Howard Cohen

Board Chairman

Howard oversees Beacon’s corporate strategy and growth.

Known for

• Founding Beacon Communities

Worked for

• Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky, and Popeo (partner)
• Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency (general counsel)
• Cambridge Housing Authority (general counsel)
• Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (staff attorney)

Serves on

• Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation
• Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association of Greater Boston
• Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency Advisory Committee
• Department of Housing and Community Development Housing Preservation Advisory Committee

Studied at

• Harvard Law School (JD cum laude)
• Washington University of St. Louis (BA summa cum laude, economics)

Out of Office

• Past co-chair of the Board of Directors, Hebrew Senior Life
• Real estate committee of Hebrew Senior Life
• Chair of New Lease for Homeless Families
• Real estate committee of Hebrew College
• Chair of Jewish Arts Collaborative

Dara Kovel

Chief Executive Officer

Dara leads the company’s senior executive team and is responsible for the overall vision, culture, operation, growth and performance of the company consistent with the Beacon’s objectives and strategies.

Worked for

• Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA)
• Jonathan Rose Companies
• Mercy Housing California

Serves on

• Urban Land Institute’s Terwilliger Center’s Workforce Housing Board
• The Home Connecticut Steering Committee

Studied at

• Yale University (MBA and BA)
• Is LEED accredited

Out of Office

• Focuses on her children
• Plays soccer and surfs
• Loves Sci Fi movies

Christopher Reed

President, Beacon Residential Management

Christopher leads Beacon Residential Management’s senior leadership team. He is responsible for the overall strategic direction, operation, and profitability of Beacon’s property management company and real estate portfolio.

Worked for

• Mercy Housing, Inc. (Executive Vice President)
• Equity Residential Trust (Vice President)
• Lexford Residential Trust (Regional Vice President)

Studied at

• University of North Carolina (SA)

Accolades

• Certified Property Manager (CPM) through the Institute of Real Estate Management
• National Affordable Housing Professional Executive (NAHP-e) through the National Affordable Housing Management Association
• Specialist in Housing Credit Management (SHCM) through the National Affordable Housing Management Association
• Certified Professional of Occupancy (CPO) through the National Affordable Housing Management Association

Out of Office

• Exercises and works out regularly
• Loves spending time at his cabin, in the woods
• Talks to every dog he encounters
• Searches endlessly for the best donut in the world

Tim Sullivan

Chief Operating Officer

Tim is responsible for the overall strategy and oversight of Information Technology, Human Resources, Accounting, and Finance.

Studied at

• Union College (BA, Political Science)
• UMass Boston (MS, Public Affairs)

Previously

• Managing Director and Head of the Housing Finance and New England Region at UBS
• Executive Director at MassHousing
• Budget Director for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Accolades

• Boston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Award
• Smith’s Research and Grading Affordable Housing Finance Award

Out of Office

• Spending time with family and friends
• Avid Boston sports fan
• Movie buff

Josh Cohen

President, Beacon Communities Development

President, Beacon Communities Development

Josh leads the development team.  This group pursues acquisition and development opportunities across the Northeast.

Studied at: 

• Yale University (BA)

Out of Office: 

• Chases his three daughters, Ella, Valea, and Marion
• Hangs out with his wife, Margo
• Otherwise likes to be skiing, surfing, mountain biking, or reading The New Yorker

Previously: 

• Starting in 2006, Associate Development Director, then Development Director, then Vice President of Development at Beacon Communities

Known for:

• Executing complicated development projects, particularly historic adaptive reuse developments
• Encouraging collaborative communication between departments at Beacon
• Being underdressed at the office before and after his bicycle commute

Nicole Clement

General Counsel

Nicole oversees Beacon’s legal function with primary responsibility for all legal, risk management, and governance matters.

Studied at

• Brown University (BA, Organizational Behavior and Management)
• Duke University School of Law (JD)

Previously

• RIHousing (General Counsel, 2016-2021)
• Klein Hornig LLP (Senior Counsel, 2013-2016; Associate, 2011-2013)
• Holland & Knight LLP (Senor Counsel, 2011; Associate, 2003-2010)

Accolades

• Stakeholder 100 Award/Stakeholder 100 Inaugural Academy (recognized as one of the top 100 performing associates of color across the country as identified by senior-level executives and general counsel from Fortune 500 companies)

Serves on

• Rhode Island Bar Association Nominating Committee
• Rhode Island Bar Association Task Force on Diversity & Inclusion
• Board of Directors of the Pawtucket (RI) Boys & Girls Club

Teaching

• Roger Williams University School of Law (Adjunct Professor, 2018-present)

Out of Office

• Committed to community service, civic engagement, and social justice
• Spends time with family and friends
• Loves to travel and explore new places

Prabin Kanel

Chief Information Officer

Prabin manages Beacon’s technology and information systems platforms, focusing on innovation, cybersecurity, telecommunications, and more.

