Associate
Maher Abdel Samad is an Associate and a member of the tactical growth investment team.
Prior to joining Declaration in 2023, Maher worked at Lazard in Investment Banking focusing on M&A, Corporate Strategy, and SPAC principal investing.
Maher graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Jerome Fisher M&T Program, where he studied Systems Engineering, Finance, and Business Analytics. Outside of work, Maher enjoys travelling, DJ-ing, hiking, and world cuisines.
Assistant Controller
Sam Ackerman is an Assistant Controller focused on growth equity and fund vehicles. Prior to joining Declaration in 2023, Sam was an Associate on the finance team at Centerbridge Partners, a multi-strategy private investment firm focused on leveraged buyouts and distressed securities. Sam began his career at Ernst & Young LLP, where he was a Senior Associate in the Financial Services Assurance practice.
Sam graduated from University at Buffalo, with a Master of Science in Accounting and Financial Reporting. Sam is a Certified Public Accountant with the State of New York. Outside of work, he enjoys playing golf and ice hockey, live music, and spending time with his family.
Client Services Manager
Etaf Alkhawam is a Client Services Manager on both Declaration Partner’s and BayPine’s Investor Relations teams. Prior to joining in 2021, Etaf was a Business Operations Coordinator at CI Capital, an investment firm focused on lower middle market buyouts. Previously, Etaf was an Investor Relations Associate at Hoplite Capital Management.
Etaf graduated from the University of Delaware. Outside of work, Etaf enjoys spending time with friends & family, hiking, taking Peloton classes, and going out for Omakase.
Director of Compliance
Ashleigh Brogan is Director of Compliance. Prior to joining Declaration in 2023, Ashleigh was Director of Compliance at Greycroft. Previously, she worked as Senior Director, Compliance Officer at General Atlantic.
Ashleigh graduated from New England College of Business with a Master’s Degree in Business Ethics and Regulatory Compliance and earned an undergraduate degree in Legal Studies from St. John’s University. Outside of work, Ashleigh enjoys traveling, book club and spending time with family and friends.
Senior Associate
Aileen Chang is a Senior Associate and a member of the real estate investment team in the Bethesda, MD office. Prior to joining Declaration in 2023, Aileen was an Associate on the U.S. Real Estate Acquisitions team at The Carlyle Group, where she focused on acquisitions across property types, risk profiles, and geographies. Previously, she worked as a Senior Financial Analyst at JBG SMITH Properties (formerly The JBG Companies), where she focused on acquisitions and asset management across property types, along with fund portfolio management.
Aileen graduated from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania with an MBA and earned an undergraduate degree from Cornell University. Outside of work, Aileen enjoys golfing, hiking, playing poker, and skiing.
Associate
Eesha Chona is an Associate and member of the tactical growth investment team.
Prior to joining Declaration in 2022, Eesha worked at Goldman Sachs in their Merchant Banking Division as an Investment Analyst.
Eesha graduated from Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business where she studied Finance, Accounting and Real Estate, was president of the Cornell Hedge Fund, and was a member of their competitive Bollywood dance team. Outside of work, Eesha enjoys boxing, baking, photography, and watching the Golden State Warriors reclaim their championship titles.
Partner
Matthew Cohen is a Partner and member of the real estate investment team in the Bethesda, MD office, and is a voting member of Declaration’s Real Estate Investment Committee. Prior to joining Declaration in 2020, Matt was a Managing Principal at Westbrook Partners, which he joined in 2006. While at Westbrook, Matt led the fund’s real estate investment, asset management, and disposition activities in New York, and was a member of the firm’s Investment Committee. Earlier in his career, Matt worked at Morgan Stanley in New York advising corporate clients in the real estate investment banking group and evaluating investment opportunities for the Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund (MSREF).
Matt graduated from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Outside of work, Matt is an avid golfer and proud coach of his twin daughters’ soccer team.
Partner
Ron Dalal is a Partner and member of the real estate investment team in the Bethesda, MD office, and is a voting member of Declaration’s Real Estate Investment Committee. Prior to joining Declaration in 2018, Ron was a Vice President at JBG SMITH Properties (formerly The JBG Companies). In this role, Ron focused on property-level real estate acquisitions, development joint ventures, and corporate initiatives. Prior to that, he was an Investment Manager at Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), based in the UAE. While at ADIA, his primary focus was on real estate acquisitions and asset management in the US, Canada, and Latin America, across all property types.
Ron began his career in the investment banking and investment management group at Goldman Sachs. Ron graduated from University of Maryland. Ron currently serves on the board of the Robert H. Smith School of Business Foundation and is a member of the Global Exchange Council with the Urban Land Institute. Outside of work, Ron enjoys traveling, hiking, and attempting to fly fish.
Senior Fund Accountant
Brad Daugherty is a Senior Fund Accountant focused on real estate investments and fund vehicles.
Prior to joining Declaration in 2023, Brad was a Senior Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers within the Asset and Wealth Management Assurance practice.
Brad graduated from Penn State University, with a Master of Science in Accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant with the State of New York. Outside of work, Brad enjoys boxing and playing golf, spending time with his friends and family, and is an avid sports fan.
