Staff

Our people make our mission possible. Learn more about the great group of professionals who are ready to team up with you to work towards our common goal of creating and preserving more affordable housing.

Andrea Brennan, CEO and President Direct: 651-350-7230 As CEO and president, Andrea oversees GMHF’s strategic direction and investment priorities while managing staff and developing partnerships throughout Greater Minnesota. Since 2015, Brennan has led housing development and policy initiatives for the City of Minneapolis, most recently overseeing its Community Planning and Economic Development division. Previously, Brennan led community development for the Dakota County Community Development Agency. She has served on several prominent housing finance, policy and development boards including the Heading Home Hennepin Executive Committee, the Family Housing Fund, the Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, and the Minnesota Housing Partnership. She is a graduate of the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota and the University of San Diego.

Rhiannon Caffee, Loan Closer Direct: 651-358-3811 Mrs. Caffee has over 20 years of experience in real estate, 8 years of her experience has been with affordable housing. Prior GMHF, Rhiannon was with Minnesota Housing Finance Agency as a Senior Housing Development Officer/Loan Closer. At GMHF Rhiannon works closely with the lending, equity and finance teams to ensure that all transactions are properly executed and funded. Rhiannon has a degree as a Paralegal and is certified as a Housing Development Finance Professional by the National Development Council.

John Errigo, Director of Equity Investing & NOAH Fund Manager Direct: 651-350-7224 As the Director of Equity Investing & NOAH Fund Manager, Mr. Errigo is responsible for both the Minnesota Equity Fund and NOAH Impact Fund subsidiaries. He works with affordable housing developers and owners to originate, structure, and close equity investments and companion debt products. He also works with investors to secure social impact capital, provide technical assistance to affordable housing developers and communities, facilitate loan workouts, and lead special internal projects. Mr. Errigo has over 30 years of experience in multifamily development project management, structuring complex financing and partnerships, and market feasibility analysis. Prior to joining GMHF, he was the Director of Housing Development at Aeon, a Project Manager at MetroPlains, and a Senior Market Analyst at Maxfield Research. Mr. Errigo holds a BA in Economics from Washington University in St. Louis and is certified as a Housing Development Finance Professional by the National Development Council.

Warren Hanson, Advisor, Founder, former President & CEO Mr. Hanson retired as President & CEO of GMHF in June 2023 and serves as an Advisor to the current President & CEO. Warren founded GMHF in 1996 in partnership with the McKnight and Blandin Foundations. Prior to GMHF, Warren was the director of Riverfront and Neighborhood Development for the City of Saint Paul and Economic Development Director of West Bank Community Development Corporation. He is the co-founder of Community Reinvestment Fund USA. Mr. Hanson has a Master of Science Degree in City and Regional Planning from the Pratt Institute in New York.

Matthew Holland, Accounting Manager Direct: 651-350-7242 Mr. Holland is a CPA who brings 20 years of experience in Accounting & Finance to the Accounting Manager role. Prior to joining GMHF, Matt was an accounting supervisor at Supervalu. Previously, he spent 18 years at Regis Corporation as a Staff Accountant, Financial Planning Manager, Finance Manager, and Analytics Manager. Matt has an undergraduate degree from Moorhead State in Hotel/Restaurant Management and an undergraduate degree in Accounting from Metropolitan State University.

Wes Johnson, Senior Underwriter & Loan Officer Direct: 651-350-7227 Mr. Johnson is the Senior Underwriter and Loan Officer. He works with developers to structure debt financing and provide technical assistance for affordable housing developments. As Senior Underwriter, Wes is responsible for reviewing potential GMHF loans to evaluate each project’s financial viability and assists other loan officers with financial structuring and issue resolution. Previously, Wes worked as GMHF’s Loan Portfolio Manager for over three years, managing a variety of loan fund analysis and monitoring tasks for GMHF’s finance team. Wes draws on prior experience as a healthcare information systems consultant where he developed strong analysis, customer service, and project management skills. Wes has B.A. degrees in Economics and Policy Analysis from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. He is certified as a Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) by the National Development Council.