Studied at

• University of Nebraska (BS, Computer Information Systems)
• University of Nebraska (MS, Management Information Systems)

Previously

• CIO Consultant at AESARA
• Chief Technology Officer at Framework Homeownership
• Vice President of Information Systems at Housing Partnership Network

Serves As

• Board Member at Aesara Foundation

Accolades

• Received a Webby award in 2009 for developing and launching NYCgo.com

Out of Office

• Enjoys watching soccer and coaching his kid’s soccer team
• Enjoys camping and traveling
• Volunteered as Board Member for Soccer Without Borders

Alessandra Quagliata De Vaca

Chief Human Resources Officer

Alessandra is responsible for Beacon’s human resource programs and policies, including Total Rewards (benefits and compensation), Talent Acquisition, HR Operations (HRIS and payroll), Learning and Development, and managing employee relations. She focuses on supporting all Beacon team members’ human resource needs through process improvement and resource allocation.

Worked for

• Winn Companies (Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Training 2013-2019)
• Hebrew Senior Life (Chief Administrative Officer 2002-2013)
• Neighborhood Health Plan (Director, Human Resources 1998-2002)

Studied at

• Tufts University (BA)

Out of Office

• Spending time with her husband
• Perusing Cambridge Cafés
• Traveling
• Visiting her family

Timothy Cowles

Chief Financial Officer

Tim guides Beacon Communities’ financial strategy, while overseeing accounting, financial reporting, treasury management, insurance, and taxes.

Worked for

• Realty Financial Partners (Chief Financial Officer)
• Ercolini & Company LLP, since acquired by CohnReznick LLP Tax Manager)

Serves as

• Member of the Massachusetts Society of CPAs
• Licensed CPA

Studied at

• Northeastern University (BS, Business Administration)

Out of Office

• Spends time with his family
• Enjoys golf and skiing, season dependent
• Cheers for the Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox and Bruins

Mercedes Farrando

President, Beacon Concepts

Mercedes oversees and participates in all aspects of design at Beacon, working closely with the architecture, design, construction, and operations teams to ensure cohesive and innovative solutions within budget constraints.

Known for:

• Combining 30 years of experience with the latest trends, technology, and sustainable solutions to create meticulously crafted, forward-thinking spaces.
• Designing with efficiency, aesthetic integrity, and flexibility while respecting historical and community context, fostering a true sense of identity for residents.
• Focusing on livability, connection, and community, Mercedes designs spaces that foster a strong sense of belonging.

Accolades:

• Has received numerous awards for excellence in high-end kitchen and bathroom design.
• Her work has been published in leading design and trade magazines.

Studied at:

• The Universidad de Buenos Aires (Master’s degree in Architecture, Design, and Urban Planning).

Out of Office:

• Seizes every opportunity to travel, drawing inspiration from cultures and landscapes around the world.
• Passionate about scuba diving and photography, capturing the beauty of both land and sea.
• Loves spending time with her French bulldog, Halo, who keeps life entertaining and full of personality.

Diana DiPreta

Executive Vice President, Finance and Capital Markets

Diana focuses on raising capital and coordinating overall capital-raising efforts for development and acquisitions, as well as for the existing portfolio. She is involved with developing the overall real estate strategy for assets in the portfolio and oversees the refinancing and disposition of properties. She provides strategy and analysis for Beacon’s corporate financing needs and explores opportunities for real estate investment funds.

Studied at

• Binghamton University (BS, Philosophy Politics and Law)
• New York University (Certificate in Real Estate Finance and Investment)

Previously

• Senior Vice President, Head of Northeast Originations at WNC & Associates
• Senior Equity Originator, Senior Vice President at Bank of America
• Commercial Real Estate Underwriter, Vice President at Santander Bank

Achievements

• Completed the New York City Marathon in 2017

Served on

• Queens Community House Board Member
• Girls Educational & Mentoring Services’ Board Member & Finance Chair

Out of Office

• Loves to travel, explore New York City’s unique restaurants, and is an avid tennis enthusiast
• Spending time with her family, pup Ruthie, and friends

Mary Corthell

Executive Vice President, Property Operations

Mary oversees traditional asset management, transactional asset management and strategic portfolio performance for approximately 18,000 apartments.

