CAP EX ADVISORY - Key Persons
Andy brings decades of leadership in urban economic development and community revitalization to the Cap Ex team. In his role as Executive Vice President of the Baltimore Development Corporation, Andy guided the agency's work in attracting and retaining businesses, redevelopment, commercial revitalization, and urban design, planning and construction. As First Deputy Mayor, he oversaw a portfolio of agencies including those focused on housing, planning, and development. Andy joined The Johns Hopkins University as the first special adviser to the president on economic development. Priorities included the Homewood Community Partners Initiative and the East Baltimore Development Initiative, a $1.8 billion neighborhood transformation involving housing, lab space, community school, retail, central park, and hotel. Prior to joining Cap Ex, Andy served as the Baltimore City Real Estate Officer in the Office of the Comptroller. Over his career, Andy has guided nonprofit organizations including Live Baltimore, Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, and Central Baltimore Future Fund. With a broad network of contacts in the business, education, and public sector, Andy applies insight, persistence, and persuasion to bring people and resources together for mutually beneficial outcomes.
Job Titles:
- Chief of Staff
- Partner
- Project Manager
With 20 years of experience in community development, Cailin brings a unique perspective to leading capital projects. Her knowledge of funding sources and lens on communities and local government are an asset to any client seeking support to advance a project. Cailin often works with Cap Ex clients to identify funding sources and craft narratives that compel capital to support projects with great missions. In addition to leading projects, Cailin guides marketing and business development, operations and other strategic initiatives for Cap Ex. Prior to joining the organization, Cailin secured grants and tax credits to advance a historic renovation project focused on food access and job creation. Her work includes community impact assessments of capital projects around the country funded with New Markets Tax Credits. In the Baltimore City Council President's office, she worked with communities and reviewed land disposition, development agreements and other matters before the city's spending board.
Job Titles:
- Partner / Design Professional / Facilities Master Planner
Job Titles:
- Construction Manager
- Partner / Construction Management
For almost 30 years, Harriett has worked as a construction manager and in a consultant capacity as an owner's representative for local nonprofits, foundations, and arts institutions. Her career foundation is unique, having worked previously as a Child Life Specialist at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in NYC focusing on art therapy and subsequently moving to Baltimore to attend the Maryland Institute College of Art to study design and architecture. Harriett nurtures partnerships, encourages volunteerism, creates change working with teams who make an impact in our communities, and builds meaningful and lasting projects in a thriving urban environment. Through her carefully crafted style and approach to meet the needs of every client and clientele, Harriett has led diverse teams who built senior, transitional, and low-income housing, educational spaces, places of worship, historic landmarks, personal homes, and arts institutions. Her experience includes new construction projects, renovation, and rehabilitation work with an emphasis on smart design, environmental and social consciousness, inclusive labor participation, and architectural beauty.
Job Titles:
- Partner / Construction Leader
Kelli developed a vast knowledge of construction through her experiences in project management and executive leadership. Kelli's projects span a broad range of project types including affordable & market-rate housing, senior living & care centers, education spaces, research laboratories, athletic facilities, and warehouses. Her core competencies include risk forecasting & mitigation, construction contracting, project cost management, and understanding of the standards of care for common project delivery methods. Kelli is experienced in managing preconstruction, estimating, and scheduling, as well as LEAN construction practices and LEED compliance.
For nearly 20 years, Michael has been at the intersection of economic and community development and finance. He brings a unique viewpoint on funding strategies for a broad range of project types and organizations. His experience is focused on the partnerships and strategies of government, philanthropy and market sources. Michael is an affordable housing and community development professional, serving as senior underwriter and market leader for a national Community Development Financial Institution before joining Cap Ex. His experience with tax credits, public finance, subsidy programs, grants and the demands of market-driven debt solutions enables him to advise clients across a broad range of solutions. Prior to spending six years at the Reinvestment Fund, Michael led one of Baltimore's largest TIF approval processes on behalf of a private developer and led implementation of public and affordable housing solutions at the City of Baltimore after the Great Recession. He continues to lead boards of local community development organizations in Baltimore.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate / Construction Professional
Rebecca Griffin's dynamic career spans three decades and multiple sectors. A civil engineer by training, Rebecca gained extensive hands-on experience in construction management early in her career. Specializing in large-scale projects, she worked on teams that constructed Washington DC's Verizon Center, Milwaukee's Miller Park, and the Boston Convention Center. A skilled project manager, Rebecca transferred this knowledge to the nonprofit sector, serving as executive director of a Boston-area music and performing arts center. Her passion for community building enhanced her leadership and organizational skills, leading to roles in program development, operations, and advancement in nonprofit and academic settings. Throughout her career, Rebecca has worn many hats, each contributing to her well-rounded expertise. Rebecca's diverse experience managing teams and projects allows her to find creative solutions to complex problems. Her ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and industries is an invaluable asset to the Cap Ex team.
Job Titles:
- Managing Member
- Managing Member / Management
As the managing member of Cap Ex Advisory Group, Russ guides business and real estate owners through a myriad of financial, environmental, and market risks that confront the acquisition, ownership, construction, and development process. Russ bundles a unique combination of aesthetic training and analytical rigor, a pecuniary advantage to any owner's decision-making process. Additionally, he is a LEED Accredited Professional, a registered architect, an MBA recipient from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and a leader of several efforts to improve the built environment.
For over 30 years, Salem has prepared and managed policies, programs and projects driving at advancing mission focused economic and community development outcomes, and anchor institution initiatives. He provides tactical advice to leadership across higher education, community development corporations and other nonprofits, government, and to developers undertaking complex capital projects. Most recently, Salem spent nearly 20 years at Johns Hopkins University, including seven years in the office of the president, where he co-led the establishment and implementation of a $1B anchor institution strategy and managed community relations for five campuses.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Real Estate Executive
Tim is a seasoned real estate executive with 25 years of experience overseeing the delivery of complex, high-profile capital improvement projects. His project history ranges from mixed-use redevelopment of historic properties - including Baltimore's Penn Station, Perkins/Somerset/Oldtown transformation, and Clipper Mill - to the restoration of the centerpiece exhibit at the National Aquarium. He has led development of an educational facility, parks and open space, office space, major infrastructure improvements and residential including mixed-income multifamily units, condominiums and townhouses. His project management expertise is comprehensive and includes property acquisition, community engagement, securing entitlements and financing, financial analysis, master planning, guiding the design process, and overseeing construction. Tim studied architecture at the University of Cincinnati, holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland and a master's degree in Urban Planning from the University of North Carolina.
Job Titles:
- Construction Director
- Principal
A real estate industry veteran of more than 30 years, Tonja's career includes an impressive range of expertise in architectural project management, construction management, real estate development, and owner's representation. Project types includes institutional facilities, infrastructure, headquarters relocations, office development, and master planning. Tonja is known for her ability to advise and guide clients on opportunities and potential risks for their projects. She maintains a sharp focus on overarching project goals while balancing the details and steps required for a successful outcome. She has experience in project entitlements, logistics, budget management, and navigating obstacles that arise during the process. Tonja's collaborative approach to managing projects has earned her a reputation for achieving success in meeting project goals, schedule, and budget while fostering a positive experience for all stakeholders. Her ability to work effectively with all parties involved in a project - including contractors, architects, clients, and government officials - makes her an asset to any project team.