Kate Knowles, Financial Analysis Manager Direct: 651-350-7234 Ms. Knowles is the Financial Analysis Manager for Portfolio Reporting and Analysis. In this role, Ms. Knowles provides financial analysis on GMHF’s loan performance, cash flow projections, financial modeling and budget forecasts, as well as ensuring adequate monitoring of, and due diligence on, GMHF’s loan portfolios. Ms. Knowles holds the CFA designation and has over 30 years of experience in commercial lending and institutional investment. She most recently served for more than 17 years as a Senior Investment Grade Research Analyst at Thrivent Asset Management in Minneapolis, MN. Ms. Knowles has an MBA in Finance from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor and a B.A. in International Relations and French from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Joshua Kolb, Asset Manager Direct: 651-350-7226 Mr. Kolb is GMHF’s Asset Manager.  Joshua is responsible for overseeing GMHF’s loan portfolios by working with borrowers and developers to ensure ongoing compliance with executed agreements, monitoring the overall health and condition of underlying properties and adherence to various regulatory agreements.  Joshua has over 10 years of experience in the Financial Services industry with both small and large institutions, most recently as a Loan Analyst with Dougherty Funding.  Joshua holds a B.S. in Finance from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Holly Krachmer, Closing Manager Direct: 651-358-3803 As Closing Manager, Holly oversees the operations of the closing department, ensuring the accuracy and compliance of all lending transactions. Holly has over 20 years of experience in real estate lending and investments and is certified as a Housing Development Finance Professional by the National Development Council.

Alexis Lancaster, Executive Assistant Direct: 651-350-7234 As the Executive Assistant, Alexis assists the organization with operations including HR, office administration and management, meeting preparation, general administrative support, and Board governance and communication. She works directly with the CEO and GMHF executive leadership to support them in their daily routines. Alexis started her career in assistant roles and moved into executive assistant roles with Episcopal Homes of MN and Safe Reflections. She has a Bachelor Degree in Communications from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls.

Kyle Larsen, Chief Financial Officer Direct: 651-358-3808 Mr. Larsen is GMHF’s Chief Financial Officer.  In this role he is responsible for the organization’s financial operation and ensuring financial goals and objectives are met and that financial risks are mitigated. Kyle is an experienced leader in large complex nonprofit organizations.  Previously, Kyle has served as the CFO of Children’s Home, an International and Domestic Adoption Agency, and Controller of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota.  Kyle holds an active CPA license and has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Metropolitan State University.  He also has earned a Master’s degree in Government and Non-profit Administration from the same institution.

Andrew Lutz, Loan Portfolio & Data Analyst Direct: 651-350-7228 Mr. Lutz is GMHF’s Loan Portfolio and Data Analyst, providing analysis of loan performance, cash flow projections, and compliance reporting. Andrew has extensive experience in data analysis through previous positions with BI Worldwide, Brightpeak Financial, and the Center for Energy and Environment. Andrew holds a B.S. in Physics from Hamline University.

Paul Marzynski, Syndication & Investment Officer Direct: 651-350-7236 Mr. Marzynski is the Syndication & Investment Officer for GMHF’s Minnesota Equity Fund (MEF) and NOAH Impact Fund. He is responsible for working with developers, owner-operators, strategic partners, local and state agencies, and other organizations in assessing project viability and working toward closing on approved funded projects. Paul has over 25 years of real estate experience with a focus on financing, development, and asset management of affordable multifamily developments. Previously, he worked for Minnesota Housing as a Senior Multifamily Underwriter, and has also worked for Dougherty Mortgage, Stonebridge Companies, and Dominium Development and Acquisitions. Paul has a Master of Real Estate and Finance degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Catherine McCarthy, Director of Capital Development Direct: 651-358-3802 As the Director of Capital Development, Catherine is responsible for creating and implementing the overall strategy for raising funds to sustain and expand the capital base of GMHF. Passionate about the work of CDFIs, Catherine works with investors to provide financial resources that support inclusive wealth building strategies in Minnesota communities. Her previous roles have given her the experience to develop capital sources from bank, philanthropic, public and private sources. From 2017-2020, she was Development Director at Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA), a CDFI focused on minority business growth. Prior to that, she was Director of Development and Programs at Sabathani Community Center. Before moving back to Minnesota, she worked with United Nations Development Program on governance and development initiatives in Addis Ababa. She holds a Masters from Yale and undergraduate degree from Minnesota State University – Mankato.

Ben Miles, Loan Officer Direct: 651-358-3805 As a loan officer, Ben works with developers to structure debt financing and provide technical assistance for affordable housing developments and acquisitions. Ben has over 15 years of experience in commercial real estate. Most recently, Ben was a Senior Vice President in Valuation and Advisory, specializing in multifamily property appraisal, at Newmark in Minneapolis. Ben has a B.A. in Real Estate from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree in Public Affairs from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

Nikki Mohs, Senior Loan Officer Direct: 651-350-7232 As a Senior Loan Officer, Nikki works with developers and owner-operators to structure debt financing and provide technical assistance for affordable housing development, as well as assists other loan officers with training, financial structuring, and issue resolution. She has over 12 years of affordable housing experience, including Housing Choice Voucher administration, property management, and LIHTC compliance. Previous roles include positions at Dakota County Community Development Agency and Sherman Associates. She has a B.A. in Urban Studies from the University of Minnesota. She is certified as a Rental Housing Development Finance Professional by the National Development Council.