Known for

• Deep experience in affordable housing, regulatory oversight, and portfolio management
• Her integral role in the development and implementation of Beacon’s innovative social response programs

Worked for

• Stern Group (Director of Administration)

Serves as

• Member of the Board of Directors, National Leased Housing Association
• Vice Chair of the Executive Board, FPUU-Medfield

Out of Office

• Spends time with her family and friends
• Hikes and cycles

Aviva Rothman-Shore

Senior Vice President, Community Engagement

Aviva is responsible for creating, aligning, and sustaining the vision and structure of community engagement work at Beacon, supporting best-in-class resident services, partnership development, and impactful outcomes across the portfolio.

Studied at

• Brown University (BA, Urban Studies)
• Brandeis University (MBA, Non-profit Management)

Previously

• Deputy Director of Program and Strategy at the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• Community Life Program Director at The Community Builders, Inc.
• Program Manager at CLF Ventures

Serves on

• Homeowners Rehab Board Member
• RESPOND Board Member

Championed

• Led a public information campaign about the Eviction Diversion Initiative for the Commonwealth during the COVID-19 pandemic

Out of Office

• Enjoys cooking and feeding family and friends
• Loves long walks

Toya Irish

Senior Vice President, Community Relations

Collaborates with development and property management to create and maintain relationships with community leaders and stakeholders across the areas we operate.

Known for

• Providing leadership to some of Beacon’s most challenging projects
• Her vast knowledge of the Section 8 program, mixed income housing, elderly supportive services, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), Project Based Voucher (PBV) Program, Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), Public Housing, Special Programs such as Section 811, New Lease, Chronically Homeless and Moving On Program with Home Start and market rate operations
• Her extensive experience working successfully with resident advisory boards, community groups, government agencies, and non-profit partners

Serves on

• Virginia Tech Property Management Program Advisory Board

Property Management Designations Held

• Certified Apartment Manager (CAM)
• C14P (Spectrum Enterprises)
• National Affordable Housing Professional Executive (NAHP-e)
• Accredited Residential Manager (ARM)

Studied at

• Regis College (BA)

Out of Office

• Enjoys cooking and spending time with her husband and two children
• Volunteers in community initiatives with a primary focus on families and Seniors
• Likes traveling, physical fitness and watching Law & Order
• Serves as a delegate for the Democratic party

Michael Polite

Senior Vice President, Development

Michael Polite leads the Beacon Pittsburgh development office and targets acquisition and development opportunities in the Mid-Atlantic.

Studied at

• Niagara University (BA)
• Carnegie Mellon University (MSPPM)

Previously

• Chairman and CEO of Catalyst Communities, now known as Beacon Pittsburgh

Serves on

• YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh Former Chair
• Pittsburgh Downtown Neighborhood Association
• Energy Innovation Center Institute

Known for

• Preserving 1,005 family and senior housing apartments
• Consulting on economic development of low-income areas resulting in over $50 million of new investment
• Creating 968 apartments while serving as Chairman and CEO of Ralph A Falbo, Inc.

Linda Goodman

Senior Vice President, Development

Linda leads our Buffalo development office and targets acquisition and development opportunities in New York.

Previously

• Senior Vice President of Development, Norstar Development
• Vice President, Acquisitions, Lendlease
• Asset Manager, Edison Capital Housing Investments

Studied at

• Alfred University (BS)
• Suffolk University (MBA)

Serves on

• New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH)
• New York State, Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)

Honors and Awards

• Social Responsibility Award

Brian Cole

Senior Vice President, Property Management

Brian is responsible for all aspects of the daily operations for more than 3,500 apartment homes, both market rate and affordable, both owned and third-party managed, in stabilized communities, acquisition rehabs and new construction.

Senior Vice President, Property Management

Brian is responsible for all aspects of property management operations across a diverse portfolio of properties comprised of more than 8,000 apartment homes.

Known for

• Focusing on employee engagement to build effective teams and drive operational performance, resulting in the achievement of financial returns for owners/investors and exceptional housing for Beacon’s residents

Honored as

• National Affordable Housing Professional Executive (NAHP-e) by the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA)

Studied at

• Boston College (BS Business Administration)

Out of Office

Enjoys a wide range of activities with his family, including but not limited to:

• building sandcastles in the Caribbean
• cheering on the Red Sox at Fenway Park
• eating delicious food in the North End
• going for walks in nature, especially the White Mountains
• riding roller coasters at Disney World

Kristie Tafel

Senior Vice President, Property Management

Kristie handles the daily and strategic operations as well as future development growth of Beacon’s portfolio throughout Connecticut, Central/Western Massachusetts, and Central/Eastern New York, including over 5,400 apartments across 37 communities.