Executive Assistant
Jennifer DeJesus is an Executive Assistant for the Operations and Growth Equity teams. Prior to joining Declaration in 2022, Jennifer was an Executive Assistant at McKinsey & Company where she worked in their Strategy & Corporate Finance practice, focusing on their HealthCare and BioPharmaceutical Groups. Prior to that, Jennifer was a Paralegal and Contract Analyst, focusing on energy deals and class action litigation.
Jennifer graduated from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys dancing, running, and riding her bike around the city.
Founder, Managing Partner & Co-Head of Tactical Growth
Brian Frank is Founder and the Managing Partner of Declaration Partners and Co-Head of Tactical Growth. Brian is also a Founding Partner of BayPine, a sister investment firm focused on buyouts with a digital transformation potential. Previously, Brian was a Partner and Portfolio Manager at MSD Partners, where he invested in private and public companies in the energy and industrials sectors.
Prior to MSD Partners, Brian was a Partner and Portfolio Manager at Cumberland Associates, where he oversaw investments in aerospace, energy, industrials and transportation companies. Earlier in his career, Brian was a Director at Harman International, a Principal in growth equity at WR Hambrecht + Co focused on technology investments, and an Investment Banking Analyst at Lazard Frères
Brian graduated from Harvard College, where he studied Government and Economics, and earned his MBA from Harvard Business School. Brian currently serves as a board member of Redesign Health, Vault Health, ConcertAI, and StubHub Holdings.
Outside of work, Brian is a Director of Third Way, on the Rockefeller University Council, a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and enjoys travel, live experiences, and public policy.
Vice President
Omar Khatib is a Vice President and a member of the tactical growth investment team where he focuses on fintech, blockchain, and gaming.
Prior to joining Declaration in 2020, Omar worked at Barclays in the Technology Investment Banking Group focusing on enterprise software and payments.
Omar graduated from Johns Hopkins University, where he studied Applied Math and Statistics, International Studies and Islamic Studies and was a member of Johns Hopkins’ first student-run VC fund, A-Level Capital. Outside of work, Omar enjoys sailing, playing pickup soccer across the city, gaming, photography, and exploring fringe DeFi protocols.
Vice President
Rachel Kupelian is a Vice President and member of the tactical growth investment team. Prior to joining Declaration in 2022, Rachel was an investor at Global Infrastructure Partners, a New York-based private equity firm, where she focused on opportunities within the Energy and Transportation sectors. Previously, she worked at Stifel Financial in the Healthcare Investment Banking Group focusing on Biopharma, MedTech and Healthcare Services transactions.
Rachel graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied Economics and Consumer Psychology. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys skiing, golfing, hiking, and reading.
Chief of Staff and Office Manager
Holly Majka is the Chief of Staff and Office Manager for the real estate investment team in the Bethesda, MD office. Prior to joining Declaration in 2019, Holly was an Office and Administrative Manager at The Penzance Companies where she managed all aspects of daily operations on behalf of the company’s founders. Prior to that, Holly was an Executive Assistant at American Capital where she supported the deal team. She began her career at UBS Financial Services as the Branch Office Administrator and Branch Technology Liaison.
Holly graduated from the University of Maryland. Outside of work, Holly enjoys spending time at the beach with her husband and dog.
Senior Accountant
Jayna Montalvo is a Senior Accountant at both Declaration Partners and BayPine, which she joined in 2022. Jayna spent 16 years as a senior accountant / treasury associate at Vestar Capital Partners, a middle-market U.S. private equity firm specializing in management buyouts and growth capital investments.
Jayna graduated from Baruch College. Outside of work Jayna enjoys all things health, wellness and fitness related, traveling, music and writing.
Senior Analyst
Kyle Patrick is a Senior Analyst and member of the real estate investment team in the Bethesda, MD office. Prior to joining Declaration in 2022, Kyle was an Investment Banking Analyst at Piper Sandler within its Diversified Industrials & Services Group.
Kyle graduated from Ohio State University – Max M. Fisher College of Business, where he specialized in Finance and served as a Fisher Ambassador. Outside of work, Kyle enjoys spending time with his family and friends, exercising, and skiing.
Managing Director
David Rabin is a Managing Director and member of the real estate investment team and is based in Declaration’s New York City office. Prior to joining Declaration in 2018, David was a member of the investment team at Centerbridge Partners, where he was part of the US real estate group focusing on direct assets, platform companies, and loans and securities. He began his real estate career at JBG SMITH Properties (formerly The JBG Companies), where he was focused on acquisitions and corporate initiatives for JBG’s opportunity funds.
David graduated from Brown University. Outside of work, David enjoys playing golf, traveling and spending time with his wife and dog at home in Brooklyn, NY.
Advisor
Alexa Rachlin is an advisor to Declaration, having played an instrumental role in the firm’s founding in 2017 and growth to date.
Alexa has over 15 years of investment experience, most recently serving as an Investment Director at Cambridge Associates in the firm’s private practice where she worked with family offices on asset allocation and manager selection. Previously she worked at Goldman Sachs in private wealth management. She started her career at Morgan Stanley in real estate investment banking.
Alexa graduated from Harvard College and earned her MBA from Harvard Business School. She served on the board of Lively, a Redesign Health portfolio company, until its recent acquisition by GN Hearing. She also serves on the board of Social Finance, a national impact finance and advisory nonprofit. Outside of work, Alexa enjoys travelling and spending time with her family.
