The people behind the work.
Core Team
Ernst Valery is the Managing Director of EVI, overseeing daily operations, project execution, and strategic relationships. Over a 25+ year career, he has successfully developed and invested in diverse real estate projects, ranging from LIHTC new construction and large-scale rehabilitations to mixed-use properties and condominium conversions, across eight states and Washington, D.C. He holds a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from Columbia University, a Master's in Policy Analysis and Public Administration, and a Bachelor's in Urban and Regional Planning from Cornell University, and is a Mel King Community Fellow at the MIT CoLab.
Kathy Christian serves as Chief Operating Officer of the Aequo Fund, and is a Junior Developer with EVI. Kathy is responsible for deploying funds to approved projects, tracking progress, and supporting people of color and women developers in underserved neighborhoods. Kathy's work fosters a collaborative ecosystem of mission-driven developers committed to sustainable and inclusive growth.
Michael Ryan is a Developer and Senior Underwriter at EVI Equity. Michael brings over a decade of development and underwriting experience to EVI. Previously, he worked for the Housing Authority of Baltimore City underwriting and converting public housing to privately owned and managed affordable housing through HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. He entered the affordable housing industry working in the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s (IHDA) Multifamily Finance Department underwriting LIHTC, Tax Exempt Bonds, Risk Share Insured Senior Debt, and subordinate loans.
James Swinney is the Director of FP&A and Investments at EVI Equity and Aequo Fund, where he leads the sourcing, evaluation, and execution of market and alternative investments while supporting financial planning and capital strategy initiatives. He brings more than 20 years of experience in investment management, financial analysis, and client advisory services, with a background spanning wealth management, accounting, and corporate finance. James holds securities and insurance licenses and recently completed his CPA requirements, combining investment expertise with a strong foundation in accounting and financial leadership.
Desaree Wilcox leads EVI Equity operations and serves as a Junior Developer in our Chicago office. Desaree is a certified inspector, general contractor, and experienced small business owner who completed her first development in partnership with EVI Equity in 2026. She is responsible for operational oversight of EVI Chicago projects and building and maintaining stakeholder relationships around the city and nearby region.
Robert Stokes Sr. brings more than three decades of Baltimore public service to EVI and our Baltimore development operations. Stokes is a former Baltimore City Councilman, representing District 12, a seat he held through 2024. He chaired the Executive Appointments Committee and later the Education, Workforce and Youth Committee, with sustained focus on constituent service, youth and workforce development, and community engagement. That record connects directly to EVI's work in Baltimore, where Stokes draws on his deep relationships across District 12 and city government to support community engagement, navigate city processes, and build local trust for the development operations on the ground.
Eden Cabiness leads administrative operations and insurance management at EVI Equity across all cities. Eden is responsible for contract management, negotiating insurances, and leading back-office support across the firm.