About Pratum / Leadership
Experience, vision and committment
Leading the Way
We empower our people, partners, and communities by facilitating opportunity and possibility for all. Pratum isn’t just a company; it’s a movement and belief system rooted in a passion for people, because together, we’re shaping a future where everyone finds their place in something greater.
Executive Leadership

Shah Alam
CEO
With a career spanning nearly three decades, Shah has become a driving force in the multifamily industry, leading highly recognized and growth-oriented organizations through transformative success while overseeing portfolio’s 80,000+ units and $10 billion in assets. His expertise spans property types from subsidized housing to high-rise luxury apartments, and he has played a key role in acquisitions, market expansion, and large-scale renovation projects. Shah’s leadership is marked by his focus on enhancing owner satisfaction, fostering a customer-centric culture, and driving operational excellence. His career began as a leasing agent. Over time, he rose through operations, building teams and businesses across 30+ states. He brings his own experience as an international student and first-generation American from Pakistan working to find an affordable rental apartment in a highly challenging rental market to helping others access their own affordable housing. From 2021 to 2023, Shah served as managing partner with Fairstead, where he propelled the management business from 3,000-18,000 managed units in less than two years. As the senior vice president at Related Companies from 2017 through 2020, Shah led a team of 500+ associates and 18,000 units rapidly transforming distressed areas into prosperous and stable communities. Previously, Shah served as the executive vice president of operations and senior vice president at Edgewood Management from 2011 to 2017, where he orchestrated the management of a 32,000-unit portfolio of affordable, mixed income and market-rate communities. With a personal and leadership journey intertwined within the real estate and housing industry, Shah’s career is defined by his relentless commitment and ability to drive both growth and satisfaction for owners, clients, teams and residents. His strategic vision continues to shape the future of Pratum Companies as it expands its impact across the real estate industry.

Steve Lainez
President of Commercial Cleaning
With over 25 years of professional experience in the public, private, and nonprofit sector, Steve is well versed in project management, program development, identifying strategic solutions to organizations, and building collaborative efforts between different stakeholders. Fluent in four languages, Steve organizational management experience includes directing small and large teams within human resources, program development, communications, and community relations/outreach departments. Steve’s prelude to the world of commercial cleaning began as a young teenager helping his mother clean banks during the evenings in Washington, DC. Steve earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland, College Park, an Masters of Arts from the University of Indianapolis, and an M.P.A. from Baruch College – CUNY.

Adriana Ortega Diaz
Division President of Compliance & Leasing Consulting
Adriana leads the compliance and leasing consulting team. She has more than 10 years of experience across the real estate industry, from leasing agent roles to management and compliance specialist roles for property management companies. She has also worked as an independent consultant, leveraging her industry knowledge in operations and compliance across organizations in different states. She led FCRE’s compliance and leasing team to establish the consulting division as the primary source for external compliance and leasing assistance to the real estate market. Adriana has obtained certified occupancy specialist (COS), tax credit specialist (TCS) and blended occupancy specialist (BOS) compliance certifications.

Michael Stephens
Chief Financial Officer
Mike has more than 35 years experience in real estate, with expertise in affordable housing and other regulated industries. He has worked with developers, contractors, property management entities, and public and not-for-profit housing agencies, to maintain and expand affordable housing throughout the country. He specializes in financial reporting requirements to comply with various federal, state, and locally funded programs. Mike has worked extensively with organizations utilizing low-income housing, enterprise zone, and historical tax credits to develop and improve affordable housing. His experience extends to other industries utilizing public-private funding sources, including infrastructure and construction, social service organizations, and higher education. Mike has a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Loyola University. He is a certified public accountant.

David McGuill
Executive Director of Operations
David provides comprehensive oversight of all property operations. With three decades of experience in multifamily property management, David specializes in market rate, affordable, senior, and family housing communities. He has spearheaded the successful completion of over 50 LIHTC housing preservation renovations and the development of new luxury properties across diverse markets. David’s expertise extends to the design and planning of live-work loft spaces and commercial areas. David holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Western New England College and earned his CPM designation in 2014. David has served as president of The Institute of Real Estate Management’s Connecticut Chapter and as a member of the Federal Housing Advisory Board with IREM National.

Wendy Simpson
Chief Marketing Officer
Wendy oversees corporate brand, marketing, and communications, as well as portfolio marketing and customer experience programs and partnerships for market-rate and affordable properties. Wendy leads the marketing team in developing go-to-market demand generation and retention strategies. With more than 25 years of experience, Wendy has held numerous marketing and sales enablement roles, achieving progressive responsibility in product marketing, branding, training, and cross-functional team leadership. Her career includes leadership roles as marketing council chair and board member for PMA. Wendy is a member of NMHC’s Marketing Leaders Roundtable, NAA’s Marketing & Communications Forum, Revyse CMO Roundtable, Multifamily Insider’s Leadership Council, and Multifamily Mentor Matchmaker. She has regularly been a featured commenter at industry conferences and in publications such as Multi-Housing News on issues of branding as well as audience and customer engagement. Wendy earned an M.B.A. with a concentration in marketing from Strayer University.

