OUR TEAM

Since 2017, Leila Finucane has led Victory Housing, Inc., a regional nonprofit focused on affordable housing development and the provision of assisted living for seniors, as president and chief executive officer. Victory Housing serves as the housing development arm of the Archdiocese of Washington.

Ms. Finucane, an attorney, has over 25 years of experience in real estate, affordable housing, and community development in the private, nonprofit and government sectors. Prior to Victory Housing, Ms. Finucane worked on network-wide branch transformation efforts and affordable housing and risk mitigation strategies at Capital One in senior manager roles in Market Planning & Execution and Community Development Banking, and as a director at NeighborWorks America, where she led the National Initiatives and Applied Research Division, leading best practices, program innovations and peer networking efforts for the key business lines of the NeighborWorks affiliated members. Before joining NeighborWorks America, Ms. Finucane served as the appointed director of the Department of Housing and Community Development for the District of Columbia (“DHCD”) during the administration of Mayor Fenty, where she led the District’s affordable housing and community development efforts and the local Housing Regulation Administration. Key accomplishments included successful response to the housing crisis of 2008, transformation of the development financing process, integrating the Housing Regulation Administration in to the DHCD and leading the adoption of the District’s Green Building Act in the area of affordable housing development. Before DHCD, she worked in affordable housing and community development lending and program roles at HSBC Bank USA and Seedco and practiced commercial real estate law at Willkie Farr & Gallagher in New York City. Ms. Finucane holds a Bachelor of Arts in American History and African-American Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and Master of Urban Planning and Juris Doctor degrees from New York University.

Ms. Finucane has received awards and acknowledgements from the DC Building Industry Association, the DC Coalition for Non-profit Housing and Economic Development, the DC Apartment and Office Building Association and MFY Legal Services. She is a member of the New York State Bar and serves on the boards of the National Housing Trust Community Development Loan Fund and LeadingAge Maryland. She also serves on the Housing Development Loan Committee of Volunteers of America National Services.

Daren joined Victory Housing in 2022 and is responsible for Victory Housing portfolio of multifamily assets after the development or acquisition phase. Daren oversees all facets of the multifamily portfolio to include management, financial and compliance to ensure the multifamily properties are being managed effectively and remain viable.

Prior to joining Victory Housing Mr. Hester served as the Chief of Asset Management for the District of Columbia Housing Authority, where he oversaw a portfolio of 28 mixed finance properties. Daren was also responsible for DCHA assets of over $210 million in loans from DCHA to private developers, $27 million in private homeownership and $183 million in mixed finance entities.

Daren received an AA Degree in Residential Property Management from Prince Georges’ Community College and a BS in Management Studies from the University of Maryland University College where he also received a Masters in Project Management. Daren is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and is an avid bike rider.

Ms. Smedley has over thirty years of healthcare, senior housing and property management experience with for-profits, non-profits and publically traded corporations. In her current role, Ms. Smedley oversees all aspects of operations, sales, marketing, fiscal oversight and compliance. Passionate about mission and service to residents, families and associates, Jackie returned to Victory Housing in 2018 after holding a leadership position with Brookdale Senior Living for 3 years as Divisional Director of Sales and Marketing, Southeast. In this role, she directed the sales and marketing oversight of 130 communities in Florida including assisted living, memory care and independent living. Year over year, key metrics improvements were realized, most significantly, the closing ratios of 175 sales associates improving by over 3% in 2 years.

Originally joining Victory Housing in 2006, Ms. Smedley successfully stabilized company-wide assisted living occupancy at 99% and higher for over 6 years. In conjunction with effective sales and marketing management, Jackie enhanced resident programming and services in the areas of dining and hospitality, resident programming, housekeeping and maintenance – achieving a high rating via resident and family satisfaction.

