Associate
Maher Abdel Samad is an Associate and a member of the Private 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 Declaration Partner’s Investor Relations team, which she joined in 2021. She rejoined the team full-time in October 2024 after also serving as BayPine’s Client Services Manager from 2021 – 2024. Prior to that, 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, traveling, and going out for Omakase.
Chief Compliance Officer
Ashleigh Brogan is Declaration’s Chief Compliance Officer. 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.
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.
Administrative Assistant
Gracie Filler is an Administrative Assistant for the Real Estate team. Prior to joining Declaration in 2024, Gracie was an Elementary School Teacher at the River School in Washington, D.C. where she worked with students focusing on their reading needs.
Gracie graduated from University of Colorado Boulder. Outside of work, Gracie enjoys running, cooking, baking, and spending time with her friends exploring D.C.
Founder, Managing Partner & Co-Head of Private Investments
Brian Frank is Founder and the Managing Partner of Declaration Partners and Co-Head of Private Investments. 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.
Executive Assistant
Bailey is an Executive Assistant to the GP Solutions and IR teams. Prior to joining Declaration in 2024, Bailey worked at Siguler Guff where she supported the Emerging Markets team.
Bailey graduated from the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. Outside of work she enjoys seeing theatre, practicing yoga and visiting used bookstores.
Partner
Rob Jackowitz is a Partner at Declaration Partners, where he focuses on firm operations. He joined Declaration in 2018 as Partner and CFO before supporting the launch of BayPine, a buyout private equity firm, from 2021-2023, as Partner and CFO, while remaining a Partner at Declaration. Previously, he was a Partner and Managing Director at Pine Brook Partners, a growth equity firm where he oversaw the firm’s finance, operations, and compliance functions.
Prior to Pine Brook, Rob served as Treasurer and CFO of ESL Investments, an activist hedge fund. Earlier in his career Rob was a Senior Vice President and CFO of Harvest Partners, a lower middle-market buyout firm, following several years at Schroders plc in senior finance roles across various corporate and investment management divisions including Schroder Ventures.
Rob attended The George Washington University (BA, 1989), is a Certified Public Accountant, and currently serves on the board of Steward Partners Holdings LLC, a wealth management advisory firm. Outside of work, Rob enjoys travel, fitness and motorsports.
Principal
Rachel Kupelian is a Principal and member of the Private 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 Analyst
Matthew Merkey is a Senior Analyst and member of the real estate investment team in the Bethesda, MD office. Prior to joining Declaration in 2025, Matthew was an Investment Banking Analyst at Baird within its Global Real Estate Group.
Matthew graduated from University of South Carolina. Outside of work, Matthew enjoys playing golf, traveling, and water skiing.
Senior Accountant
Jayna Montalvo is a Senior Accountant for Declaration Partners, which she joined in 2022. She rejoined the team full-time in June 2024 after also serving as BayPine’s Senior Accountant from 2022-2024. 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.
Associate
Kyle Patrick is an Associate 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.
Executive Assistant
Paula Polites is an Executive Assistant to the founding Managing Partner. Prior to joining Declaration in 2025, Paula supported the COO and headed all firm events at Summit Rock Advisors. Previously, Paula was a Human Resources associate at Owl Rock/Blue Owl.
Paula graduated from Rutgers University. Outside of work, she enjoys working out, travel and spending time with her family.
Partner
David Rabin is a Partner 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.
Partner
Charles Rayner is a Partner on the investment team at Declaration Partners. He originally joined Declaration in 2017 and rejoined in 2024 to continue his focus on platform company investments. He has significant public and private investment experience across a variety of industrial sectors and related software and services.
Charles rejoined Declaration from BayPine, where he served as a Managing Director leading the firm’s industrial investment efforts. Previously, he was a senior member of the investment teams at Marble Arch and Conatus Capital, two fundamental long/short equity hedge funds. He began his career in the Private Equity group at Blackstone.
Charles graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Huntsman Program and earned his MBA from Harvard Business School. He currently serves on the board of New Frontier Materials. Outside of work, Charles enjoys hiking, chess, and frequenting Central Park playgrounds with his wife and two young children.
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 Jewish Community Foundation (JCF) of Greater Washington and the Princeton Alumni Real Estate Network (PAREN). He is currently a member of The Field School’s Field Fund Committee. He formerly served on the boards of the Economic Club of Washington and the SED Center. 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
Jamie Rieger is a Vice President and member of the GP Solutions investment team. Previously, Jamie was on the investment team at Newbury Partners, focusing on the evaluation and monitoring of private equity secondary investments. Prior to that, he worked at Greenhill & Co. in the Capital Advisory group, providing transaction advice to limited and general partners on the sale of private equity assets on the secondary market.
