization through the built environment. Since their inception in 1998, she has managed the successful completion of more than fifty impactful projects, ranging from small community improvements and plans to restoring landmark historic properties, and developing large R&D and manufacturing facilities on behalf of other non-profits. Formerly managing director of a versatile real estate firm that championed public-private partnerships, she served two terms on the Governor's Council for Community & Economic Development.
For more than 40 years, Mr. Larry Van Noy has been an independent residential income property owner and operator, with properties in Oklahoma, Hawaii, and throughout Southern California. He has founded and managed real estate development, construction and property management companies, and has served as an officer of several California-based entities and as a director of both private and non-profit organizations. He has a wide-ranging background and broad experience in the acquisition, finance, management, and divestment of apartment properties.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Development
- Vice President of Project Development
Lesley Hampton is the Vice President of Project Development for National CORE, where she is responsible for managing an extensive pipeline of potential projects through the development process, overseeing a large team of project managers, cultivating relationships with a variety of external stakeholders, and performing comprehensive financial analysis to create complex deal structures. She embraces the mission of transforming communities and lives through the development of quality affordable housing. With more than 18 years of experience in affordable housing and finance, she has been responsible for the development and construction of more than 2,000 units and securing more than $500 million in financing. Her entitlement and development expertise include acquisition/rehab, mixed-use, and new construction projects. Lesley received a bachelor's degree from the University of California San Diego and a M.B.A degree from the University of California Irvine.
Job Titles:
- in 2019 As Vice President of Public Affairs
- Vice President, Public Affairs
Lorraine Kindred joined National CORE in 2019 as Vice President of Public Affairs. A graduate of UCLA with a degree in Political Science-Public Law, she has over 25 years of leadership and real estate experience. Lorraine oversees government relations in the state and federal arena as well as communications and community outreach working toward building and maintaining a strong reputation in the nonprofit affordable housing industry. Formerly the Chair of the Upland of Commerce and President of the Pomona Valley Chapter of Executive Women International, she currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Upland YMCA and the Baldy View Chapter of the Building Industry Association.
Job Titles:
- Greer, Ph.D. Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Dr. Marissiko Wheaton-Greer brings more than 15 years of experience as an educator, scholar and practitioner in the field of higher education to her role as the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at National CORE. With a strong commitment to empowering marginalized communities, she has dedicated her personal life and professional career to community-building and awareness initiatives. At National CORE, Marissiko promotes diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the organization and in the way we approach our partners and the communities we serve. This includes supporting National CORE's various affinity groups, facilitating professional development and community engagement opportunities and forging robust relationships with minority-owned businesses.
Marissiko specializes in equity-oriented leadership and views diversity, equity and inclusion as achievements realized through fostering genuine relationships and commitment across all levels of an organization. Coming from a diverse, multi-generational, single-parent household, her personal and professional journey resonates closely with the values of National CORE. With a Bachelor of Arts in social ecology from the University of California, a Master of Arts in higher education/student personnel administration from New York University, and a Ph.D. in urban education policy from the University of Southern California, Marissiko's academic background reflects a deep dedication to promoting inclusive practices.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Los Angeles Region
Michael de la Torre guides day-to-day operations and overall strategy, direction and management of the acquisitions process for National CORE's Los Angeles Region. His team's responsibilities extend from project identification and feasibility to securing financing from public and private lenders. The acquisitions team also coordinates development approvals, supervises consultants and serves as a liaison with funding partners and community stakeholders. Michael oversees government relationships, new product development, due diligence and risk management for early stages of affordable housing developments. Before joining CORE, Michael worked in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) industry. He served as a rental housing specialist and risk assessor for the State of Arizona Department of Housing and managed the development process for a California LIHTC developer. Michael earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Fullerton.
Michael Finn is National CORE's Chief Financial Officer. As CFO, Michael is responsible for the overall financial strategy and fiscal practices of the organization. He oversees corporate, real estate development, construction, and property management accounting, strategic financial planning and analysis, IT, risk management and vendor relations. Has the overall responsibility to steward the organizations $1.2B in real estate assets and works closely with the Board of Directors Audit and Finance committees.
