Craig Underwood’s two-decade journey in public finance led him to launch Red Hook Capital Partners in 2013. He has oversight over all financing and fiscal guidance that the firm offers.

Craig’s background includes serving as the chief executive of the BLX Group LLC, a leading public finance advisory and consulting firm for the past 20 years. Under his leadership, BLX has grown into a national firm with five offices across the country, representing hundreds of state/local governmental agencies and not-for-profits, including various charter school organizations. During his career, he has overseen debt, derivative and structured financial product transactions totaling over $40 billion in principal/notional amounts.

David Hyun is responsible for setting up all back office systems and operations at Red Hook. He provides support to the project managers, including troubleshooting development hurdles and identifying cost-saving solutions. He has over two decades of experience in corporate accounting, finance, real estate, and charter school management. More specifically, he has been developing, financing and operating charter schools since 2009. He has developed and financed over $500 million of charter schools, using conventional bank loans, new market tax credits, tax-exempt bonds, and various state bonds (QSCB, QZAB, Prop. 1D).

Prior to joining Red Hook, David worked for Westfield, Trammell Crow Company, Playa Capital Company (Playa Vista Master Development), and most recently he served as the CFO/COO at Alliance College Ready Public Schools in Los Angeles.

As Vice President at Red Hook, Enrique handles the site selection process with clients while developing budget, schedules, and feasibility strategies. He also oversees the project management team throughout the development process. With more than 25 years of planning, design and construction & project management experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, he has developed dozens of charter school projects for various Charter Management Organizations throughout Southern California . He previously worked with Alliance College-Ready Public Schools, Keller Construction Management Services, Warmington Homes California and the City of Santa Clarita.

Enrique is a LEED AP, NCARB-Certified, licensed architect in the State of California, and a member of the Design Review Board for the City of Whittier. Enrique has a degree in Architecture from the University of Southern California.

Alyssa supports Red Hook’s business development and marketing team. Introducing charters to our model and helping them start the process of building their forever home is her specialty. Additionally she assists with our day-to-day marketing, which includes conference attendance and building brand awareness to our local communities. As a former charter school teacher and a real estate enthusiast her zest the work she does is unmatched. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, and a Masters Degree of Art in Instruction Design and Curriculum Development.

Melissa joined Red Hook Capital Partners in January 2024. Prior to joining, she spent eight years as Director of Business Development in facility and finance development for charter and private schools. In that role, she successfully identified markets, developed business plans, strategies, and tactics, and coordinated the transition of projects and relationships to actual development while maintaining excellent relationships with her clients. Her work contributed to 100+ facilities across the country and over $100 billion in facility funding.

Before moving into the charter facility world, Melissa spent five years in food service management for charter and private schools. Her work focused on bringing healthier options to students while educating them on the importance of making healthier choices through the many programs she developed and launched in over 50 charter schools across the southeast.

Prior to moving into the charter and private school arena, Melissa began her career in
information technology development, working in the aerospace and telecommunications
industry. Quickly realizing her passion for sales and marketing, Melissa spent the next ten years in the healthcare industry, where she was responsible for analyzing, building, and maintaining client portfolios and relationships with key client decision-makers. She also trained and managed call center staff and health insurance agents on industry-specific products and tools while creating a highly productive work environment.

Alex supports Red Hook’s finance team in underwriting capital projects and day-to-day fiscal management. His primary responsibilities include financial modeling, valuations, credit analysis, market research, and investment memorandums. Alex frequently works alongside project managers and interacts with clients and investors. Since joining in 2019, Alex has played an integral role in underwriting acquisitions, maintaining held assets, and executing dispositions. Alex holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Southern California.

Maria is responsible for the day-to-day project management and coordination with design teams and public agencies. She has managed a variety of charter school projects as well as assisted in the management of DSA projects and community centers. Maria’s 11 years of experience in architectural design and project management also include commercial and residential projects as well as medical facilities. Maria holds a Bachelor of Sociology and Master of Architecture from UCLA.

Hugo is a Red Hook project manager, having overseen two charter schools and various parking lot improvements during his tenure. With 16 years in architecture and project management, Hugo has expertise in single and multi-family residential developments as well as commercial projects ranging from small-scale mercantile to restaurants and mixed-use. Hugo received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and is a registered Architect in California. He is also a California licensed General Contractor with A & B classifications

Robert is responsible for day-to-day project management, including daily interaction with clients, design team consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies and management of budget and schedule. He has over 33 years of experience in ground-up school construction, additions to existing schools, and major renovations of existing schools.

As a project manager at Red Hook, Sarineh is immersed in tenant improvement projects for several charter schools. Prior to joining, she worked for six years as an architectural project coordinator and interior designer specializing in charter school projects. Sarineh graduated from California State University, Northridge with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design

As the Controller at Red Hook, Leo maintains the accounting and provides the financial statements with the finance team. He has spent his professional career in education and mental health, advocating the improvement of schools and mental health services in communities that are disproportionately underfunded. Leo holds a B.S. in Accounting from Loyola Marymount University, and is a CPA.

Ingrid is responsible for the day-to-day project management and coordination with design teams and public agencies. Prior to joining RedHook, Ingrid’s 7 years of experience in commercial architectural design include projects in higher education, commercial office space, capital improvement and tenant improvement categories. Ingrid holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design.

As a Project Manager, Valerie is engaged in daily communication with school leaders, design teams, contractors, and public agencies. Her previous experience in the architectural design realm includes project coordination and design work centered around tenant improvement projects for charter schools. Valerie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies with a focus on Urban and Environmental Design from the University of California, Irvine.

David supports Red Hook’s finance team in underwriting capital projects and day-to-day fiscal management. His primary responsibilities include financial modeling, valuations, credit analysis, market research, and investment memorandums. David frequently works alongside project managers and interacts with clients and investors. Since joining in 2021, David has played an integral role in underwriting acquisitions, maintaining held assets, and executing dispositions. David holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Southern California.