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.

Man in navy suit and white shirt sitting at a table, smiling, holding a pen, with a document in front of him.

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.

Professional young man in a suit smiling in an office setting

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.

A young woman with long wavy brown hair winking and smiling at the camera, wearing a dark blazer, pearl necklace, and earrings against a dark background.

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.

A woman with straight brown hair, wearing a black blazer and a white top, looking at the camera against a plain light gray background.

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.