Our Team

Jihan Newman

President & CEO

Jihan Newman is the President and CEO of Dwelling Place (DPP), a leading affordable housing management and development company founded in 2008.
With over 25 years of experience in asset management, consulting, finance, and development, Newman is a recognized leader in affordable housing. Under her guidance, DPP has overseen affordable, mixed-use, and mixed-income real estate projects, including Year 15 re- syndication, LIHTC, RAD, and PACT deals.
Newman has positioned DPP as a key player in revitalizing and managing distressed properties in New York, with a focus affordable housing. Her leadership is centered on maximizing budgets, maintaining client portfolios’ financial health, and providing clean, safe, and well-maintained homes for residents. Equally important to Newman is fostering community and improving residents’ quality of life. She has leveraged DPPs platform to engage local community leaders and local service providers to connect residents with services, create job opportunities, and develop educational and personal growth initiatives for residents and staff, ensuring stable living environments.
Jihan takes pride in leading an organization that makes a tangible impact on people’s lives.

Jessica Leach

Sr. Property Manager

Ms. Leach is the Senior Property Manager for the DPP portfolios, bringing over five years of experience in property management to her role. Before joining DPP, she managed a RAD/PACT deal located in Central Harlem, which included the oversight of 40 buildings. She also handled a senior housing portfolio in Brooklyn, New York, where she developed strong customer service skills, built solid relationships with residents, and worked to enhance both the financial and physical conditions of the properties.

Jessica’s commitment and determination facilitated her rapid advancement within the firm, resulting in multiple promotions before stepping into the role of Sr. Property Manager. She has extensive expertise in housing program compliance, including LIHTC, HOME, supportive housing programs, and Section 8.

Laura Gonzalez

Administrative Officer

Laura Gonzalez serves as the Administrative Officer at DPP, where she oversees a range of corporate administrative tasks, making a significant impact on the firm’s growth and expansion.

Before joining DPP, Laura was the Executive Assistant to the Managing Director and CFO of a start-up property management firm in Central Harlem. She began her career supporting the executive team at a fabrication company, where she sharpened her administrative skills and played a crucial role in the organization’s daily operations. Today, she is an invaluable member of the DPP team, serving as the glue that holds the firm together.

 

Michelle Torres-Pagan

Sr. Leasing & Compliance Manager

Mrs. Torres-Pagan joins DPP as the Senior Leasing & Compliance Manager, where she oversees compliance across all DPP portfolios. With over 25 years of experience in leasing and compliance, she brings extensive expertise to her role.

Prior to her time at DPP, Michelle worked at a start-up management firm in Harlem, managing leasing and compliance for a portfolio with properties in both New York and New Jersey. Most recently, she was involved in the full lease-up of a RAD/PACT deal located in Central Harlem. She has also collaborated with a non-profit organization, working with DHS, HPD, and other agencies to help formerly homeless and low-income individuals and families secure permanent housing. Her years of service have instilled in her a deep understanding that a home is much more than just a structure.

Michelle is a Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP) and has extensive experience in housing program compliance, including LIHTC, HOME, Section 8, and HUD Fair Housing regulations. She holds an A.S. in Community and Human Services from SUNY Empire State College.

Manuel Tineo

Mr. Tineo currently serves as the Operations Manager for Dwelling Place Properties LLC, bringing over 7 years of experience in property management. He began his career as a Superintendent and steadily advanced to the role of Property Manager, where he successfully oversaw multiple affordable housing portfolios in Harlem, including a PACT development. His hands-on background as a superintendent gives him a deep understanding of building operations, particularly in managing repairs and addressing violations efficiently. This practical experience enables him to effectively lead and organize the maintenance team to uphold the highest standards.

Mr. Tineo is committed to open and transparent communication with residents, ensuring that all repairs and issues are resolved promptly and to their satisfaction. His leadership continues to contribute significantly to the smooth and responsive operations at Dwelling Place Properties.