Before joining National CORE, he served as CFO for a major healthcare technology company and brings more than 25 years of management experience in finance and accounting. He has significant experience in the technology, healthcare, real estate, construction, manufacturing, and entertainment fields. He received his bachelor's degree in economics from UCLA.
Job Titles:
- Member of the LEADERSHIP Team
- President
Michael M. Ruane, National CORE's President, leads the development of program and business strategies for the organization and is responsible for overseeing all operating departments. Previously, Mr. Ruane served in a variety of leadership positions in Orange County, including Chief of Strategy and Public Affairs of CalOptima, Executive Director of the Children and Families Commission, Assistant County Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Environmental Management Agency. Mr. Ruane is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine, and earned a master's degree from the UCLA Graduate School of Architecture and Urban Planning. Mr. Ruane is the Immediate Past Chair of the Orange County/Inland Empire District Council of the Urban Land Institute and is the Jury Chair for the 2016 HUD Innovation in Affordable Housing national design and planning competition.
Job Titles:
- Division President of Bremond Company LLC
Mr. John Bremond is the current Division President of Bremond Company LLC, an organization he founded in 2010 for the purposes of pursuing real estate investment and business opportunities in Southern Arizona. He retired from KB Home in 2010 as Regional Vice President of the company's Desert Region with more than 33 years of experience in the homebuilding industry. In his final position with the company, Bremond oversaw joint ventures within the region, managed political affairs, and provided guidance and support to divisional management in the pursuit of corporate objectives.
Bremond is a veteran of the US Navy, serving from 1969 to 1973, following which he completed his studies in business at the University of Arizona and commercial banking at the American Institute of Banking. Active in his community, Bremond serves as the president of the St. Philip's Preservation and Endowment Foundation and is a member of the DM 50, the Tucson Airport Authority, and the Tucson Conquistadores.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of the Orange County Community Housing Corporation
Nora Mendez serves as the Executive Director of the Orange County Community Housing Corporation, SteppingUP (OCCHC). In her role, she is responsible for the planning and operation of OCCHC's housing development and property management activities. She started her career with the affordable housing nonprofit in 1997 as an intern and is committed to providing low-income families with a home and a future. She first became of member of the OCCHC family when the nonprofit revitalized her neighborhood, formerly known as the slums of Santa Ana, to create a healthy and safe community for underserved families. Today, OCCHC has a portfolio of more than 226 affordable housing units throughout Orange County and is growing. The most recent development, Luminaira at the Great Park in Irvine, CA, provides 84 affordable housing units for families in need.
Through her efforts with the Neighborhood Stabilization Program over the years, Nora has been a part of providing additional affordable housing throughout Orange County with the acquisition and rehabilitation of Real Estate Owned (REO) and/or abandoned properties, helping to stabilize at-risk neighborhoods. Nora currently serves on several Boards, including the Kennedy Commission, NeighborWorks OC, and Community Housing Resources, Inc. She has been recently honored for her advocacy and service to her community by the American Association of Community Colleges, LULAC, and the 65th Assembly District.
Job Titles:
- Development Manager, Florida
Oscar Paul oversees all aspects of development, from land and asset acquisition to debt conversion and stabilization to property rehabilitation. Oscar has played a key role in developing more than 1,500 units of affordable housing across Florida and Texas. In 2017, he received the President's Medal for Volunteer Service. He also is a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor granted by the United States Congress to American civilians, for completing over 2,500 voluntary public service hours in a single year. Oscar holds a Bachelor of Science in public administration, urban/regional planning & development, as well as a graduate certificate in emergency management and homeland security, both from Florida State University.
Job Titles:
- President of New Direction
Mr. Crebs currently serves as President of New Direction and is recognized as a leading expert in mortgage banking. He served as Chairman of the Board and President/CEO of Directors Mortgage Loan Corporation, a full service mortgage banker with permanent servicing of $15 billion dollars. Under his direction, the Company grew to become the largest independent mortgage company in the country with 127 branch locations and more than 3000 employees. Drawing from more than 25 years of experience in real estate finance, Crebs successfully negotiated the sale of Directors Mortgage to Norwest Bank. Later, Wells Fargo Bank acquired Norwest Bank.