Jason Salamon
Chief Human Resources Officer
Jason heads up all facets of human resources including talent acquisition, learning and development, engagement and retention, employee relations and performance management, compensation and benefits, and payroll. His career spans 30 years during which he has served stakeholders across multiple industries, with such organizations as Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Science Applications International Corporation and Vornado Realty Trust. Jason has a Bachelor of Science in international business and human resources management from American University and a Master of Science in human resources management from The George Washington University. Jason maintains senior professional certifications from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP) and HR Certification Institute (HRCI-SPHR).

Corey Minor Smith
General Counsel
Corey presides over all aspects of the company’s legal department, which includes legal advice, risk management, corporate compliance, litigation, management agreements and contracts and corporate records and governance. Corey came to Pratum after a three-year presidential appointment as Senior Counsel for the Office of the General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Corey’s 23 years of legal experience also includes experience as general counsel for a Housing Authority in Canton, OH, the owner and principal of her own law firm, and as the Director of Compliance and Human Resources for the City of Canton, OH. Corey earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Bowling Green State University and then her Juris Doctor (JD) at the University of Toledo College of Law. She was also a participant in the Women of Color Executive Leadership Program offered by Harvard Business School.
Management Team

Shannon Bodnar
Senior Vice President of Compliance
Shannon brings 25+ years of experience in a multitude of areas such as; compliance, property and asset management. Shannon was previously the vice president of compliance and administration for Conifer Realty where she oversaw the compliance for over 15,000 units in multiple states for several affordable housing programs including project based rental assistance, low-income housing tax credits, rural development and other local programs. Shannon was the senior vice president of property management at Inlivian, previously known as the Charlotte Housing Authority. Shannon has a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Minnesota State University Moorhead in Moorhead, MN., and a Master of Real Estate from Realtor University. She holds multiple professional certifications and accreditations, and serves on local and national committees for the Institute of Real Estate Management.

Joyce Border
Vice President of Accounting
Joyce is responsible for the oversight of the property accountants, and all financial reporting to owners, agencies, lenders and investors. She has more than 30 years of experience in property management accounting. Joyce has a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Shippensburg University.

Khurram Bashir
Vice President of A/P & Cash Management
Khurram brings over 20 years of leadership experience to the organization. His solutions-focused approach, combined with his accomplished track record, makes him a standout professional in the field of accounting. Khurram focuses on strategic financial planning, analyzing data, and making informed decisions. Khurram has successfully enhanced revenue cycles, maximizing income streams for organizations. His insights drive financial efficiency. Khurram’s knack for process optimization and job consolidation has led to significant cost savings. He streamlines operations, making organizations more agile. Khurram is a certified public accountant.

Deborah Harrell, ARM, CCM, COS, TCCS
Vice President of Operations
Deborah is responsible for overseeing a portfolio of 39 communities. With over 24 years of experience in the multifamily industry, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Real Estate and Economic Development from the University of Baltimore and is a member of IREM. Deborah is an Accredited Residential Manager (ARM), Tax Credit Compliance Manager (TCCSM) and Certified Occupancy Specialist (CSM) in Baltimore, Maryland and a Certified Compliance Manager in Columbia, Maryland . Her career is marked by a series of accomplishments, consistent promotions, and increasing responsibilities within the same premier property management company.

Sherraine Rawlins-Bacchus
Vice President of Operations
Sherraine is responsible for overseeing a portfolio consisting of 5,000 units located in Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Kentucky. With over 33 years of experience in the affordable housing industry, Sherraine is a vibrant servant leader and well-versed in the oversight of LIHTC, HUD, and market rent communities. Sherraine is a Certified Property Manager (CPM) candidate, is an Accredited Residential Manager (ARM), and is a Certified DC Property Manager. She holds a National Affordable Housing Professional Executive designation (NAP-E), Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS), Certified Manager of Maintenance (CMM), and is a member of the Institute of Real Estate Management DEI committee.

