Our leaders bring their own personal passion and expertise that together enables us to take on the complex challenges facing our industry to keep them in the role of developers, investors and facilitators.

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Edward Poteat

Ed is a leading developer of affordable housing in the New York City area, with more than two decades of experience in urban redevelopment and community revitalization. He is the Founder and President of Carthage Advisors, a firm specializing in the rehabilitation of older government-subsidized properties. The company currently has over 1,500 affordable housing units in various stages of development and is recognized for its expertise in structuring complex financing solutions that support the preservation and redevelopment of affordable housing, ensuring long-term community stability and improved quality of life for residents.

For our founder, Ed Poteat, Carthage is more than a company; it is a calling. Having grown up in affordable housing in New York City, Ed understands firsthand the transformative power of stable housing. Mr. Poteat is an urban planner, author, and educator. He serves as an adjunct professor at Columbia University, where he teaches affordable housing finance. He has spoken extensively on housing policy at conferences and universities nationwide. Mr. Poteat is actively involved in civic and political life and served as a council member in Mount Vernon, NY. His work bridges politics, real estate, and community development, with a focus on empowering communities of color.

Ari Drazin

Ari, serves as Head of Development at Carthage Advisors, where he oversees all aspects of project planning, financing, and execution. Moreover, the Drazin Family has developed extensively for more than a Century in Montreal. Ari serves as the Director of Development at Carthage Advisors, where he oversees all aspects of project planning, financing, and execution. Ari previously worked at The Bank of New York Mellon in Corporate Banking.

Ari graduated from Yeshiva University with distinction and played on the university’s hockey team.

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Pichmonyka Chan

Project Manager, Development

Pichmonyka is passionate about affordable housing finance and development. As a Project Manager at Carthage Advisors, she leads the planning and execution of development projects, including the underwriting, financing applications, managing RFPs, and overseeing day-to-day project operations.

Before joining Carthage, Monyka gained valuable experience in real estate capital markets at Knight Frank in Cambodia.

Pichmonyka holds a Master of Science in Real Estate Development (MSRED) from Columbia University. She also serves as the alumni liaison for the founding of the Women’s Affordable Housing Network (WAHN) at Columbia University, supporting the organization’s initial development and outreach.

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Angelica Medrano

Administrative Assistant

Angie was raised in the Bronx and earned her Bachelor of Arts from SUNY Purchase. She brings over six years of experience spanning nonprofit organizations, administrative support, and paralegal work. Throughout her career, Angie has developed a strong foundation in advocacy-driven work and organizational operations. She is a committed advocate for women, animals, and minority communities, and is passionate about using her skills to support equity, access, and meaningful impact.

Jeremiah Schwartz

Acquisition Associate

Jeremiah joins Carthage Real Estate Advisors as part of the team driving the firm's acquisition and property management efforts. He previously interned on the investment sales team at Meridian Capital, where he built valuation models and conducted market research across multifamily and commercial assets in the New York metro area.  

 Jeremiah is a rising senior at Yeshiva University's Sy Syms School of Business, majoring in Finance with a minor in Real Estate. He is a Division III collegiate tennis player and an active member of TAMID Group, a student-run consulting organization.

William Smith

Director, External Affairs

William Smith brings more than 15 years of experience across government, investment consulting, business administration, and community development. His financial-sector experience includes roles at Mercer Investments, Northwestern Mutual, and the Business Administration Group within Credit Suisse’s Investment Banking Division.

At the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, William oversaw compliance for capital construction and professional-services contracts within the Department of Diversity and Civil Rights. His government and public-affairs experience includes roles with Transport Workers Union Local 100, Congressman Charles B. Rangel, and Council Member Carlos Menchaca, for whom he served as Deputy Director of Legislation. He also advised senior staff on public-housing policy and stakeholder engagement for former New York State Assembly member and Housing Committee Chair Keith L. T. Wright.

A lifelong East Harlem–El Barrio resident, William formerly chaired the Community Advisory Board for NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan, served as Vice Chair of the Citywide Council of Community Advisory Boards, and was a public member of Manhattan Community Board 11’s Housing Committee.

William holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government, a minor in Economics, and a certificate in Accounting and Advanced Bookkeeping from The City College of New York. He also holds the CFA Institute Investment Foundations Certificate and has completed training in alternative investments, private debt, climate finance, and financial markets.

Shahmar Beasley

Director of Acquisitions

Shahmar Beasley is a Senior Acquisitions Associate at Carthage Advisors, where he focuses on acquisitions, government relations, community engagement, and strategic partnerships. A Philadelphia native raised in the kind of neighborhood affordable housing is designed to serve, he brings both professional expertise and personal perspective to the firm’s mission.

Shahmar has built and operates a portfolio of affordable rental housing serving voucher-assisted families, giving him firsthand experience with the operational, financial, and regulatory challenges of preserving high-quality affordable housing. His work is grounded in the belief that stable housing is the foundation upon which strong communities are built.

In addition to his work at Carthage, Shahmar serves on the Philadelphia Mayor’s Commission on African American Males, advising on policies and initiatives that expand economic opportunity for Black men and youth across the city.

He was named a Forbes Under 30 Scholar in 2018, a Forbes King of Culture in 2022, and previously served as a Forbes BLK Tri-State Lead.

Shahmar earned his Juris Doctor from Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law, where he attended on a full merit scholarship.