Intro to BLOOM

Carlee Chiate

Executive Director, BLOOM Here, Inc.

Carlee has devoted more than 23 years of her career to being of service to communities in need through working in the field of social work including in her current position as Director of Resident Services for MRK Partners.

Prior to that, she served as a clinical social worker in a variety of settings providing clinical psychiatric treatment to children, adolescents, families, and groups in community mental health clinics, homes and schools.

She has designed and implemented programs and activities, identified appropriate community resources, and collaborated with other agencies to best support her clients.

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), California
• Bachelor of Arts with a focus in Family Studies, University of Arizona
• Masters in Social Work with a concentration in Families and Children, University of Southern California

Syd’s Why

Sydne Garchik

Founder & President, MRK Partners, Inc

For more than 14 years, Sydne has been a noteworthy leader in the affordable housing space and is passionate about changing the world. She is the Founder and President of MRK Partners, Inc., a firm dedicated to creating and preserving exceptional affordable housing across the nation.

Sydne believes that housing acts as a foundation for a multitude of other benefits and that a comprehensive approach to affordable housing includes services. She has been active with the Women in Construction, Autism Speaks and other local organizations.

She lives in Florida with her husband and three young daughters.

• Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Maryland
• Affordable Housing Finance 2022 Young Leader Award Recipient
• Master of Real Estate Development + Urbanism Board Member, University of Miami

Dwayne’s Why

Dwayne George

Executive Vice President, Bellwether Enterprise Real Estate Capital

Dwayne George, Executive Vice President leads a national team responsible for sourcing debt opportunities for BWE’s Affordable and Conventional Fannie, Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA platforms.  Dwayne, with over 20 years of lending and origination experience, will diversify BWE’s affordable business, enhance the existing suite of debt product offerings, and manage customer engagement efforts to increase brand awareness.

Prior to BWE, Dwayne served as the Executive Vice President and Head of Production at Merchants Capital.   In this role, he implemented new strategies to source, negotiate, and structure business opportunities for Merchants Capital to outpace, $6 Billion in annual multifamily affordable and conventional production.  In addition, he directed long-range planning, client engagement initiatives, recruiting, training, and the development and implementation of all debt products.

• Bachelor of Arts in Business Management, Goucher College
• Masters in Real Estate, Georgetown University

Katrina’s Why

Katrina Matthews

Program Analysis Officer, D.C. Department of Employment Services

Katrina Matthews is a powerhouse of purpose, resilience, and grace. With over 25 years of experience in the workforce, she is a multi-degree professional and lifelong learner who brings passion and insight to every role she serves.

Her passion lies in helping children and individuals who face barriers unlock their potential and reach their dreams. A strong advocate for mental health and holistic well-being, Katrina integrates her clinical training with real-world experience to promote resilience, healing, and empowerment.

Katrina lives in Maryland with her husband and six children.

• Bachelor of Arts in U.S. History, Columbia College
• Master of Arts in Management and Leadership, Webster University
• Master of Science (Dual Major): Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Forensic and Legal Psychology, Marymount University

Marc’s Why