Jamie graduated from the University of Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy.
Outside of work, Jamie enjoys fitness, golf, and college football.
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 snow skiing and world history podcasts, and he is an avid Washington, DC sports fan.
Controller
Laura Salmon is a Controller at Declaration Partners, which she joined in 2021. She rejoined the team full-time in March 2024 after also serving as BayPine’s Controller from 2021-2024. 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
Paul Samaniego is an Assistant Controller focused on real estate investments and fund vehicles. Prior to joining Declaration in 2025, Paul was an Associate at Torchlight Investors. Previously, he worked at Pricewaterhouse Coopers and Marks Paneth LLP.
Paul graduated from Brooklyn College with a Bachelor of Science Public Accounting in Business Management and Finance. Outside of work, Paul enjoys playing volleyball, traveling to new places, and spending quality time with my pets, family, and friends.
Controller
Victoria Samland is a 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.
Partner & General Counsel
Stacey joined Declaration in 2024 as a Partner and General Counsel. Most recently, Stacey was the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Emerald Holding, Inc., a publicly traded producer and operator of trade shows, conferences, and live events throughout the U.S. Prior to Emerald, Stacey served as the Assistant General Counsel and a member of Trian Fund Management L.P.’s Investment Team for over ten years. Earlier in her career Stacey was the first in-house lawyer at Fortress Investment Group LLC where she focused primarily on private equity. Stacey began her career as a Corporate Associate at Willkie, Farr & Gallagher.
Stacey earned a B.S. from Cornell University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, hiking and playing tennis.
Partner & Co-Head of GP Solutions
Federico Schiffrin is a Partner and Co-Head of GP Solutions. Previously, Federico was a Managing Director at BDT&MSD Partners, where he focused on driving the growth of both the GP-focused credit product line and the private equity business.
Prior to BDT&MSD Partners, Federico was a Partner and member of the Direct Investment Committee at Unigestion Ltd., an alternative asset manager, where he led the direct and fund investment businesses in the U.S. Earlier in his career, he held a number of direct investing and board-level roles at Three Cities Research, Inc., a middle market private equity fund based in New York.
Federico graduated from Universidad de Buenos Aires, with an MS in Accounting and earned an MBA from New York University Stern School of Business.
Outside of work, Federico is a visiting professor at Universidad de San Andres and is involved in a number of philanthropic activities focused on education and health care. He is an avid kitesurfer, tennis and soccer player, and enjoys traveling the world in pursuit of the best wind.
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 Private Investments
Brian Stern is a Partner and Co-Head of Private Investments, 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 GP Solutions
Vipul Tandon is a Partner and Co-Head of GP Solutions. Previously, Vipul was a Managing Director and Co-Head of Credit Opportunities at Siris Capital Group, investing in credit and junior capital in the technology industry.
Prior to Siris, Vipul was a Senior Managing Director with Soros Fund Management and Newlight Partners, where he spent 14 years and led a significant number of structured, non-control transactions with a focus on financial services. Prior to Soros, Vipul helped to launch the Special Situations Group of American Capital Strategies. He began his career with DLJ Merchant Banking Partners and also served in investing and operating roles with Trace International, Frontline Capital Group and Foamex International.
Vipul graduated from the Wharton School and College of Arts and Sciences of the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a BS in Economics and a BA International Relations and earned an MBA from INSEAD.
Outside of work, Vipul serves on the Board of Directors of Civic Builders, a non-profit real estate developer of charter schools and is a founder and former co-chair of the New York City Development Council for U.S. Soccer. He also loves to travel and live music, ideally in combination.
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 Private Investments
Elliot Wagner is a Partner and Co-Head of Private Investments, 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 Essor and LMI.
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.
IT & Cybersecurity Director
James Yoo is an IT & Cybersecurity Director. Prior to joining Declaration in 2025, James was a Senior Manager of Information Technology & Security at Insight Partners. James began his career at Lloyd, where he was an Onsite IT Support Analyst.
James graduated from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Psychology. Outside of work, James enjoys learning new skills and hosting/cooking dinners for friends and family.
Tax Director
Scott Zicherman is a Tax Director 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 provided consulting services to a diverse range of U.S. and non-U.S. clients across various industries.
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 family, reading, staying active, and coaching his sons’ Little League team.
Founder, Managing Partner & Co-Head of Private Investments
Brian Frank is Founder and the Managing Partner of Declaration Partners and Co-Head of Private Investments. 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 Private Investments
Brian Stern is a Partner and Co-Head of Private Investments, 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 Private Investments
Elliot Wagner is a Partner and Co-Head of Private Investments, 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 Essor and LMI.
