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Standard Team – Select Bios
Christopher Cruz, Senior Managing Director, Essential Housing
Christopher Cruz is the Senior Managing Director of Essential Housing at Standard Communities, where he leads efforts
to create and preserve affordable and workforce housing communities nationwide. He is responsible for the
platform’s investment strategy, new acquisitions, asset management, capital markets, and investor reporting. Since
forming the Essential Housing group in 2021, Mr. Cruz has guided the division to complete over $2.1 billion in multifamily
transactions. Prior to joining Standard Communities, he helped establish TAH Properties, the real estate investment and
development arm of Tenth Avenue Holdings, where he focused on developing transit-oriented multifamily housing in
the New York City area. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Maryland. Chris lives in Los
Angeles with his wife, son, and dog, and enjoys snowboarding, hiking, cycling, and traveling.
Aaron Thomas, Senior Managing Director, Public-Private Partnerships
Mr. Thomas is the Senior Managing Director of Public-Private Partnerships. He assists the co-founders in leading the
firm, supporting all aspects of acquisitions, financing, development and corporate strategy for Standard. Prior to
Standard, he was President and CEO of Accelerator for America, a national nonprofit assisting mayors and other local
leaders in understanding, attracting and leveraging capital (public, private and philanthropic) to promote the
advancement of vulnerable communities. He is a graduate of Harvard College and holds an MBA from Stanford's
Graduate School of Business.
Jessica Mackenzie, Senior Managing Director, Head of Acquisitions & Redevelopment
As Senior Managing Director, Jessica Mackenzie is responsible for the entire lifecycle of deals from intake through
stabilization. Prior to joining Standard, Ms. Mackenzie was a Director in the Community Development Finance group at
Union Bank where she originated debt and equity financing for affordable housing transactions. She holds a Bachelor
of Arts degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Real Estate
Development from University of Southern California.
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