Charlie Blackmon
Vice President of Operations
Charlie is responsible for overseeing due diligence projects and property acquisitions, as well as providing support and oversight of property operations. Charlie brings more than eight years of experience in property management to Pratum. His expertise spans class-A mixed-use lease-ups, value-add renovations, acquisitions, due diligence, and affordable housing. Throughout his career, Charlie has been deeply involved in every facet of property management, including project development, budgeting, marketing, team building, and overseeing major capital improvement initiatives. In 2022, he earned the prestigious 30 Under 30 designation from the Institute of Real Estate Management, recognizing him as one of the next generation’s leaders in the real estate industry.

Joe Carney
Vice President of Information Technology
Joe brings over 15 years of experience in technology transformation, IT services management, and information security. Throughout his career, Joe has consistently demonstrated the ability to lead cross-functional teams in multiple industries, including real estate and multifamily property management, developing and executing IT strategies that drive efficiency and innovation. As Vice President of Information Technology at Pratum, Joseph oversees all technology operations, infrastructure, and security initiatives, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of innovation and compliance. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a Master’s in Management with a focus on global business development from University of Maryland Global Campus. Joe holds multiple professional certifications and accreditations.

Robert “Boo” Nickle
Vice President of Construction & Maintenance
Robert has been with the company for more than 40 years. He began his career as a porter and was promoted to community manager through several positions including groundskeeper, maintenance technician and maintenance engineer. Robert is responsible for overseeing engineering and construction projects for company-managed properties. He also assists in the bid preparation and solicitation process.

Darrell Yates
Vice President of Human Resources
Darryl is responsible for managing Pratum’s recruiting operations while providing daily and ongoing support to employees at all levels on matters of employee relations, interpersonal dynamics, and performance management. While serving as a key member of the HR team, he also takes on an active role in leading the activities associated with our corporate office’s business administration. With more than 14 years of experience, Darryl joined Pratum after having served in Human Resources at Nordstrom where he refined his service-oriented approach to people management. He also served as a legislative aide in the U.S. House of Representatives after obtaining his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Morgan State University and his M.P.A. from the University of the District of Columbia. Darryl is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management, where he holds the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification.

Jessica Brittingham
Director of Learning & Development
Jessica Brittingham is a strategic and diverse learning and development director with more than 11 years of experience in the real estate sector. She specializes in c-suite support and has vast expertise in full-service multifamily firms. Jessica designs and shapes the educational landscape of cross-functional organizations, with a proven history of successful leadership development design. Jessica maintains professional certifications from the National Apartment Association and ProCore Technologies, as well as the Coastal Virginia Building Industry Association, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.

Michael Hodges
Director of Risk Management & Safety
Michael oversees all risk assessment, risk control, claims & incident management, insurance management, contractual risk transfer, emergency preparedness, emergency response, safety standards, safety training, risk management training, and risk management and safety resource development. Michael leads the risk management and safety team in employing a holistic approach to managing risk and safety in both affordable and market rate residential multi-family housing. Michael has 17 years of experience in risk management and safety holding roles in underwriting, risk control and risk management with large insurance companies and government entities. Michael has a Bachelor of Science in economics and an M.B.A. with a concentration in corporate finance from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). He also holds an ARM designation from The Institutes.

Katia Topete
Administrative Services Manager
Katia supports all areas of the administrative portion of our compliance and leasing consulting division, dedicated to establishing processes, developing market opportunities, supporting the marketing team to generate new product content, and developing and maintaining positive working relationships with internal and external clients. Katia has more than 15 years of experience, with a focus on developing new operational divisions, process improvements, employee development and retention, and customer satisfaction. Katia was previously the director of customer experience with Citizens. Her career spans experience in marketing services, retail, and financial industries. Katia has a Bachelor of Arts in Design and Applied arts from ITESO University in Mexico.

Jaymie Beasley
Client Development Manager
As the head of Pratum’s client development team, Jaymie ensures that every partnership is nurtured and every opportunity is maximized. She is focused on delivering exceptional results by aligning client needs with tailored solutions and fostering long-term relationships that contribute to sustained business success. Jaymie brings a blend of industry experience and client-first approach to her role. With a decade of experience in multi-family housing, sales and marketing, and hospitality operations, she has honed skills in customer relations, strategic planning and team leadership. In prior roles, Jaymie has managed 70+ associates, leading teams to success by increasing revenue, retaining client satisfaction and coaching her staff.

Andrea Devia
Area Manager
With more than 15 years of professional experience in janitorial facilities services, Andrea is focused on enhancing client services and empowering employees within the Pratum commercial cleaning team. She is committed to actively identifying innovative solutions and implementing effective operations process that drive success. Andrea has a proven track record of managing diverse teams, supervising up to 70 employees in the Washington DC metro region in prior roles. Her extensive background includes specialization in commercial cleaning for GMP certified pharmaceutical facilities, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety. Andrea is fully bilingual and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from UNITEC in Bogota, Colombia.