Elliot enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, playing tennis, discovering new brands, and is a passionate foodie.
Partner
Charles Rayner is a Partner on the investment team at Declaration Partners. He originally joined Declaration in 2017 and rejoined in 2024 to continue his focus on platform company investments. He has significant public and private investment experience across a variety of industrial sectors and related software and services.
Charles rejoined Declaration from BayPine, where he served as a Managing Director leading the firm’s industrial investment efforts. Previously, he was a senior member of the investment teams at Marble Arch and Conatus Capital, two fundamental long/short equity hedge funds. He began his career in the Private Equity group at Blackstone.
Charles graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Huntsman Program and earned his MBA from Harvard Business School. He currently serves on the board of New Frontier Materials. Outside of work, Charles enjoys hiking, chess, and frequenting Central Park playgrounds with his wife and two young children.
Principal
Rachel Kupelian is a Principal and member of the Private 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.
Associate
Maher Abdel Samad is an Associate and a member of the Private 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 Jewish Community Foundation (JCF) of Greater Washington and the Princeton Alumni Real Estate Network (PAREN). He is currently a member of The Field School’s Field Fund Committee. He formerly served on the boards of the Economic Club of Washington and the SED Center. 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.
Partner
David Rabin is a Partner 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 snow skiing and world history podcasts, and he is an avid Washington, DC sports fan.
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
Kyle Patrick is an Associate 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.
Senior Analyst
Matthew Merkey is a Senior Analyst and member of the real estate investment team in the Bethesda, MD office. Prior to joining Declaration in 2025, Matthew was an Investment Banking Analyst at Baird within its Global Real Estate Group.
Matthew graduated from University of South Carolina. Outside of work, Matthew enjoys playing golf, traveling, and water 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.
Administrative Assistant
Gracie Filler is an Administrative Assistant for the Real Estate team. Prior to joining Declaration in 2024, Gracie was an Elementary School Teacher at the River School in Washington, D.C. where she worked with students focusing on their reading needs.
Gracie graduated from University of Colorado Boulder. Outside of work, Gracie enjoys running, cooking, baking, and spending time with her friends exploring D.C.
Partner & Co-Head of GP Solutions
Federico Schiffrin is a Partner and Co-Head of GP Solutions. Previously, Federico was a Managing Director at BDT&MSD Partners, where he focused on driving the growth of both the GP-focused credit product line and the private equity business.
Prior to BDT&MSD Partners, Federico was a Partner and member of the Direct Investment Committee at Unigestion Ltd., an alternative asset manager, where he led the direct and fund investment businesses in the U.S. Earlier in his career, he held a number of direct investing and board-level roles at Three Cities Research, Inc., a middle market private equity fund based in New York.
Federico graduated from Universidad de Buenos Aires, with an MS in Accounting and earned an MBA from New York University Stern School of Business.
Outside of work, Federico is a visiting professor at Universidad de San Andres and is involved in a number of philanthropic activities focused on education and health care. He is an avid kitesurfer, tennis and soccer player, and enjoys traveling the world in pursuit of the best wind.
Partner & Co-Head of GP Solutions
Vipul Tandon is a Partner and Co-Head of GP Solutions. Previously, Vipul was a Managing Director and Co-Head of Credit Opportunities at Siris Capital Group, investing in credit and junior capital in the technology industry.
Prior to Siris, Vipul was a Senior Managing Director with Soros Fund Management and Newlight Partners, where he spent 14 years and led a significant number of structured, non-control transactions with a focus on financial services. Prior to Soros, Vipul helped to launch the Special Situations Group of American Capital Strategies. He began his career with DLJ Merchant Banking Partners and also served in investing and operating roles with Trace International, Frontline Capital Group and Foamex International.
Vipul graduated from the Wharton School and College of Arts and Sciences of the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a BS in Economics and a BA International Relations and earned an MBA from INSEAD.
Outside of work, Vipul serves on the Board of Directors of Civic Builders, a non-profit real estate developer of charter schools and is a founder and former co-chair of the New York City Development Council for U.S. Soccer. He also loves to travel and live music, ideally in combination.
Vice President
Jamie Rieger is a Vice President and member of the GP Solutions investment team. Previously, Jamie was on the investment team at Newbury Partners, focusing on the evaluation and monitoring of private equity secondary investments. Prior to that, he worked at Greenhill & Co. in the Capital Advisory group, providing transaction advice to limited and general partners on the sale of private equity assets on the secondary market.
Jamie graduated from the University of Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy.
Outside of work, Jamie enjoys fitness, golf, and college football.