Co-Founder and Head of Real Estate
Todd S. Rich is a Co-Founder and Partner of Declaration Partners and the Head of Real Estate, serving as chairman of Declaration’s Real Estate Investment Committee. Todd, who is based in the Bethesda, MD office, co-founded Declaration with two decades of multi-market real estate investing and operating experience including acquisitions, dispositions, development, leasing, and management of portfolios involving over $20 billion of institutional quality real estate. Previously, Todd was an Owner and Partner at The JBG Companies where he served as a member of its Investment and Management Committees. He was involved in strategic efforts culminating in the creation of JBG SMITH Properties as a public REIT (NYSE: JBGS). Prior to The JBG Companies, Todd was a Managing Director at Tishman Speyer where he was responsible for the business activities of the Washington, DC region and worked in Tishman Speyer’s Chicago, London, and New York offices.
Todd currently serves on the boards of the SED Center and the Jewish Community Foundation (JCF) of Greater Washington and formerly served on the board of the Economic Club of Washington. He graduated from Princeton University and was a Fulbright Scholar living in Argentina and Brazil. Outside of work, Todd enjoys reading and spending time with his wife and three children at the beach and on the slopes.
Vice President
George Roux is a Vice President and member of the real estate investment team in the Bethesda, MD office. Prior to joining Declaration in 2021, George was a Senior Associate at Weller Development Company focusing on acquisitions, asset management and public-private partnerships. Previously, he worked as a Financial Analyst at JBG SMITH Properties (formerly The JBG Companies) where he focused on acquisitions and asset management across property types. Prior to JBG SMITH, George was an Analyst at Prudential Financial in Commercial Lending where he focused on balance-sheet and agency loan originations.
George graduated from the University of Southern California. Outside of work, George enjoys exploring the outdoors through his hobbies of skiing, fly-fishing, and camping with his dog, Wally.
Partner, General Counsel & CCO
Leigh Rovzar is a Partner and the General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of both Declaration Partners, which he joined in 2018, and BayPine, an upper middle market private equity firm. Previously, Leigh was a Senior Vice President and Co-Head of the Legal Department at Magnitude Capital. Earlier in his career, he served as an Associate at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and as a Vice President in the Acquisitions Group at Walton Street Capital.
Leigh graduated from Harvard College and received his JD and MBA from Northwestern University. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qualitas of Life Foundation. Outside of work, Leigh loves spending time with his family and enjoying a wide range of activities in the great outdoors.
Vice President
Robert (Bobby) Rucks is a Vice President and member of the real estate investment team in the Bethesda, MD office. Prior to joining Declaration in 2021, Bobby was an Associate on the investment team at Artemis Real Estate Partners, where he focused on acquisitions and asset management across property types, risk profiles, and geographies. Prior to his role on the investment team at Artemis, Bobby was an Associate on Artemis’ portfolio management and capital raising team, supporting initiatives across their investment strategies. Bobby began his career as an Investment Banking Analyst focused on the financial services sector at Sandler O’Neill + Partners, LP.
Bobby graduated from the College of William & Mary. Outside of work, Bobby enjoys alpine skiing and world history podcasts, and he is an avid Washington, DC sports fan. Bobby is also an advisory board member for the William & Mary Washington Center.
Controller
Laura Salmon is a Controller at both Declaration Partners and BayPine, which she joined in 2021. Previously, Laura was a Senior Associate on the finance team at Centerbridge Partners, a multi-strategy private investment firm focused on leveraged buyouts and distressed securities. Laura began her career at Ernst & Young LLP, where she was a senior associate in the Financial Services Assurance practice.
Laura graduated from Cornell University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Outside of work, Laura loves running, spending time with her family at the Jersey Shore, and cheering for the New York Mets.
Assistant Controller
Victoria Samland is an Assistant Controller focused on real estate investments and fund vehicles. Prior to joining Declaration in 2022, Victoria worked in the real estate private equity group at KKR, focusing on real estate finance and portfolio management. Previously, she worked at Madison Realty Capital and Ernst & Young.
Victoria graduated from the University at Buffalo, where she studied Accounting, Finance and Spanish Studies. She is a Certified Public Accountant with the State of New York. Outside of work, Victoria is an Advisor for the Westminster Economic Development Initiative in Buffalo, NY. In her free time, she enjoys music & entertainment, tennis, traveling and anything outdoors with her family and two dogs.
Vice President
Lucas Sheiner is a Vice President and a member of the tactical growth investment team where he focuses on consumer and enterprise software.
Prior to joining Declaration in 2021, Lucas worked at JPMorgan in the Technology Investment Banking Group focusing on fintech, enterprise software, and consumer internet.
Lucas graduated from Amherst College, where he studied Political Science, co-founded the Rate Our Courses platform, and was a member of the Men’s Varsity Squash team. Outside of work, Lucas enjoys snowboarding, traveling, and Toronto Raptors playoff runs.
Office Administration
Adelfa Silva oversees office administration at Declaration, which she joined in 2021. Previously, Adelfa held various operations and administrative roles at Pine Book Partners, a New York-based growth equity firm, and Alexandra Investment Management, a New York-based Hedge Fund.
