Ernst Valery
Ernst is the founder and president of Ernst Valery Investments Corp. (EVI). EVI invests in select underserved and undervalued key emerging domestic real estate markets, defined as urban transitional areas with high residential and retail demand. He has extensive experience in affordable and market rate housing development and investment, including providing due diligence capabilities and extensive skills in budget planning, design development, marketing, and the supervision and guidance of contractors, architects and engineers. He is responsible for the securing and structuring of financing, including expertise in securing Historic and New Markets tax credits. EVI focuses on a triple bottom line of solid financial returns, supporting communities, and environmental sustainability.
Since formation, EVI has expanded its focus to include investing in small businesses and innovative strategies for inclusive economic development. Mr. Valery collaborates with MIT’s Community Innovators Laboratory (CoLab) to formulate strategies for equitable and inclusive economic development. He is currently developing prototypes to assess real estate developer community engagement practices, to tighten local economies through innovative procurement and financing, and to attract investors committed to socially responsible development. Ernst is dedicated to working with communities and implementing development strategies that prevent displacement, protect community legacy and generate community wealth.
Ernst Valery is also President of SA+A Development and shares overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation, underwriting, and execution of SA+A’s affordable and market rate, mixed-use and residential development projects and leads SA+A’s community relationship and benefits division. Ernst has successfully invested in and developed real estate in Maryland; Washington, D.C.; Pennsylvania; and New York. For the past 15+ years, he has been involved with development projects ranging from multi-tenant rental properties to the renovation and repurposing of historical real estate assets.