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 & General Counsel
Stacey joined Declaration in 2024 as a Partner and General Counsel. Most recently, Stacey was the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Emerald Holding, Inc., a publicly traded producer and operator of trade shows, conferences, and live events throughout the U.S. Prior to Emerald, Stacey served as the Assistant General Counsel and a member of Trian Fund Management L.P.’s Investment Team for over ten years. Earlier in her career Stacey was the first in-house lawyer at Fortress Investment Group LLC where she focused primarily on private equity. Stacey began her career as a Corporate Associate at Willkie, Farr & Gallagher.
Stacey earned a B.S. from Cornell University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, hiking and playing tennis.
Partner
Rob Jackowitz is a Partner at Declaration Partners, where he focuses on firm operations. He joined Declaration in 2018 as Partner and CFO before supporting the launch of BayPine, a buyout private equity firm, from 2021-2023, as Partner and CFO, while remaining a Partner at Declaration. Previously, he was a Partner and Managing Director at Pine Brook Partners, a growth equity firm where he oversaw the firm’s finance, operations, and compliance functions.
Prior to Pine Brook, Rob served as Treasurer and CFO of ESL Investments, an activist hedge fund. Earlier in his career Rob was a Senior Vice President and CFO of Harvest Partners, a lower middle-market buyout firm, following several years at Schroders plc in senior finance roles across various corporate and investment management divisions including Schroder Ventures.
Rob attended The George Washington University (BA, 1989), is a Certified Public Accountant, and currently serves on the board of Steward Partners Holdings LLC, a wealth management advisory firm. Outside of work, Rob enjoys travel, fitness and motorsports.
Chief Compliance Officer
Ashleigh Brogan is Declaration’s Chief Compliance Officer. 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.
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.
IT & Cybersecurity Director
James Yoo is an IT & Cybersecurity Director. Prior to joining Declaration in 2025, James was a Senior Manager of Information Technology & Security at Insight Partners. James began his career at Lloyd, where he was an Onsite IT Support Analyst.
James graduated from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Psychology. Outside of work, James enjoys learning new skills and hosting/cooking dinners for friends and 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.
Controller
Laura Salmon is a Controller at Declaration Partners, which she joined in 2021. She rejoined the team full-time in March 2024 after also serving as BayPine’s Controller from 2021-2024. 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.
Controller
Victoria Samland is a 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.
Assistant Controller
Paul Samaniego is an Assistant Controller focused on real estate investments and fund vehicles. Prior to joining Declaration in 2025, Paul was an Associate at Torchlight Investors. Previously, he worked at Pricewaterhouse Coopers and Marks Paneth LLP.
Paul graduated from Brooklyn College with a Bachelor of Science Public Accounting in Business Management and Finance. Outside of work, Paul enjoys playing volleyball, traveling to new places, and spending quality time with my pets, family, and friends.
Tax Director
Scott Zicherman is a Tax Director 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 provided consulting services to a diverse range of U.S. and non-U.S. clients across various industries.
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 family, reading, staying active, and coaching his sons’ Little League team.
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 Declaration Partner’s Investor Relations team, which she joined in 2021. She rejoined the team full-time in October 2024 after also serving as BayPine’s Client Services Manager from 2021 – 2024. Prior to that, 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, traveling, and going out for Omakase.
Senior Accountant
Jayna Montalvo is a Senior Accountant for Declaration Partners, which she joined in 2022. She rejoined the team full-time in June 2024 after also serving as BayPine’s Senior Accountant from 2022-2024. 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.
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.
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.
Executive Assistant
Bailey is an Executive Assistant to the GP Solutions and IR teams. Prior to joining Declaration in 2024, Bailey worked at Siguler Guff where she supported the Emerging Markets team.
Bailey graduated from the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. Outside of work she enjoys seeing theatre, practicing yoga and visiting used bookstores.
Executive Assistant
Paula Polites is an Executive Assistant to the founding Managing Partner. Prior to joining Declaration in 2025, Paula supported the COO and headed all firm events at Summit Rock Advisors. Previously, Paula was a Human Resources associate at Owl Rock/Blue Owl.
Paula graduated from Rutgers University. Outside of work, she enjoys working out, travel and spending time with her family.
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.
Administrative Assistant
Gracie Filler is an Administrative Assistant for the Real Estate team. Prior to joining Declaration in 2024, Gracie was an Elementary School Teacher at the River School in Washington, D.C. where she worked with students focusing on their reading needs.
Gracie graduated from University of Colorado Boulder. Outside of work, Gracie enjoys running, cooking, baking, and spending time with her friends exploring D.C.