Eric Muschler, Director of Housing & Health Equity Direct: 651-350-7225 As Director of Housing & Health Equity, Mr. Muschler works to explore the multiple connections and benefits of housing as the most critical social determinants of health. Eric has worked in the housing and community development arena for 25 years as a developer, policy advocate, a program creator and implementor, and as a funder. Expanding economic opportunity in low-income and communities of color has been a driving force in all his work. Eric believes that housing stability is the foundation for opportunity especially when connected with other economic supports like education, workforce, asset and wealth building.

John Rocker, Director of Lending Direct: 651-350-7233 Mr. Rocker is GMHF’s Director of Lending. In this role, John is responsible for CDFI lending production, borrower and developer relationships, and lending team leadership. John also leads technical assistance activities related to deal structuring.  John brings extensive real estate finance, underwriting, and development expertise in affordable housing finance, having previously worked with Minnesota Housing as a multifamily underwriter, and as a developer with Aeon, Fermstad Trust Properties, and Gandolf Group LLC. John has a B.S. in Finance from Miami University.

Irene Ruiz-Briseño, Capacity Building & Engagement Program Manager Direct: 651-358-3800 As the Capacity Building & Engagement Program Manager, Ms. Ruiz-Briseno is responsible for planning, implementing, and coordinating GMHF’s emerging developer and small landlord capacity building program activities. Irene has a B.A. degree in Planning and Community Development from Saint Cloud State University and is currently enrolled in the Affordable Housing Leadership graduate certificate program at Hamline University. She is also certified as a Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) by the National Development Council.

Megan Sanders, Loan Officer Direct: 651-350-7221 As a Loan Officer, Megan works with developers and owner-operators to structure debt financing and provide Technical Assistance for affordable housing development. Megan has over 12 years of experience in real estate, with half of that time being dedicated to affordable housing. Prior to her career at GMHF, Megan was with Minnesota Housing Finance Agency where her focus was on preservation projects and loan servicing. Megan holds a B.S. degree in Communications from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and is certified as a Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) by the National Development Council.

Barb Sporlein, Chief Operating Officer Direct: 651-358-3807 As Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Sporlein manages day-to-day operations and project priorities, facilitates internal coordination, maintains accountability, and aligns human and financial resources to achieve organizational goals. She served in similar roles at the City of Saint Paul and Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, and prior to that served as Planning Director for the City of Minneapolis. Ms. Sporlein has extensive experience leading and managing in complex mission-driven organizations. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geography from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master of Planning Degree from the University of MN, Humphrey School of Public Affairs. She holds certificates in State of Minnesota, Tribal Relations issued by the University of Minnesota, Duluth; and Housing Development Finance Professional issued by the National Development Council.

Tyler Thompson, Senior Financial Analyst, Asset Manager Direct: 651-358-3801 Mr. Thompson is GMHF’s Senior Financial Analyst, Asset Manager. Prior to joining GMHF, Tyler worked with community banks in Minnesota and Iowa, underwriting commercial and real estate transactions. Most recently, he was the Senior Credit Analyst with Alliance Bank. Tyler holds a B.S. in Finance from Iowa State University and a Master of Accountancy from the University of Minnesota

Becky Tollefson, Lending & Programs Coordinator Direct: 651-350-7223 As GMHF’s Lending & Programs Coordinator, Ms. Tollefson works with the lending, finance, and asset management teams on lending transactions, loan servicing, and general support. Becky has worked in mortgage servicing since 2005 and has experience handling default-related complaints, customer service, and consumer lending compliance for single-family lending. Becky holds a B.A. in Sociology from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, and a Certificate in Meeting and Event Management from Dakota County Technical College.

Evan Uribe, Loan Officer Direct: 651-358-3806 As a loan officer, Evan works with developers and owner-operators to structure debt financing and to provide Technical Assistance for affordable housing development. Prior to joining GMHF, Evan worked as an entrepreneur and has run multiple businesses over the past decade. His most recent venture, 612-651 Properties, is an investment firm focused on NOAH and market rate rental and rehabilitation projects in the Greater Twin Cities area. Evan holds a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish from St. Olaf College.

Mai Yang, Senior Accountant Direct: 651-350-7231 Ms. Yang is GMHF’s Senior Accountant on the finance team, supporting accounting and finance functions. She has over 20 years of experience in Accounting and Finance and holds a degree in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. Ms. Yang has a strong work history in accounting for various organizations, including positions as a Property Accountant for 3 years, 10 years as a Staff Accountant and Senior Financial Reporting for Minco Products, and as Senior Treasury Accountant for 3 years with ECMC Group.