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
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 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
Gregory Jones
Partner, Infinity Funds
Greg Jones serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Infinity Real Estate Management (“IREM”), the firm’s real estate platform. The IREM team acquires and manages affordable, multi-family properties with a focus on project-based, Section 8 and Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing. Acquired properties are bought and owned via a series of affordable funds. Greg oversees underwriting, contract negotiation, political dialogue, and the structuring of the capital stack.
Greg has established strong relationships with many HUD offices, agencies such as Freddie Mac, Berkadia, Walker & Dunlop, CMBS lenders, and regional banks. Infinity is currently a Select Sponsor of Freddie Mac. The versatility of these relationships affords fund investors opportunistic debt terms, increasing the probability of achieving targeted cash yields.
Since 2011, Greg has closed over $1 billion of affordable, multi-family, which includes approximately $700 million in debt financing. Currently, Infinity affordable funds own approximately $750 million.
- Bachelor of Arts in English Language & Literature, Emory University
- Juris Doctor, University of Louisville
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 Russell
Co-Founder, AdvicePeriod (Acquired by Mariner Wealth Advisors)
Marc has more than 17 years experience in private wealth management and co-founded AdvicePeriod in 2014. Since the company’s inception, Marc and his team have served a growing and diverse group of families throughout the country. AdvicePeriod was acquired by Mariner Wealth Advisors in 2021.
He began his career working at Convergent Wealth Advisors, playing an integral role in the launch and growth of its Los Angeles office while serving on the Leadership Committee.
Marc now lives in South Florida with his wife and three daughters.
- Cum Laude Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Amherst College
- Masters in Business Administration with Honors, Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania
- Holds the Chartered Financial Analyst Designation and is a member of the CFA Society of South Florida
Desmond Tighe
Leader, International Creative Marketing, Disney Entertainment Television
Desmond Tighe is a leader in creative marketing with 15+ years of experience driving strategic growth, storytelling and organizational transformation for major media and technology companies. He currently leads International Creative Marketing Operations at Disney Entertainment Television, where he oversees integrated marketing campaigns across ABC, Hulu, Disney Branded Television, FX, Freeform and National Geographic.
A proud Marylander and longtime Washingtonian now based in California, Desmond brings a strong cross-regional perspective and deep personal connection to housing equity and educational access. In addition to marketing, he has led large-scale post-merger integration efforts, managed multi-million-dollar operational systems and launched community initiatives, including a tech-equity program with LAUSD. He is excited to support BLOOM’s focus on impact, marketing, and community engagement, and to connect BLOOM with creative agencies and academic partners such as USC and the University of Maryland.
- Bachelor of Science in Business Management, University of Maryland
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Public Relations, University of Maryland
- Bachelor of Art in Theatre, University of Maryland
- Executive MBA, USC Marshall School of Business
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