Outside of work, Adelfa loves spending time with her family, traveling and interior decorating.
Partner & Chief Financial Officer
Annie Sloyer is a Partner and the Chief Financial Officer of Declaration, having joined the firm in 2020. Previously, Annie was Chief Financial Officer of Willoughby Capital, a family office investing in venture capital, private equity and public markets. Prior to Willoughby, she was Chief Financial Officer of Pine Brook Road Partners, a New York-based growth equity firm. Earlier in her career, she was a Controller at Olympus Capital, a private equity firm investing in middle market companies across Asia. She began her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers in the Alternative Investments Asset Management audit practice.
Annie graduated from Washington University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Outside of work, Annie loves spending time with her family, traveling, and playing tennis and golf.
Partner & Co-Head of Tactical Growth
Brian Stern is a Partner and Co-Head of Tactical Growth, where he focuses on financial services and financial technology investments.
Prior to joining Declaration in 2019, Brian served as Head of Strategic Investments for Stone Ridge Asset Management. Previously, he spent eight years at BlackRock, where he was Managing Director and Head of BlackRock Private Markets. Brian also served in the US Treasury as a member of the Presidential Task Force on the Auto Industry. Earlier in his career, he was a Director at Merrill Lynch Global Private Equity, an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Co., and an Analyst in the M&A group at Smith Barney.
Brian graduated from Harvard College, where he studied History and Literature with a focus on late 19th century America, and earned his JD from Yale Law School. Brian currently serves as a board member of Paxos Trust Company, Sure, and Altruist.
Outside of work, Brian serves on the board of the Carver Center of Port Chester, NY and enjoys camping on the Appalachian Trail with his children, cycling, and racquet sports.
Executive Assistant
Fortune Tarantola is an Executive Assistant to the Growth Equity team. Prior to joining Declaration in 2023, Fortune spent 7 years at Harvest Partners where she was the Executive Assistant to their Structured Capital team. Fortune began her career as a Marketing Analyst at The Rohatyn Group, supporting their emerging markets fundraising business.
Fortune graduated from Sacred Heart University where she majored in Marketing. Outside of work, Fortune enjoys yoga, morning walks with her husband, visiting Napa Valley and spending time with her family.
Vice President
Danielle Udland is a Vice President on the Investor Relations team at Declaration Partners. Prior to joining Declaration in 2022, Danielle was a member of the Institutional Client & Product Solutions team at Apollo. Previously, she was an Investment Marketing Analyst at J.P. Morgan Private Bank.
Danielle graduated from the University of Michigan – Stephen M. Ross School of Business, where she held a concentration in Marketing and served as a Ross Career Services Peer Coach. Outside of work, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family, playing tennis and skiing, volunteering with Achilles International, and is a voracious reader.
Partner & Co-Head of Tactical Growth
Elliot Wagner is a Partner and Co-Head of Tactical Growth, where he focuses on consumer.
Prior to joining Declaration in 2019, Elliot spent over 18 years at The Carlyle Group where he was a Partner and Managing Director in Carlyle’s US buyout fund and a member of the consumer & retail team since 2009. Previously, he was a member of the aerospace, defense & government services team based in Washington, DC. Elliot began his career in the M&A group at Lehman Brothers.
Elliot graduated from Cornell University, where he studied Applied Economics and Management. Elliot currently serves as an Emeritus member on the Advisory Council of the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University as well as on the boards of LMI and Ever/Body, a Redesign Health portfolio company.
Elliot enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, playing tennis, discovering new brands, and is a passionate foodie.
Managing Director
Michael Walker is a Managing Director at Declaration Partners focused on investor relations, having joined Declaration in 2021. Previously, Mike was Head of Investor Relations at CI Capital, an investment firm focused on lower middle market buyouts. Prior to that, Mike was Head of Investor Relations at Reservoir Capital, before which he was an Investor Relations/Business Development Analyst in Blackstone’s Hedge Fund Solutions business (BAAM). Mike began his investment industry career in the finance department at Blackstone.
Mike graduated from Boston College and earned his MBA from the Leonard M. Stern School of Business at New York University. Outside of work, Mike loves spending time with his wife and three children, traveling, and live music.
Executive Assistant
Jeff Waters is the executive assistant to the investor relations team in the New York office. Prior to joining Declaration in 2022, Jeff was an executive assistant at McKinsey & Company where he was on the relief support team. Jeff began his career as the executive assistant and operations manager at Geffen Enterprises in Savannah, Georgia.
Jeff graduated from The University of Alabama where he majored in Management and minored in Consumer Sciences. Outside of work, Jeff enjoys Broadway shows, movies, stand-up comedy, and exploring the city.
Tax Manager
Scott Zicherman is a Tax Manager for Declaration Partners, having joined in 2022. Previously, Scott was a Manager at KPMG US in the Business Tax Services, specifically the Asset Management practice, where he managed the tax compliance and consulting for a variety of US and foreign clients.