Prior to joining Victory Housing, Ms. Smedley was President of Centrum Management, providing market rate and Section 42 housing to over 3,500 seniors in 5 states. Ms. Smedley specialized in effectively assuming troubled management contracts with compliance, occupancy and financial performance concerns and positioned the communities to achieve goals and performance objectives of all project participants. In addition, Ms. Smedley served as Vice President of Operations and Vice President of Start-up Operations for Constellation Senior Services (Subsidiary of BG&E) and Sunrise Senior Living respectively. Ms. Smedley attended Boston College and earned a Bachelor of Science from the Montclair State University.

Jeff Blackwell joined Victory Housing in 2005. His primary leadership responsibilities include overseeing the financing, design, construction, and lease-up of both existing buildings and new communities. Mr. Blackwell manages architects and engineers, general contractors, and consultants. In addition, he develops and/or coordinates often complex, multi-layered financing strategies to fund VHI’s communities. He has a background in taxable and tax-exempt bond financing as well as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, HUD Section 202 program, and other funding sources.

Prior to joining Victory Housing, Mr. Blackwell was a Vice President for Bank of America’s Community Development Banking in their lending and historic tax credit equity groups. Responsibilities included providing first mortgage financing, both taxable and tax-exempt, to clients who were building affordable and mixed-income housing. As an Equity Manager, he worked with clients to fund Bank investments in historic properties. Experience also includes working for the Community Preservation and Development Corporation, a nonprofit developer of affordable and mixed-income housing, and the Housing Research Foundation, a research and technical assistance provider for HOPE VI Public Housing Authorities.

Mr. Blackwell earned a Masters of Regional Planning with a specialization in Housing and Community Development from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Affairs and Planning from Virginia Tech. He has been instrumental in several awards received by Victory Housing, including the Financial Innovation Award received from the Maryland CDA in 2018. He previously served on the Board of Directors of Sarah’s Circle, a nonprofit organization in Washington, DC that seeks to create a community that enables elderly persons of limited means to live with dignity.

Ms. Limeres started with Victory Housing in November, 1993. During her time with VHI, she has helped lead its growth from three assisted living communities to thirty-two affordable housing facilities, currently managing a staff of six responsible for an accounting portfolio of assets in excess of $225M. Michelle is a key member of the senior leadership team responsible for creating, supervising, and implementing all financial strategies for parent and affiliated companies, as well as general oversight of IT resources and infrastructure at corporate office and affiliated assisted living companies, including software implementations, hardware purchases and implementations and ensuring appropriate budgeting. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Ms. Limeres uses her translation skills to assist in human resources, marketing, customer service, and conflict resolution. Ms. Limeres received her BA from Trinity College, Washington D.C. and her Masters in Finance from the University of Maryland, College Park. Michelle resides with her family in Clarksville, MD and is an avid tennis player.

Dan Lukomsky re-joined Victory Housing in 2018. Mr. Lukomsky is responsible for the oversight of Victory Housing’s multi-family portfolio, including compliance, risk mitigation and supervising third-party management companies. He is responsible for financial analysis and forecasting, implementing long- and short-term strategy for individual properties to ensure continuing excellence for residents who call our communities home. Mr. Lukomsky’s background includes affordable and market-rate asset management and consulting to the affordable housing industry, with emphasis on direct management of large housing authorities, internal audits and regulatory compliance.

Prior to joining Victory Housing, Mr. Lukomsky lead the asset management department of the Howard County Housing Commission, where he was responsible for major rehabilitation projects, oversight of staff and multiple management companies, and resolving all major business, compliance and tenant issues. Mr. Lukomsky’s experience includes RAD conversions, LIHTC and mixed-income properties. He previously worked as Victory Housing’s Senior Asset Manager from 2012 to 2015.

Mr. Lukomsky received his BA in Political Science from the University of California, San Diego; and holds numerous industry certifications, including LIHTC finance and compliance, HUD REAC certification, and Assisted Housing Manager designation.

