Staff
RICHARD CONNIFF, CEO
As a banking executive in Silicon Valley for over twenty years, Dick Conniff’s position in the financial services industry provides a broad perspective on housing issues and the crucial role that they play in the welfare of Silicon Valley. His broad dedication to his community is made obvious by his affiliations and commitments. In addition to serving on the board of First Community Housing, Mr. Conniff currently serves on the Endowment Committee of Via Rehabilitation Industries, Inc. and is a member of the Rotary Club of San Jose. He has also served as president of the San Jose Cleveland Ballet, as a trustee of Villa Montalvo, as a board member of Lenders for Community Development, as president of the San Jose State University College of Business Alumni Association in addition to numerous other civic and professional groups.
Michael Santero, Vice President and COO
Michael is responsible for for the financial position, physical needs, resident services, and disposition for FCH’s portfolio of 20 communities, including oversight of all property management programs. With a Master’s in City Planning and Public Health from UC Berkeley, Mr. Santero brings over 25 years of experience in affordable housing funding, database tracking systems for deadlines, capital reserves, insurance, and budgets, non profit tax structures and audit oversight. He works with a fantastic team to meet deadlines and objectives, interfacing with government officials, lenders, and partners to complete projects on time and on budget. Michael is a LEED Green Associate and is an advocate for biking, participating in Bay Area cycling events, and serving on the board of Bike East Bay since 2017.
Bianey Martinez, Director of Asset Management
Prior to working at FCH, Bianey was a property manager for the John Stewart Company for 7 years and got to know First Community Housing by heading all new building lease-ups. Here, Bianey is charged with a portfolio of ten sites, from multi-family properties to SROs, overseeing financials and ensuring the properties’ compliance at the local, state, and federal level as well as acting as the contact liaison between the properties’ investors and the property managers on site. She cares enormously about the work that we do at FCH and the people we serve.
Edith Figueroa, Community Impact Programs Manager
Edith is responsible for overseeing FCH’s Community Impact Team within the Asset Management Department. The Community Impact Team is responsible for providing specialized services throughout the FCH portfolio. Before joining FCH, Mrs. Figueroa was a Resident Services Manager for the John Stewart Company and worked for other non-profits such as the Cesar Chavez Foundation’s Si Se Puede! Learning Center through AmeriCorps. In past roles she developed and coordinated support services for residents of apartment communities and brings over 9 years of experience working with property management companies, support agencies, community partners and with residents of all ages. It is her greatest hope and passion that through the work of the Community Impact Team we create communities at our buildings all while providing residents with the programming and resources needed to be successful and to thrive in their homes.
Claudia Piñon, Asset Manager
Claudia brings over a decade of experience in multi-family asset management and is a Certified Tax Credit Specialist. Since 2021, she has closely maintained and improved the operations and maintenance reporting of the entire FCH portfolio. Claudia has worked on key financial reporting for the department and fulfilled the role of Project Manager at the Betty Anne Gardens rehabilitation project. She previously worked for the John Stewart Company where she started as an Occupancy Specialist at FCH’s El Paseo Studios and within a year become a Property Manager at Craig Gardens. During her tenure at JSCo, she was part of the lease up at Second Street Studios. Claudia has extensive knowledge in buildings systems and maintenance, and is bilingual in Spanish and English.
Sally Adams, Asset Manager
With over 20 years of real estate and property management experience, Sally Adams began her career in the real estate industry as a loan officer in real estate sales in 2004. Sally then changed focus in 2008 when she joined the John Stewart Company and worked her way up from Assistant Property Manager to Senior Regional Manager in 2022 with 10 family and senior properties in her portfolio. When she is not working, Sally spends time with her family and enjoys traveling, gardening, and DIY projects.
Harjeet Reehal, Permanent Supportive Housing Manager
Harjeet comes to FCH with 10 years of experience serving at-risk and highly vulnerable clients through mental health, case management, homeless prevention, permanent housing, program development and management duties. A graduate of San Jose State University with a degree in Social Work, previous work included; Cal-OES Young Adult Family Shelter, OSH- Rapid Rehousing, HUD Transitional Housing- Rapid Rehousing, OSH -Youth Rapid Rehousing, City of Santa Clara TBRA, and developing and managing the first Housing Navigation Center program for the City of Fremont. He was Leader of the 100 Day Challenge Project where he helped gain permanent housing for 100 college engaged students within 100 Days in the County of Santa Clara. Harjeet has served as a Program Manager and Housing Liaison at Bay Area Community Services and Bill Wilson Center, bringing a wealth of experience to FCH community members with the highest need.
Viviana Rodriguez, Accounts Payable Manager
As Staff Accountant, Viviana brings over 20 years of experience in accounting, office management and administrative support in the construction industry to FCH. Her attention to detail and leadership skills keep staff A/P on track. Viviana is fluent in English and Spanish and is certified in CPR and First Aid. She is a native of the San Francisco Bay Area and has worked with technology, construction and utility companies since 2001. This is her first position with a nonprofit organization.