Scott graduated from Touro College with a Bachelor of Science and is a Certified Public Accountant with the State of New York. Outside of work, Scott enjoys spending time with his wife and three sons, reading, cycling, and listening to the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Founder, Managing Partner & Co-Head of Tactical Growth
Brian Frank is Founder and the Managing Partner of Declaration Partners and Co-Head of Tactical Growth. Brian is also a Founding Partner of BayPine, a sister investment firm focused on buyouts with a digital transformation potential. Previously, Brian was a Partner and Portfolio Manager at MSD Partners, where he invested in private and public companies in the energy and industrials sectors.
Prior to MSD Partners, Brian was a Partner and Portfolio Manager at Cumberland Associates, where he oversaw investments in aerospace, energy, industrials and transportation companies. Earlier in his career, Brian was a Director at Harman International, a Principal in growth equity at WR Hambrecht + Co focused on technology investments, and an Investment Banking Analyst at Lazard Frères
Brian graduated from Harvard College, where he studied Government and Economics, and earned his MBA from Harvard Business School. Brian currently serves as a board member of Redesign Health, Vault Health, ConcertAI, and StubHub Holdings.
Outside of work, Brian is a Director of Third Way, on the Rockefeller University Council, a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and enjoys travel, live experiences, and public policy.
Partner & Co-Head of Tactical Growth
Brian Stern is a Partner and Co-Head of Tactical Growth, where he focuses on financial services and financial technology investments.
Prior to joining Declaration in 2019, Brian served as Head of Strategic Investments for Stone Ridge Asset Management. Previously, he spent eight years at BlackRock, where he was Managing Director and Head of BlackRock Private Markets. Brian also served in the US Treasury as a member of the Presidential Task Force on the Auto Industry. Earlier in his career, he was a Director at Merrill Lynch Global Private Equity, an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Co., and an Analyst in the M&A group at Smith Barney.
Brian graduated from Harvard College, where he studied History and Literature with a focus on late 19th century America, and earned his JD from Yale Law School. Brian currently serves as a board member of Paxos Trust Company, Sure, and Altruist.
Outside of work, Brian serves on the board of the Carver Center of Port Chester, NY and enjoys camping on the Appalachian Trail with his children, cycling, and racquet sports.
Partner & Co-Head of Tactical Growth
Elliot Wagner is a Partner and Co-Head of Tactical Growth, where he focuses on consumer.
Prior to joining Declaration in 2019, Elliot spent over 18 years at The Carlyle Group where he was a Partner and Managing Director in Carlyle’s US buyout fund and a member of the consumer & retail team since 2009. Previously, he was a member of the aerospace, defense & government services team based in Washington, DC. Elliot began his career in the M&A group at Lehman Brothers.
Elliot graduated from Cornell University, where he studied Applied Economics and Management. Elliot currently serves as an Emeritus member on the Advisory Council of the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University as well as on the boards of LMI and Ever/Body, a Redesign Health portfolio company.
Elliot enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, playing tennis, discovering new brands, and is a passionate foodie.
Vice President
Omar Khatib is a Vice President and a member of the tactical growth investment team where he focuses on fintech, blockchain, and gaming.
Prior to joining Declaration in 2020, Omar worked at Barclays in the Technology Investment Banking Group focusing on enterprise software and payments.
Omar graduated from Johns Hopkins University, where he studied Applied Math and Statistics, International Studies and Islamic Studies and was a member of Johns Hopkins’ first student-run VC fund, A-Level Capital. Outside of work, Omar enjoys sailing, playing pickup soccer across the city, gaming, photography, and exploring fringe DeFi protocols.
Vice President
Rachel Kupelian is a Vice President and member of the tactical growth investment team. Prior to joining Declaration in 2022, Rachel was an investor at Global Infrastructure Partners, a New York-based private equity firm, where she focused on opportunities within the Energy and Transportation sectors. Previously, she worked at Stifel Financial in the Healthcare Investment Banking Group focusing on Biopharma, MedTech and Healthcare Services transactions.
Rachel graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied Economics and Consumer Psychology. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys skiing, golfing, hiking, and reading.
Vice President
Lucas Sheiner is a Vice President and a member of the tactical growth investment team where he focuses on consumer and enterprise software.
Prior to joining Declaration in 2021, Lucas worked at JPMorgan in the Technology Investment Banking Group focusing on fintech, enterprise software, and consumer internet.
Lucas graduated from Amherst College, where he studied Political Science, co-founded the Rate Our Courses platform, and was a member of the Men’s Varsity Squash team. Outside of work, Lucas enjoys snowboarding, traveling, and Toronto Raptors playoff runs.
Associate
Eesha Chona is an Associate and member of the tactical growth investment team.
Prior to joining Declaration in 2022, Eesha worked at Goldman Sachs in their Merchant Banking Division as an Investment Analyst.
Eesha graduated from Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business where she studied Finance, Accounting and Real Estate, was president of the Cornell Hedge Fund, and was a member of their competitive Bollywood dance team. Outside of work, Eesha enjoys boxing, baking, photography, and watching the Golden State Warriors reclaim their championship titles.
Associate
Maher Abdel Samad is an Associate and a member of the tactical growth investment team.
Prior to joining Declaration in 2023, Maher worked at Lazard in Investment Banking focusing on M&A, Corporate Strategy, and SPAC principal investing.
Maher graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Jerome Fisher M&T Program, where he studied Systems Engineering, Finance, and Business Analytics. Outside of work, Maher enjoys travelling, DJ-ing, hiking, and world cuisines.
