Our team draws on deep experience and diverse knowledge to give our clients an advantage at any stage.
From All Angles
As experts in our respective disciplines, we bring a comprehensive view of a project to the table, allowing us to identify hidden risks and opportunities.
Our backgrounds let us speak the language of our client and external stakeholders so communication in all directions is clear. Acting as a centralized point of contact for all parties, we advance our client’s goals with every interaction.
Russ Robertson
Managing Member
Management Innovator
Financial Modeler
Strategic Planner
Mixed-use Developer
As the managing member of Cap Ex Advisory Group, Russ guides business and real estate owners through a myriad of financial, environmental, and market risks that confront the acquisition, ownership, construction, and development process. Russ bundles a unique combination of aesthetic training and analytical rigor, a pecuniary advantage to any owner’s decision-making process. Additionally, he is a LEED Accredited Professional, a registered architect, an MBA recipient from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and a leader of several efforts to improve the built environment.
MBA [Wharton]
B-ARCH [Virginia Tech]
AIA
LEED AP
Cailin McGough
Partner, Chief of Staff
Project Manager
Grant & Tax Credit Specialist
Fundraising Advisor
With 20 years of experience in community development, Cailin brings a unique perspective to leading capital projects. Her knowledge of funding sources and lens on communities and local government are an asset to any client seeking support to advance a project. Cailin often works with Cap Ex clients to identify funding sources and craft narratives that compel capital to support projects with great missions. In addition to leading projects, Cailin guides marketing and business development, operations and other strategic initiatives for Cap Ex. Prior to joining the organization, Cailin secured grants and tax credits to advance a historic renovation project focused on food access and job creation. Her work includes community impact assessments of capital projects around the country funded with New Markets Tax Credits. In the Baltimore City Council President’s office, she worked with communities and reviewed land disposition, development agreements and other matters before the city’s spending board.
M.A. Public Policy [Johns Hopkins University]
B.S. Political Science and Mass Communications [Towson University]
Economic Development Finance Professional [National Development Council]
Salem Reiner
Partner
Economic and Community Development Expert
Anchor Institution Practitioner
Strategic Consensus Builder
For over 30 years, Salem has prepared and managed policies, programs and projects driving at advancing mission focused economic and community development outcomes, and anchor institution initiatives. He provides tactical advice to leadership across higher education, community development corporations and other nonprofits, government, and to developers undertaking complex capital projects. Most recently, Salem spent nearly 20 years at Johns Hopkins University, including seven years in the office of the president, where he co-led the establishment and implementation of a $1B anchor institution strategy and managed community relations for five campuses.
MA Government Affairs [University of Pennsylvania, Fels Center of Government]
BS Sociology [St. Lawrence University]
Hal Hart
Partner
Design Professional
Facilities Master Planner
Education Specialist
Hal practiced architecture for over 30 years before joining Cap Ex Advisory Group. He believes in a collaborative planning and design approach that effectively communicates with all project stakeholders, helping to shape both the vision and ultimate success of the projects he has completed. In addition to having diverse experience in renovations, historic renovations, and new construction, Hal has completed facility master plans and feasibility studies and has worked with clients in the development of capital improvement and deferred maintenance plans. Hal focused a large part of his career on educational facility planning, design and construction and has worked closely with school districts and communities to enhance the learning environment for students and teachers, creating healthy, vibrant, and community-centered schools. With over thirty years of experience navigating projects from initial master planning through construction, Hal has extensive knowledge of the design and construction process and understands the dynamics that are involved in delivering an impactful and successful project. In addition to being a member of the American Institute of Architects, Hal is an Accredited Learning Environment Professional (ALEP), with the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) and is a Certified Design-Build Professional with the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA).
Bachelor of Architecture [Drexel University]
AIA, ALEP, DBIA
Harriett Roberts
Partner
Construction Management
Community Advocate
Design and Artistic Coordination
Problem Solver
For almost 30 years, Harriett has worked as a construction manager and in a consultant capacity as an owner’s representative for local nonprofits, foundations, and arts institutions. Her career foundation is unique, having worked previously as a Child Life Specialist at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in NYC focusing on art therapy and subsequently moving to Baltimore to attend the Maryland Institute College of Art to study design and architecture. Harriett nurtures partnerships, encourages volunteerism, creates change working with teams who make an impact in our communities, and builds meaningful and lasting projects in a thriving urban environment. Through her carefully crafted style and approach to meet the needs of every client and clientele, Harriett has led diverse teams who built senior, transitional, and low-income housing, educational spaces, places of worship, historic landmarks, personal homes, and arts institutions. Her experience includes new construction projects, renovation, and rehabilitation work with an emphasis on smart design, environmental and social consciousness, inclusive labor participation, and architectural beauty.
BA Psychology and Art History [Hamilton College]
Interior Design and Architecture [Maryland Institute College of Art]
Project Management, Sitework, Estimating, and Building Construction [Catonsville Community College]
Kelli Peyton
Partner
Construction Leader
Risk Mitigator
Collaboration Seeker
Kelli developed a vast knowledge of construction through her experiences in project management and executive leadership. Kelli’s projects span a broad range of project types including affordable & market-rate housing, senior living & care centers, education spaces, research laboratories, athletic facilities, and warehouses. Her core competencies include risk forecasting & mitigation, construction contracting, project cost management, and understanding of the standards of care for common project delivery methods. Kelli is experienced in managing preconstruction, estimating, and scheduling, as well as LEAN construction practices and LEED compliance.
