ELPN Leadership

The Emerging Leaders Peer Network is led by the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee is an all-volunteer group that manages ELPN’s day to day operations and program development.

Learn more about our current Steering Committee below:

Policy and Advocacy Chairs:

William Wilcox, Bond Program Manager, San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development

Why did you join ELPN?
To meet other Housers and collaborate to help serve more low-income Californians and address the affordable housing shortage!

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
I love to play ultimate frisbee, go to art museums, and ride my bicycle.

Nithya Vemireddy, Project Manager, East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation

Why did you join ELPN?
I joined ELPN to connect and collaborate with housing professionals.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
Support the Golden State Warriors, become a master barista, and go on walks.

Professional Development Chairs:

Ryan VanZuylen, Senior Project Manager, San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development

Why did you join ELPN?
I joined ELPN because I’m hoping to build on my knowledge of affordable housing policy and practice while supporting those starting out. I remember being overwhelmed at first by all the finance terms, acronyms, and complexity of building affordable housing and wish I had a network to share best practices, brainstorm new ideas, and learn from others (and sometimes commiserate during challenging moments). ELPN is a resource that’s only as useful as the effort members put into it so I wanted to play a more active role in strengthening the organization.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
I’m sometimes training for a race, going to comedy shows, or listening to new podcasts. I’ve also been known to create my own scavenger hunts or escape rooms for family and friends.

Nyny Vu, Real Estate Financial Analyst, Enterprise Community Partners

Why did you join ELPN?
ELPN has been pivotal in connecting housers from all sectors and providing professional development within the industry. I am excited to join ELPN and collaborate with other housers to support the important work of building shared knowledge and advocacy of affordable housing policies and practices.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
I love to cook, bake, and eat, so I’m constantly on the hunt for new recipes and restaurants to try!

Reena Zhang, Project Developer, Eden Housing

Why did you join ELPN?
I joined ELPN to connect with other peers in the Affordable Housing industry! ELPN supported me when I was a student in grad school. It is a resourceful platform for young leaders to learn and train. It feels just right to join ELPN as a Steering Committee member now, continue to be part of this amazing community, and support one another in the field.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy riding my bike along the Bay, and making/learning how to make jewelry. I go to Pokémon Trading Card Game Regional competitions with my other nerdy friends once in a few months. In winter, I like to play cozy video games while snuggling with my two cats.

Social Events Chairs:

Louis Acra, Associate, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Why did you join ELPN?
ELPN connects me with like-minded individuals passionate about affordable housing. There is a sense of community created while receiving support in professional development and career building. Joining the Steering Committee is an opportunity to further my involvement in ELPN and enhance my impact.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
I am an avid runner. Currently, I’m training for my 3rd marathon. I love the commitment running takes and the feeling of accomplishment that comes at the end of a long run. Qualifying for Boston is a goal of mine I plan to accomplish in the new year.

Emma Falley, Communications Manager, Merritt Community Capital

Why did you join ELPN?
I joined ELPN to create a community with affordable housing practitioners and advocates. I believe creating stronger cross-organizational connections will make the industry even better.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
I like to take my dog, Pearl, on hikes and check out local breweries wherever I am. When I’m home I’m drinking tea while I read, crochet, or binge-watch TV under a heated blanket.

Claire Kostohryz, Associate Project Manager, MidPen Housing Corporation

Why did you join ELPN?
Initially, as a recent college graduate, I joined ELPN to find a community within the industry that felt so difficult to navigate. Now my goal is to bring in new people in, welcome them, and show them that there is a place for them here.

What’s something fun you like to do outside of work?
Improv Comedy