Co-Founder and Head of Real Estate
Todd S. Rich is a Co-Founder and Partner of Declaration Partners and the Head of Real Estate, serving as chairman of Declaration’s Real Estate Investment Committee. Todd, who is based in the Bethesda, MD office, co-founded Declaration with two decades of multi-market real estate investing and operating experience including acquisitions, dispositions, development, leasing, and management of portfolios involving over $20 billion of institutional quality real estate. Previously, Todd was an Owner and Partner at The JBG Companies where he served as a member of its Investment and Management Committees. He was involved in strategic efforts culminating in the creation of JBG SMITH Properties as a public REIT (NYSE: JBGS). Prior to The JBG Companies, Todd was a Managing Director at Tishman Speyer where he was responsible for the business activities of the Washington, DC region and worked in Tishman Speyer’s Chicago, London, and New York offices.
Todd currently serves on the boards of the SED Center and the Jewish Community Foundation (JCF) of Greater Washington and formerly served on the board of the Economic Club of Washington. He graduated from Princeton University and was a Fulbright Scholar living in Argentina and Brazil. Outside of work, Todd enjoys reading and spending time with his wife and three children at the beach and on the slopes.
Partner
Matthew Cohen is a Partner and member of the real estate investment team in the Bethesda, MD office, and is a voting member of Declaration’s Real Estate Investment Committee. Prior to joining Declaration in 2020, Matt was a Managing Principal at Westbrook Partners, which he joined in 2006. While at Westbrook, Matt led the fund’s real estate investment, asset management, and disposition activities in New York, and was a member of the firm’s Investment Committee. Earlier in his career, Matt worked at Morgan Stanley in New York advising corporate clients in the real estate investment banking group and evaluating investment opportunities for the Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund (MSREF).
Matt graduated from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Outside of work, Matt is an avid golfer and proud coach of his twin daughters’ soccer team.
Partner
Ron Dalal is a Partner and member of the real estate investment team in the Bethesda, MD office, and is a voting member of Declaration’s Real Estate Investment Committee. Prior to joining Declaration in 2018, Ron was a Vice President at JBG SMITH Properties (formerly The JBG Companies). In this role, Ron focused on property-level real estate acquisitions, development joint ventures, and corporate initiatives. Prior to that, he was an Investment Manager at Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), based in the UAE. While at ADIA, his primary focus was on real estate acquisitions and asset management in the US, Canada, and Latin America, across all property types.
Ron began his career in the investment banking and investment management group at Goldman Sachs. Ron graduated from University of Maryland. Ron currently serves on the board of the Robert H. Smith School of Business Foundation and is a member of the Global Exchange Council with the Urban Land Institute. Outside of work, Ron enjoys traveling, hiking, and attempting to fly fish.
Managing Director
David Rabin is a Managing Director and member of the real estate investment team and is based in Declaration’s New York City office. Prior to joining Declaration in 2018, David was a member of the investment team at Centerbridge Partners, where he was part of the US real estate group focusing on direct assets, platform companies, and loans and securities. He began his real estate career at JBG SMITH Properties (formerly The JBG Companies), where he was focused on acquisitions and corporate initiatives for JBG’s opportunity funds.
David graduated from Brown University. Outside of work, David enjoys playing golf, traveling and spending time with his wife and dog at home in Brooklyn, NY.
Vice President
George Roux is a Vice President and member of the real estate investment team in the Bethesda, MD office. Prior to joining Declaration in 2021, George was a Senior Associate at Weller Development Company focusing on acquisitions, asset management and public-private partnerships. Previously, he worked as a Financial Analyst at JBG SMITH Properties (formerly The JBG Companies) where he focused on acquisitions and asset management across property types. Prior to JBG SMITH, George was an Analyst at Prudential Financial in Commercial Lending where he focused on balance-sheet and agency loan originations.
George graduated from the University of Southern California. Outside of work, George enjoys exploring the outdoors through his hobbies of skiing, fly-fishing, and camping with his dog, Wally.
Vice President
Robert (Bobby) Rucks is a Vice President and member of the real estate investment team in the Bethesda, MD office. Prior to joining Declaration in 2021, Bobby was an Associate on the investment team at Artemis Real Estate Partners, where he focused on acquisitions and asset management across property types, risk profiles, and geographies. Prior to his role on the investment team at Artemis, Bobby was an Associate on Artemis’ portfolio management and capital raising team, supporting initiatives across their investment strategies. Bobby began his career as an Investment Banking Analyst focused on the financial services sector at Sandler O’Neill + Partners, LP.
Bobby graduated from the College of William & Mary. Outside of work, Bobby enjoys alpine skiing and world history podcasts, and he is an avid Washington, DC sports fan. Bobby is also an advisory board member for the William & Mary Washington Center.
Senior Associate
Aileen Chang is a Senior Associate and a member of the real estate investment team in the Bethesda, MD office. Prior to joining Declaration in 2023, Aileen was an Associate on the U.S. Real Estate Acquisitions team at The Carlyle Group, where she focused on acquisitions across property types, risk profiles, and geographies. Previously, she worked as a Senior Financial Analyst at JBG SMITH Properties (formerly The JBG Companies), where she focused on acquisitions and asset management across property types, along with fund portfolio management.
