My wife, Dana, and I moved our family to Larchmont 11 years ago. We have four children enrolled in the school district: Rafael (8th grade), Nina (7th), Tiago (6th), Mateo (3rd).
I am the product of a public school education. Like many families in our school district, my parents were working-class, immigrants who did not speak English and relied on the public schools to play a vital role in shaping their children’s character and aptitude in a new country. I believe that strong, diverse public schools are the lynchpin to developing successful communities.
I believe that strong, diverse public schools are the lynchpin to developing successful communities.
Over the last few years, Dana and I have been thinking about which organizations we want to meaningfully support with time and resources and concluded, there is no organization more important than the one that is educating our four children.
Education: K-12 Public Schools, Waterbury, CT; Post Graduate Year at Choate Rosemary Hall, Wallingford, CT; Cornell University, B.S. in Consumer Economics
Profession: Head of Education & Nonprofit Advisory Practice at Savills, a global real estate advisory firm
Community Involvement: Hope Community Services, Community Resource Center, Mamaroneck/Larchmont Rec Soccer Coach, One Larchmont, Larchmont Temple, Larchmont Mamaroneck Basketball Association Coach, Maccabi Team USA Soccer Team
What is the biggest issue facing our schools and how can you help address it?
First, I believe our schools, teachers and administrators are some of the best in the region. Their continued dedication and effort are to be applauded, especially given their response during and post pandemic.
There is always room for improvement and my focus will be looking for opportunities to improve accountability and transparency. Whether it is providing greater clarity and detail on the annual budget process or increasing forums for curriculum discussion and feedback, the community is interested in greater participation and I believe the District can do a better job of sharing information and utilizing the talents of our community.
I lead the Savills Education & Nonprofit Advisory Practice. My experience involves: space utilization studies, financial analysis, negotiating with developers and municipalities, managing architects and contractors, budgeting, leasing/purchasing/selling buildings and land, developing buildings, etc. I am confident my professional experience will be directly relevant to helping solve many of the district’s space and real estate related issues, which are top of mind for so many in the community.
Most importantly, I believe that my expertise in the nonprofit sector has taught me how to critically analyze complex problems and build consensus amongst diverse stakeholders to successfully achieve an objective.