Bachelor of Architectural Engineering [The Pennsylvania State University]
John Day
Principal
Affordable Housing Expert
Financing Specialist
Financial Modeler
Real Estate Developer
John brings more than 25 years of experience in the real estate industry to the Cap Ex team with prior roles in finance, development, asset management, acquisition, disposition, and partnership creation. Given his involvement in all parts of a development’s life cycle, John takes a holistic view of each transaction. His unique knowledge allows him to foresee potential issues, solve problems before they begin, and identify opportunities. Most recently John served as the Associate Director of Multi-Family Housing for People’s Self-Help Housing, a nonprofit affordable housing developer. There he oversaw a portfolio of 12 affordable housing developments including design and development, entitlement, funding (LIHTC, HOME, CDBG), tax credit closings and construction management. As a principal at Day Capital, Inc, John successfully created a portfolio of multi-family, office, retail and structured parking assets. While there, he also advanced condominium conversions and adaptive reuse projects using historic tax credits. John started his career at the New York based Time Equities, Inc, an international real estate developer, moving from finance and analysis into acquisitions and development. John remains actively involved in community and economic development organizations. He served as a board member of the Charles Street Development Corporation and currently serves as treasurer and board member of the Oceano Economic Development Council.
BA History [Hampden-Sydney College]
MS Real Estate Finance and Development [New York University]
Andy Frank
Principal
Economic Development Expert
Revitalization Strategist
Consensus Builder
Andy brings decades of leadership in urban economic development and community revitalization to the Cap Ex team. In his role as Executive Vice President of the Baltimore Development Corporation, Andy guided the agency’s work in attracting and retaining businesses, redevelopment, commercial revitalization, and urban design, planning and construction. As First Deputy Mayor, he oversaw a portfolio of agencies including those focused on housing, planning, and development. Andy joined The Johns Hopkins University as the first special adviser to the president on economic development. Priorities included the Homewood Community Partners Initiative and the East Baltimore Development Initiative, a $1.8 billion neighborhood transformation involving housing, lab space, community school, retail, central park, and hotel. Prior to joining Cap Ex, Andy served as the Baltimore City Real Estate Officer in the Office of the Comptroller. Over his career, Andy has guided nonprofit organizations including Live Baltimore, Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, and Central Baltimore Future Fund. With a broad network of contacts in the business, education, and public sector, Andy applies insight, persistence, and persuasion to bring people and resources together for mutually beneficial outcomes.
M.A. City Planning [University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill]
B.S. Urban Economics [Rutgers University]
Tonja Potter
Principal
Construction Director
Creative Navigator
Goal-focused Manager
A real estate industry veteran of more than 30 years, Tonja’s career includes an impressive range of expertise in architectural project management, construction management, real estate development, and owner’s representation. Project types includes institutional facilities, infrastructure, headquarters relocations, office development, and master planning. Tonja is known for her ability to advise and guide clients on opportunities and potential risks for their projects. She maintains a sharp focus on overarching project goals while balancing the details and steps required for a successful outcome. She has experience in project entitlements, logistics, budget management, and navigating obstacles that arise during the process. Tonja’s collaborative approach to managing projects has earned her a reputation for achieving success in meeting project goals, schedule, and budget while fostering a positive experience for all stakeholders. Her ability to work effectively with all parties involved in a project – including contractors, architects, clients, and government officials – makes her an asset to any project team.
Bachelor of Environmental Design [Miami University]
Certificate of Construction Management [Drexel University]
Tim Pula
Principal
Mixed-use Developer
Financial Modeler
Green Building Expert
Master Planner
Urbanist
Tim is a seasoned real estate executive with 25 years of experience overseeing the delivery of complex, high-profile capital improvement projects. His project history ranges from mixed-use redevelopment of historic properties – including Baltimore’s Penn Station, Perkins/Somerset/Oldtown transformation, and Clipper Mill – to the restoration of the centerpiece exhibit at the National Aquarium. He has led development of an educational facility, parks and open space, office space, major infrastructure improvements and residential including mixed-income multifamily units, condominiums and townhouses. His project management expertise is comprehensive and includes property acquisition, community engagement, securing entitlements and financing, financial analysis, master planning, guiding the design process, and overseeing construction. Tim studied architecture at the University of Cincinnati, holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of North Carolina.
Master of Regional Planning [University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill]
Bachelor of Arts, Government and Politics [University of Maryland, College Park]
Coursework toward Bachelor of Architecture [University of Cincinnati]
Rebecca Griffin
Senior Associate
Construction Professional
Non-Profit Leader
Problem Solver
Team Builder
Rebecca Griffin’s dynamic career spans three decades and multiple sectors. A civil engineer by training, Rebecca gained extensive hands-on experience in construction management early in her career. Specializing in large-scale projects, she worked on teams that constructed Washington DC’s Verizon Center, Milwaukee’s Miller Park, and the Boston Convention Center. A skilled project manager, Rebecca transferred this knowledge to the nonprofit sector, serving as executive director of a Boston-area music and performing arts center. Her passion for community building enhanced her leadership and organizational skills, leading to roles in program development, operations, and advancement in nonprofit and academic settings. Throughout her career, Rebecca has worn many hats, each contributing to her well-rounded expertise. Rebecca’s diverse experience managing teams and projects allows her to find creative solutions to complex problems. Her ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and industries is an invaluable asset to the Cap Ex team.
BS Civil Engineering [Union College]
With Cap Ex Advisory Group as their advocate, our clients make informed, timely decisions with confidence, knowing the final results will meet their objectives.