Aileen graduated from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania with an MBA and earned an undergraduate degree from Cornell University. Outside of work, Aileen enjoys golfing, hiking, playing poker, and skiing.
Senior Analyst
Kyle Patrick is a Senior Analyst and member of the real estate investment team in the Bethesda, MD office. Prior to joining Declaration in 2022, Kyle was an Investment Banking Analyst at Piper Sandler within its Diversified Industrials & Services Group.
Kyle graduated from Ohio State University – Max M. Fisher College of Business, where he specialized in Finance and served as a Fisher Ambassador. Outside of work, Kyle enjoys spending time with his family and friends, exercising, and skiing.
Chief of Staff and Office Manager
Holly Majka is the Chief of Staff and Office Manager for the real estate investment team in the Bethesda, MD office. Prior to joining Declaration in 2019, Holly was an Office and Administrative Manager at The Penzance Companies where she managed all aspects of daily operations on behalf of the company’s founders. Prior to that, Holly was an Executive Assistant at American Capital where she supported the deal team. She began her career at UBS Financial Services as the Branch Office Administrator and Branch Technology Liaison.
Holly graduated from the University of Maryland. Outside of work, Holly enjoys spending time at the beach with her husband and dog.
Partner, General Counsel & CCO
Leigh Rovzar is a Partner and the General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of both Declaration Partners, which he joined in 2018, and BayPine, an upper middle market private equity firm. Previously, Leigh was a Senior Vice President and Co-Head of the Legal Department at Magnitude Capital. Earlier in his career, he served as an Associate at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and as a Vice President in the Acquisitions Group at Walton Street Capital.
Leigh graduated from Harvard College and received his JD and MBA from Northwestern University. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qualitas of Life Foundation. Outside of work, Leigh loves spending time with his family and enjoying a wide range of activities in the great outdoors.
Partner & Chief Financial Officer
Annie Sloyer is a Partner and the Chief Financial Officer of Declaration, having joined the firm in 2020. Previously, Annie was Chief Financial Officer of Willoughby Capital, a family office investing in venture capital, private equity and public markets. Prior to Willoughby, she was Chief Financial Officer of Pine Brook Road Partners, a New York-based growth equity firm. Earlier in her career, she was a Controller at Olympus Capital, a private equity firm investing in middle market companies across Asia. She began her career at PricewaterhouseCoopers in the Alternative Investments Asset Management audit practice.
Annie graduated from Washington University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Outside of work, Annie loves spending time with her family, traveling, and playing tennis and golf.
Advisor
Alexa Rachlin is an advisor to Declaration, having played an instrumental role in the firm’s founding in 2017 and growth to date.
Alexa has over 15 years of investment experience, most recently serving as an Investment Director at Cambridge Associates in the firm’s private practice where she worked with family offices on asset allocation and manager selection. Previously she worked at Goldman Sachs in private wealth management. She started her career at Morgan Stanley in real estate investment banking.
Alexa graduated from Harvard College and earned her MBA from Harvard Business School. She served on the board of Lively, a Redesign Health portfolio company, until its recent acquisition by GN Hearing. She also serves on the board of Social Finance, a national impact finance and advisory nonprofit. Outside of work, Alexa enjoys travelling and spending time with her family.
Managing Director
Michael Walker is a Managing Director at Declaration Partners focused on investor relations, having joined Declaration in 2021. Previously, Mike was Head of Investor Relations at CI Capital, an investment firm focused on lower middle market buyouts. Prior to that, Mike was Head of Investor Relations at Reservoir Capital, before which he was an Investor Relations/Business Development Analyst in Blackstone’s Hedge Fund Solutions business (BAAM). Mike began his investment industry career in the finance department at Blackstone.
Mike graduated from Boston College and earned his MBA from the Leonard M. Stern School of Business at New York University. Outside of work, Mike loves spending time with his wife and three children, traveling, and live music.
Director of Compliance
Ashleigh Brogan is Director of Compliance. Prior to joining Declaration in 2023, Ashleigh was Director of Compliance at Greycroft. Previously, she worked as Senior Director, Compliance Officer at General Atlantic.
Ashleigh graduated from New England College of Business with a Master’s Degree in Business Ethics and Regulatory Compliance and earned an undergraduate degree in Legal Studies from St. John’s University. Outside of work, Ashleigh enjoys traveling, book club and spending time with family and friends.
Vice President
Danielle Udland is a Vice President on the Investor Relations team at Declaration Partners. Prior to joining Declaration in 2022, Danielle was a member of the Institutional Client & Product Solutions team at Apollo. Previously, she was an Investment Marketing Analyst at J.P. Morgan Private Bank.
Danielle graduated from the University of Michigan – Stephen M. Ross School of Business, where she held a concentration in Marketing and served as a Ross Career Services Peer Coach. Outside of work, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family, playing tennis and skiing, volunteering with Achilles International, and is a voracious reader.
Controller
Laura Salmon is a Controller at both Declaration Partners and BayPine, which she joined in 2021. Previously, Laura was a Senior Associate on the finance team at Centerbridge Partners, a multi-strategy private investment firm focused on leveraged buyouts and distressed securities. Laura began her career at Ernst & Young LLP, where she was a senior associate in the Financial Services Assurance practice.