Sarah O’Rielly joined Victory Housing in 2022. Ms. O’Rielly is responsible for the overall financial management and strategy of Victory Housing’s portfolio, including financing, compliance and external audit functions. She provides strategic analysis to ensure all properties within the portfolio maintain a strong financial position, comply with contractual, regulatory, and statutory requirements, and fulfill internal and external reporting requirements.

Prior to joining Victory Housing, Ms. O’Rielly served in various roles within the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) for the Government of the District of Columbia. Most recently she was responsible for modeling cash flows to inform liquidity planning, reserves usage, and investment decisions. She has also evaluated the District’s participation in over $1.8 billion of economic development projects using TIF, PILOT, and other public-private arrangements and advised on structuring and issuance of over $700 million in public bonds and notes.

Ms. O’Rielly holds a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Urban Policy from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs as well as a Bachelor of Science in Language Arts from Georgetown University. She is a certified Economic Development Finance Professional and a member of various real estate and finance professional organizations, including Strength Matters, ULI Washington, and CREW DC.

David Perrow joined Victory Housing in July 2018. Mr. Perrow is responsible for coordinating and managing the real estate project development process, including entitlement, site plan review, design, financing and construction of Victory Housing’s affordable housing properties.

Prior to Victory Housing, Mr. Perrow was a Development Associate with Audubon Enterprises, a DC-based affordable housing consulting firm specializing in Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and project finance; Director of Development with New Market Investors, Inc., a Vienna, Virginia based management and development company; Director of Real Estate Development with the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH); and, 13 years at the Washington, DC, office of Denver-based AIMCO, where he was responsible for tax credit redevelopment, project finance, equity placement, and asset management. Prior to AIMCO, Mr. Perrow was a Senior Finance Manager with Realty Investment Company in Silver Spring. He started his real estate career with Reznick, Fedder and Silverman where he earned his CPA certification and license.

Mr. Perrow earned a Bachelors degree in Accounting with a minor in Economics from James Madison University.

Ms. Kargbo brings over 20 years of healthcare experience in both clinical and administrative functions to Victory Housing. Fifteen of those are with older adults in long-term care settings and Assisted Living.

Ms. Kargbo started her career as a Neuro and stroke nurse at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Virginia. Prior to Victory Housing, Ms. Kargbo worked for Sunrise Senior Living as Resident care Director; Senior Resident Director for the Northeast float division; Health and Wellness Director for Thrive Senior; and Vice President of Resident Experience in Northern Virginia.

Ms. Kargbo holds a master’s degree in nursing and business leadership from Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Maryland. She also holds a Bachelor of Nursing Degree from Marymount University in Arlington Virginia.

Molly Snyder joined Victory Housing in January 2020. Her responsibilities include assisting with the oversight of the multifamily portfolio. Ms. Snyder analyzes and manages the financial and physical performance of the portfolio, oversees compliance with lender, syndicator, and government policies and procedures, and supervises third-party management companies. She has a background in affordable housing research and real estate market analysis for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit developments.

Prior to joining Victory Housing, Ms. Snyder was an Analyst at Novogradac Consulting. Responsibilities included providing affordable housing development support to public and private sector clients through market studies, appraisals, and feasibility analyses. Prior experience also includes working as a research analyst for Sage Computing, where she contributed research and wrote content on affordable housing and community development projects for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Policy Development and Research.

Ms. Snyder earned a Masters of Community Planning with a specialization in affordable housing from the University of Maryland, College Park and a Bachelor of Science in Community and Regional Planning from Iowa State University.

Meg DeSchriver joined Victory Housing in March, 2006, as the first Director of Grace House, after 18 years of experience in assisted living, adult day care, and therapeutic and recreational activities for senior citizens. Past employers have included Brooke Grove Foundation, The Washington Home, The Presbyterian Home, and Montgomery County. Ms. DeSchriver has a Master of Arts degree in Recreation from the University of Maryland, and a Bachelor of Arts degree (Phi Beta Kappa) in Recreation Administration and Psychology from the University of North Carolina.