Studied at

• The University of Connecticut (BS, Marketing)

Previously

• Started as an Administrative Assistant to the Beacon Development Department

Accolades

• National Affordable Housing Professional Executive by the National Affordable Housing Management Association
• Accredited Residential Manager by the Institute of Real Estate Management
• Specialist in Housing Credit Management by the National Affordable Housing Management Association

Out of Office

• Enjoys attending her daughters’ soccer games and dance competitions
• Practices yoga and meditation for peace and positivity
• Loves the beach, traveling, and closely connecting with family and friends

Eric Fulmer

Senior Vice President, Property Management

Eric is based at Beacon’s corporate office in Pittsburgh, PA, and oversees the Mid-Atlantic portfolio that spans six states, including PA, OH, NY, MD, WV, and VA. During his tenure, his focus has been stabilizing difficult, under-resourced asset and portfolio acquisitions and integrating those properties and people into the broader Beacon portfolio.

Studied at

• Mercyhurst University (BA, Management and Finance)

Known for

• Overseeing complex, under resourced properties
• Cross functional problem solving to effectively and efficiently support our teams in the field
• Managing in diverse markets in six states across the Mid-Atlantic

Honored as

• NAHP-e through NAHMA
• Pennsylvania Broker
• AAMP (Apartment Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh) Board Member
• Virginia Tech Property Management Advisory Board Member

Out of Office

• Spending time with his kids, Roman and Chella, and his wife, Mackenzie
• Supporting local wrestling programs
• Traveling and hiking with his family
• Unsuccessfully attempting to be a scratch golfer
• Being an avid Pittsburgh Sports fan

Ellen Morreale

Senior Vice President, Controller

Ellen coordinates all property financial functions, including audits, investor services, and special projects, as well as overseeing financial statement preparation and accounting system administration.

Known for

• Beacon tenure spanning three decades
• Unparalleled expertise in financial accounting and reporting within the affordable housing industry

Studied at

• Suffolk University (MBA)
• Northern Arizona University (BSBA)

Out of Office

• Enjoys travel and music

Frank Alvarez

Senior Vice President, Procurement

Frank oversees Beacon’s procurement process to obtain best-in-class products and services to support our growing portfolio. Frank also leads Beacon’s energy management and sustainability initiatives.

Known for

• Extending the useful life of the physical components of the site and minimizing emergency repairs/replacements through preventative maintenance
• Creating a strong team atmosphere among maintenance teams—even across state lines
• Running energy management efforts, including projects, contracts, rate locks, and tracking, as well as water usage reduction and tracking

Previously

• Regional Director (The Community Builders)
• Property Manager (The Community Builders)
• Maintenance Supervisor/Director (The Community Builders)
• Owner, commercial building maintenance business

Studied at

• Northeastern University

Out of Office

• Runs the YouTube Channel Frank’s Fish Room
• Designs and builds hardscapes and landscapes
• Loves his dog

Andrea Orio

Senior Vice President, Compliance

Andrea heads up Beacon’s Compliance department, contributing to Beacon’s high standards in business practices and strategic planning for management and compliance policies.

Known for

• Over 20 years of affordable housing and compliance experience, with particular emphasis in the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program
• Creating and conducting internal training programs and workshops
• Project management oversight for complex, large-scale LIHTC acquisition/rehab and new construction lease-up coordination

Studied at

• Bentley University (BS, Business Communication)

Out of Office

• Spends time with husband, Martin and daughter, Mimi
• Focuses on fitness by hiking, running, cycling, playing soccer and snow sports
• Enjoys seeing live music, consuming podcasts, and completing jigsaw puzzles

Gary Dufresne

Senior Vice President, Facilities Management and Capital Planning

Gary is responsible for the leadership, strategic direction, and performance of operations, maintenance, capital planning, construction, emergency management, and environmental services for Beacon’s portfolio.

Known for

• Empowering team members to reach innovative solutions for complex problems
• Motivating those around him to grow
• Passionate facilitator
• Using his customer-facing maintenance experience in strategic operations leadership

Worked for

• Archstone (Capital Improvements)
• AvalonBay (Engineering Manager – Capital Improvements Manager)

Serves as

• Volunteer instructor for MassWildlife

Out of Office

• Spends time with his family
• Surfcasting
• Explores the outdoors with his dogs