Executive Team
Margarita is responsible for setting corporate direction, corporate planning, fundraising and management of Cabrillo 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, 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 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, 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 CEDC to support the expansion of business programs and services, and the development of strategies to improve financial capacity and operational efficiency. Prior to joining CEDC, 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.
Lydia Perez is responsible for the oversight of Cabrillo EDC’s residential portfolio, which includes 26 affordable communities that serve nearly 1, 200 low-income families. With more than 15 years of residential property management experience, Lydia’s strong leadership skills and property management knowledge will ensure the successful operation and management of Cabrillo EDC’s portfolio. Prior to joining Cabrillo EDC’s team, Lydia was Regional Portfolio Supervisor for Investec Management Corporation, overseeing 657 units in fourteen communities spread out in San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County, Ventura County and Los Angeles County. Lydia is Bilingual (English/Spanish) dynamic, energetic and experienced in conventional, tax credit and senior housing.
Derrick plays a pivotal role within CEDC, 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 CEDC'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 CEDC 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.