Executive Team
Margarita is responsible for setting corporate direction, corporate planning, fundraising and management of Cabrillo EDC projects and operations. She has more than 30 years of experience in community development, housing and redeveloping communities. Margarita's career has had a strong focus on largely underserved urban and rural communities in Southern California. Prior to joining Cabrillo EDC, Margarita was the Regional Administrator for the East Valley Region of CRA/LA, a Designated Local Authority and successor of the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles, where she managed the development of numerous affordable housing and commercial projects. Margarita received both undergraduate and graduate degrees from UC Riverside, and has a Masters of Arts in Public Administration from CSU Northridge.
Victoria is responsible for oversight of accounting, information technology, risk management and asset management functions. She manages preparation and monitoring of the annual budget and oversees third-party preparation ofcorporate and limited partner audited financials. Victoria has been in the affordable housing industry for over 15 years and with Cabrillo EDC for over 10 years. She brings a wealth of experience in development, construction, and property management accounting, as well as nonprofit experience. Prior to Cabrillo EDC, Victoria worked with a for-profit, national developer providing affordable and market rate housing. Victoria holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. She is also certified as Consortium for Housing and Asset Management Specialist by NeighborWorks of America.
Denise works closely with the CEO to support the development of new business opportunities, improve internal systems to promote communication and efficient functioning, and develop key partnerships with local and regional nonprofits, businesses and government agencies. Denise collaborates with the operational divisions of Cabrillo EDC to support the expansion of business programs and services, and the development of strategies to improve financial capacity and operational efficiency. Prior to joining Cabrillo EDC, Denise was a principal at Keyser Marston Associates, Inc. advising agencies throughout California and Nevada on redevelopment programs. Denise was also a Housing Analyst for the Economic Development Agency for the County of San Bernardino where she developed and implemented a marketing program for foreclosure prevention programs. Denise has a master’s degree in business administration, with an emphasis in strategic management, from Claremont Graduate University and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from the University of Southern California.
Derrick plays a pivotal role within Cabrillo EDC, where he is responsible for the management and oversight of our affordable housing initiatives. In addition to his core role, he also actively guides and mentors our project management team, fostering their growth and development. In his role, Derrick leads the helm of real estate development, taking on the crucial responsibility of ensuring the seamless transition of Cabrillo EDC's projects from their predevelopment phases through construction and finally to successful operation. His expertise and dedication are instrumental in realizing our mission of creating sustainable, affordable housing solutions for our community.
Derrick became an integral part of Cabrillo EDC in 2023, contributing over a decade of experience in the field of affordable housing development. With a proven track record, he has successfully overseen numerous new construction projects, and his role extends to supervising staff and managing our pipeline opportunities.
Derrick's expertise spans the entire spectrum of affordable housing development, from site acquisition to predevelopment, construction, lease-up, and comprehensive financial projections. His proficiency includes navigating a wide range of funding sources, such as LIHTC (9% and 4%), County of Ventura HOME, CDBG-DR, PHLA, City of Oxnard, HCD, MHP, AHSC, VHHP, and many more. His wealth of experience in these areas is a tremendous asset to our organization and underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality affordable housing solutions to our community.
Bianca is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a strong dedication and extensive experience in providing compassionate care and support to individuals facing mental health challenges. Bianca is responsible for coordinating on-site services across the Cabrillo EDC development portfolio, ensuring high quality and effective programming towards the overall mission fulfillment of the organization. Bianca oversees the team of clinical services and community engagement services being provided to Cabrillo EDC residents.
Graduating from University of Southern California with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and completing a Criminal Justice bachelor’s degree at California State University East Bay, Bianca has worked in various settings. Including her time working with Los Angeles Department of Mental Health with teens/adolescents at-risk of suicidality/homicidally and her experience at Ventura County Behavioral Health as a bilingual clinician, serving adults with severe and persistent mental health disorders. Bianca's dedication to empathy and evidence-based practices encapsulates a role in empowering the residents and advancing individual autonomy.
Brenda is a seasoned Human Resources professional with over 25 years of experience in the field. She holds both SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional) and PHR (Professional in Human Resources) certifications, as well as an FPC (Fundamental Payroll Certification) underscoring her expertise and commitment to the HR profession. Prior to Cabrillo EDC, Brenda spent an extensive amount of time in the financial industry. She also worked in the agricultural and government industries. In her current role, Brenda is responsible for developing and maintaining an effective Human Resources department that aligns with the goals and objectives of her organization, Cabrillo EDC. Her leadership extends to the comprehensive development, implementation, and monitoring of organizational development plans. These plans encompass key areas such as internal communication, workforce development, employee retention, and performance management. Brenda is also dedicated to ensuring compliance with employment practices, meticulously compiling and analyzing data from federal, state, and local agencies as required. As a trusted advisor to the board and senior management team, she provides strategic counsel on HR matters, helping to shape the organization's direction and policies. In addition to her strategic duties, Brenda directs talent acquisition, recruitment, training, and development initiatives. She is a strong advocate for creating pay practices and administering cost-effective employee benefits that support both employee satisfaction and organizational goals.
As the Director of Property Management, Jerrick is responsible for the oversight of the property management team for our ever-growing affordable housing portfolio. He guides our team to support their growth and development in all things’ property management. Jerrick has over 15 years’ experience in the industry and has developed his abilities in Asset Management, Program Development and Property Management. He is a capable and consistent problem-solver skilled at prioritizing and managing projects with proficiency. He has built solid relationships with multiple agencies and partners that have either regulatory or financial ties to the properties under his oversight. Jerrick holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Jackson State University. In previous roles, he contributed organization, management, and leadership toward team efforts and business improvements. He is progressive-minded and in tune with new developments in the affordable housing and market rate housing scene.
Maria Elena became an integral part of CEDC in 2008. Maria Elena works closely with the CEO and CFO to ensure the owner’s goals are met for the properties and the PM Department. Maria Elena is responsible for the operations of the Compliance of the Property Management Department with a rental portfolio of 26 Tax Credit and USDA-RD Farm Workers communities with a total of approximately 1232 units in the County of Ventura. Maria Elena provides leadership and direction to management, compliance, and residents. Maria has 17 years of experience in the multi-family industry. She has worked in both tax credit and market rate properties. Maria Elena started her career as a Resident Manager at Courtyard at Harvard Apartments and Rodney Fernandez Gardens. Maria Elena held various positions within the same Company as a Resident Manager, Property Supervisor, Compliance & Audit Specialist, Compliance Manager, interim PM Director and then as a Director of Compliance. Maria Elena also has experience working with another non-profit Property Management company, but most of her affordable housing career, experience and knowledge has been with Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (CEDC). Maria’s strong property management background, knowledge, and experience in Compliance with the various affordable programs are an asset to the Property Management Division to ensure high quality management practices at CEDC’s housing communities