Meg DeSchriver joined Victory Housing in March, 2006, as the first Director of Grace House, after 18 years of experience in assisted living, adult day care, and therapeutic and recreational activities for senior citizens. Past employers have included Brooke Grove Foundation, The Washington Home, The Presbyterian Home, and Montgomery County. Ms. DeSchriver has a Master of Arts degree in Recreation from the University of Maryland, and a Bachelor of Arts degree (Phi Beta Kappa) in Recreation Administration and Psychology from the University of North Carolina.

Mr. Hanle joined Victory Housing in May 2012 with over 20 years of supervisory and management experience in the health care industry. Mr. Hanle has worked as a consultant for Wellington Oaks Manor Assisted Living, Gracious Living Assisted Living and served as Program Director for Family Services Foundation. In addition, Mr. Hanle worked at Comfort Keepers, providing both direct care and administrative support for the agency. He has an extensive background in the fields of assisted living and developmental disabilities. Mr. Hanle earned a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Maryland.

Mr. Hanle joined Victory Housing in May 2012 with over 20 years of supervisory and management experience in the health care industry. Mr. Hanle has worked as a consultant for Wellington Oaks Manor Assisted Living, Gracious Living Assisted Living and served as Program Director for Family Services Foundation. In addition, Mr. Hanle worked at Comfort Keepers, providing both direct care and administrative support for the agency. He has an extensive background in the fields of assisted living and developmental disabilities. Mr. Hanle earned a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Maryland.

Pearl has been with Victory Housing since October 2010. She started as a PCA (Personal Care Giver) at Raphael House. She then transferred to Mary’s House as a CMT (Certified Medication Technician) and Assistant Director from 2011 – 2012. She also served as an Administrative Assistant at Byron House from 2012 – 2013. In 2013 Pearl was promoted to Assistant Director of Byron House until her recent appointment in April 2016 as the Director of Byron House. Pearl holds a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Washington Adventist University. She also has certification as an Assisted Living Manager (ALM). Pearl enjoys cooking, travelling and her family…

Nellia Kaiyo joined Victory Housing in 2010. Ms. Kaiyo began her career with Victory Housing as a Resident Services Director at Byron House, then advanced to an Assistant Director at Grace House and now serves as Director at Raphael House. She brings a decade of experience working with older adults in Long Term Care and Assisted Living. Past employers have included Genesis Rehabilitation Services and Emeritus. Ms. Kaiyo holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Sociology from the University of Zimbabwe.

Ms. Orchard joined Victory Housing in May 2010 as the Assistant Director of Raphael House and assumed the Director’s position at Malta House in December 2010. She brings 15 years of experience working with older adults in all aspects of human services and assisted living facilities management.

Prior to coming to Victory Housing, Ms. Orchard was the Administrator at Springvale Terrace Retirement Community in Silver Spring. She also worked at the Life Crisis Center, Salisbury, MD, the Area Agency on Aging on the Eastern Shore, and The Lutheran Village at Harbor Pointe, Salisbury, MD.

Ms. Orchard holds a Masters Degree in Non-Profit Management from the College of Notre Dame of Baltimore, a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Victoria, Canada and an Activity Director Associate Degree from Ridgewater College in Minnesota.

Ms. Jackson joined Victory Housing in September 2018 as the Assistant Director of Raphael House and assumed the Executive Director’s position at Marian Assisted Living in October 2019. She brings over 25 years of experience working in Community Development, Project Management, Property Management and all aspects of Senior Living Community Management. Prior to coming to Victory Housing, Ms. Jackson was an Executive Director with Sunrise Senior Living and served as the Executive Director of their flagship community in McLean, Virginia. She also served as Executive Director for Meridian Senior Living at The. Chevy Chase House in Washington, DC and Senior Lifestyle Corporation at Morningside House, Ellicott City…