As a former President of the California Mortgage Bankers Association, he frequently serves as a consultant in the mortgage banking industry. Crebs also served on the Board of Governors of the Mortgage Bankers Association of America in Washington, DC and the boards of WMC Mortgage, PSP Financial Services, and Pioneer Savings Spring Mountain Group. Crebs is a graduate of the School of Management from the University of California, Riverside and the School of Mortgage Banking from Northwestern University School in Michigan. He is a licensed real estate broker and a founder and board member of Golden State Business Bank.
Richard Dawson has lived in National CORE's Talmadge Senior Village Apartments in San Diego since 2014. Now retired, Richard worked for 40 years at his family-owned car dealership and for 10 years as the Operations Director for Sportlands Team Sports. He served two tours in Vietnam as part of the United States military and is now active in promoting opportunities for veterans. Previously, Richard served for six years on the board of the Alpine American Little League as he helped connect youth with positive role models through athletics. Born and raised in San Diego, he enjoys traveling and outdoor activities.
Robert Diaz - Chief Legal Officer, EVP
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President
- General Counsel
- Member of the LEADERSHIP Team
- in 2017 As Its General Counsel
Robert Diaz is National CORE's Executive Vice President and General Counsel. Robert drives organizational growth and works to develop National CORE's infrastructure to maximize our team's effectiveness and efficiency in pursuit of our mission.
Robert joined National CORE in 2017 as its General Counsel and previously served as Chief Administrative Officer before assuming his current responsibilities. Prior to joining National CORE, Robert served in various capacities as an attorney in the areas of debt finance, corporate governance, banking regulations, mergers and acquisitions and general corporate law. Robert has also focused on the development and implementation of corporate controls and structure and has significant experience in large-scale regulatory remediation efforts in the financial industry.
Robert graduated from the University of Chicago Law School and received his B.S. degree in Business Administration from Chapman University. He was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army Reserve and served as a member of the Army's JAG Corps for 15 years.
Mr. Larson, a former United States District Court judge, is a founding partner of Larson LLP, a litigation firm located in Los Angeles which handles litigation, appeals, white collar defense, and internal investigations. Mr. Larson also served as federal prosecutor in Los Angeles, where he was chief of the organized crime section. Among the notable cases he presided over as a federal judge was United States v. Duro, in which he blocked the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs' decade-long effort to close down a major migrant worker camp on the Torres Martinez Indian Reservation in the Coachella Valley and appointed a receiver to transition the occupants to suitable housing.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Acquisitions, Texas
Tony Mize is Vice President of Acquisitions and Forward Planning for National CORE. His career in the real estate industry has focused on the development of affordable multifamily and single-family housing, including workforce, senior, special needs and supportive housing. Tony was an integral part of the company's early years, serving as Director of Business Development, Acquisitions & Structured Transactions from 1993-99. Prior to rejoining National CORE in 2015, Tony launched and ran his own firms, developing, constructing and operating multiple affordable communities. Tony served from 2008-18 as a Board Member and Treasurer of the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County. He serves as a Board Member of the Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California. Tony also served many years as Treasurer and Executive Committee member of the Inland Empire Economic Partnership and as chair of its Small Business Development Center Advisory Board. He has a long involvement promoting economic development and job creation.
Venus Lujan moved from Los Angeles to our Renaissance Village development in Rialto 18 years ago. She became an important part of the community, volunteering in Hope through Housing's afterschool program on the property and joining our Inland Empire CHDO board. She and her husband have four children, including two currently on full-ride scholarships at UC Riverside and Cal Baptist University. Her family eventually moved out of Renaissance Village after no longer being income-qualified to live there. Her husband is a former structural steel welder who now manages a company that makes hair dye products, while Venus focuses on raising her children, nephew and grandson. She has a passion for education and athletics, and hopes to one day visit all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums on an RV trip across the country.