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.
Warren Hanson, President and Chief Executive Officer
Direct: 651-350-7220
Mr. Hanson is the President & CEO as well as founder of Greater Minnesota Housing Fund and Minnesota Equity Fund. Warren leads the executive team and works closely with state and local governments, philanthropy, investors, and community leaders to assemble resources and design strategies to meet affordable housing needs in Minnesota. He brings over 35 years of development finance experience to GMHF. He was previously director of Riverfront and Neighborhood Development for the City of Saint Paul and was economic development director of West Bank Community Development Corporation. He is the co-founder of Community Reinvestment Fund USA (CRF-USA). Mr. Hanson has a Master of Science Degree in City and Regional Planning from the Pratt Institute in New York.
Rhiannon Bjork, Loan Closer
Direct: 651-358-3811
Rhiannon has 20 years of experience in real estate, 8 years of my experience has been with affordable housing. Prior GMHF, I was with Minnesota Housing Finance Agency as a Senior 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 Investing & Fund Manager
Direct: 651-350-7224
As the Director of Equity Investing, NOAH Fund Manager, Mr. Errigo manages both the MEF and NOAH lines of business. John is responsible for securing investment commitments, structuring transactions, developing investor and partner relations, and ensuring that social impact goals and compliance requirements are met. John has almost 30 years of experience in multifamily development, project management, complex financing, and market research. He previously was Director of Housing Development at Aeon, Project Manager at MetroPlains, and a Senior Research 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.
Jeremiah Grafsgaard, Housing Justice Communication Coordinator
Direct: 651-350-7222
Mr. Grafsgaard is the Housing Justice Communications Coordinator for the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund (GMHF). He works to develop and implement strategies through website, social, digital and physical media content to advance the missions and effectiveness of GMHF and related organizations. He has over 5 years of experience in communication, website management, digital media, email campaigns and content strategy and development. Jeremiah has a B.A. degree in Organizational Communication with a minor in Media Literacy from Metropolitan State University, Saint Paul.
Jenna Hebert, Investment Officer
Direct: 651-358-3804
Ms. Hebert is the Investment Officer for GMHF’s Minnesota Equity Fund (MEF) and NOAH Impact Fund. She is responsible for working with the Investment Team on project assessment and closing approved projects. Previously a Senior Development Officer for the Illinois Housing Development Authority in Chicago, Jenna has over 5 years of experience underwriting and closing transactions in Chicago and greater Illinois. Ms. Hebert also has experience developing programs and leading Illinois’ multifamily funding rounds for state and federal resources. Jenna holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Chicago.
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
Ms. Krachmer has over 20 years of experience in real estate, with half of that time being dedicated to affordable housing, commercial loans and investments. Prior to her career at GMHF, Holly was with Wells Fargo (Community Lending & Investments) where her focus was on New Market Tax Credits and Patient Capital Loans. Holly works closely with the lending, equity and finance teams to ensure that all transactions are properly executed and funded. She is certified as a Housing Development Finance Professional by the National Development Council.
Alexis Lancaster, Executive Assistant
Direct: 651-350-7234
Ms. Lancaster works directly with the CEO and GMHF executive leadership. In addition to providing general administrative support, Alexis assists with meeting preparation, office management, and Board governance and communications. 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’s Degree in Communications from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls.
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, Ms. McCarthy is responsible for creating and implementing the overall strategy for raising funds to sustain and expand the capital base of GMHF and its subsidiaries. Catherine has over 12 years of work experience serving multinational organizations in Community and Economic Development. With a Masters from Yale and professional experience in Belgium, Burundi, Ethiopia and Kuwait, Catherine has worked in urban centers across the globe to promote equitable wealth generation. Personally and professionally dedicated to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Catherine works and volunteers with community teams and her children’s schools to promote inclusive economic growth.
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, Program & Loan Officer
Direct: 651-350-7232
As a Program and Loan Officer, Nikki works with developers and owner-operators to structure debt financing and provide technical assistance for affordable housing development. She brings over eight years of affordable housing administration and compliance experience. Previous roles include positions at Dakota County Community Development Agency and Sherman Associates. She has worked with many affordable housing programs including the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program and the Housing Choice Voucher. She has a B.A. in Urban Studies from the University of Minnesota.
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 with social determinants of health. Eric has experience working for 15 years, toward driving and expanding economic opportunity for people of color and low-income communities. Eric believes that housing stability is the foundation for opportunity especially when connected with other economic supports like education, workforce, asset and wealth building, and community economic development.
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.
Arlen Strark, Interim Chief Financial Officer
Direct: 651-350-7229
Mr. Stark is GHMF’s Interim 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. Arlen is currently an Executive Consultant with MMC Consulting, where he supports clients with interim and fractional executive level finance and accounting needs and was previously with PriceWaterhouseCoopers, U.S. Bank, Salo, LLC and FreightWaves, Inc. Arlen brings very diverse leadership background with extensive knowledge in accounting & finance, banking, lending, strategy, product management and project management. Arlen holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Saint John’s, Collegeville, MN
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 and finance teams on single-family 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.