Laura graduated from Cornell University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Outside of work, Laura loves running, spending time with her family at the Jersey Shore, and cheering for the New York Mets.
Assistant Controller
Victoria Samland is an Assistant Controller focused on real estate investments and fund vehicles. Prior to joining Declaration in 2022, Victoria worked in the real estate private equity group at KKR, focusing on real estate finance and portfolio management. Previously, she worked at Madison Realty Capital and Ernst & Young.
Victoria graduated from the University at Buffalo, where she studied Accounting, Finance and Spanish Studies. She is a Certified Public Accountant with the State of New York. Outside of work, Victoria is an Advisor for the Westminster Economic Development Initiative in Buffalo, NY. In her free time, she enjoys music & entertainment, tennis, traveling and anything outdoors with her family and two dogs.
Assistant Controller
Sam Ackerman is an Assistant Controller focused on growth equity and fund vehicles. Prior to joining Declaration in 2023, Sam was an Associate on the finance team at Centerbridge Partners, a multi-strategy private investment firm focused on leveraged buyouts and distressed securities. Sam began his career at Ernst & Young LLP, where he was a Senior Associate in the Financial Services Assurance practice.
Sam graduated from University at Buffalo, with a Master of Science in Accounting and Financial Reporting. Sam is a Certified Public Accountant with the State of New York. Outside of work, he enjoys playing golf and ice hockey, live music, and spending time with his family.
Tax Manager
Scott Zicherman is a Tax Manager for Declaration Partners, having joined in 2022. Previously, Scott was a Manager at KPMG US in the Business Tax Services, specifically the Asset Management practice, where he managed the tax compliance and consulting for a variety of US and foreign clients.
Scott graduated from Touro College with a Bachelor of Science and is a Certified Public Accountant with the State of New York. Outside of work, Scott enjoys spending time with his wife and three sons, reading, cycling, and listening to the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Senior Fund Accountant
Brad Daugherty is a Senior Fund Accountant focused on real estate investments and fund vehicles.
Prior to joining Declaration in 2023, Brad was a Senior Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers within the Asset and Wealth Management Assurance practice.
Brad graduated from Penn State University, with a Master of Science in Accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant with the State of New York. Outside of work, Brad enjoys boxing and playing golf, spending time with his friends and family, and is an avid sports fan.
Client Services Manager
Etaf Alkhawam is a Client Services Manager on both Declaration Partner’s and BayPine’s Investor Relations teams. Prior to joining in 2021, Etaf was a Business Operations Coordinator at CI Capital, an investment firm focused on lower middle market buyouts. Previously, Etaf was an Investor Relations Associate at Hoplite Capital Management.
Etaf graduated from the University of Delaware. Outside of work, Etaf enjoys spending time with friends & family, hiking, taking Peloton classes, and going out for Omakase.
Senior Accountant
Jayna Montalvo is a Senior Accountant at both Declaration Partners and BayPine, which she joined in 2022. Jayna spent 16 years as a senior accountant / treasury associate at Vestar Capital Partners, a middle-market U.S. private equity firm specializing in management buyouts and growth capital investments.
Jayna graduated from Baruch College. Outside of work Jayna enjoys all things health, wellness and fitness related, traveling, music and writing.
Executive Assistant
Jennifer DeJesus is an Executive Assistant for the Operations and Growth Equity teams. Prior to joining Declaration in 2022, Jennifer was an Executive Assistant at McKinsey & Company where she worked in their Strategy & Corporate Finance practice, focusing on their HealthCare and BioPharmaceutical Groups. Prior to that, Jennifer was a Paralegal and Contract Analyst, focusing on energy deals and class action litigation.
Jennifer graduated from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys dancing, running, and riding her bike around the city.
Chief of Staff and Office Manager
Holly Majka is the Chief of Staff and Office Manager for the real estate investment team in the Bethesda, MD office. Prior to joining Declaration in 2019, Holly was an Office and Administrative Manager at The Penzance Companies where she managed all aspects of daily operations on behalf of the company’s founders. Prior to that, Holly was an Executive Assistant at American Capital where she supported the deal team. She began her career at UBS Financial Services as the Branch Office Administrator and Branch Technology Liaison.
Holly graduated from the University of Maryland. Outside of work, Holly enjoys spending time at the beach with her husband and dog.
Office Administration
Adelfa Silva oversees office administration at Declaration, which she joined in 2021. Previously, Adelfa held various operations and administrative roles at Pine Book Partners, a New York-based growth equity firm, and Alexandra Investment Management, a New York-based Hedge Fund.
Outside of work, Adelfa loves spending time with her family, traveling and interior decorating.
Executive Assistant
Jeff Waters is the executive assistant to the investor relations team in the New York office. Prior to joining Declaration in 2022, Jeff was an executive assistant at McKinsey & Company where he was on the relief support team. Jeff began his career as the executive assistant and operations manager at Geffen Enterprises in Savannah, Georgia.
Jeff graduated from The University of Alabama where he majored in Management and minored in Consumer Sciences. Outside of work, Jeff enjoys Broadway shows, movies, stand-up comedy, and exploring the city.