Building Stronger Schools Together
Red Hook Capital Partners helps charter and private schools design, build, and own their perfect campus.
Our Services
Building stronger schools TOGETHER building stronger communities.
Red Hook Capital Partners conducts all the intricacies of acquiring, designing, building, and financing permanent charter and private school facilities. We serve all schools at any stage of their lifecycle, helping them find, secure, and develop the perfect location to establish a lasting home for their students and community.
Lease to Own
Development
Financing
Our Process
From Vision
to Reality
Case Studies
Testimonials
What They Say
“Red Hook believed in our team, believed in our vision and most importantly believed that we can change the lives of students in the Inland Empire. We’re thrilled that we chose them as our bridge financing and happy to say we now own our school campus!”
ALEX LUCERO, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF REAL JOURNEY ACADEMIES“Red Hook’s deep knowledge of the charter school facility development process allowed us to keep focused on our students’ academics and learning. I highly recommend the Red Hook team for facility financing and development.”
ERCAN AYDOGDU, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND CEO OF CORAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCE LAS VEGAS“For years now, Value Schools has worked hand-in-hand with Red Hook Capital to find, design and create magnificent schools for our students. From financing to development, Red Hook was with us every step of the way.”
DAVID DOYLE, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF VALUE SCHOOLSAbout Us
Meet
the Team
The origin story of Red Hook Capital Partners informs the services it provides today. Together Craig and David have built a team that helps schools create top notch facilities to communities all around the country.
About Us
Meet
the Team
Partner
Craig Underwood
Craig Underwood founded Red Hook Capital Partners in 2013 to provide development expertise and affordable facilities opportunities and solutions to charter school
Craig Underwood founded Red Hook Capital Partners in 2013 to provide development expertise and affordable facilities opportunities and solutions to charter school operators. He is primarily responsible for all financial-related activity at the firm, including capital market activities, investor and lender relations, credit evaluation, and asset management.
In addition to his Red Hook-related activities, Craig served as the Chief Executive Officer of the BLX Group LLC from 1998 to 2024. BLX Group is a financial advisory and consulting firm focused on the municipal finance industry. At BLX, he oversaw debt, derivative, and structured product transactions totaling over $40 billion in principal/notional amounts.
Partner
David Hyun
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
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.
Senior Vice President
Enrique Diaz
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
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.
Vice President of Business Development
Melissa Provost
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
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.
Vice President of Finance
Alex McAdoo
Alex supports Red Hook’s finance team in underwriting capital projects and day-to-day fiscal management. His primary responsibilities include financial modeling,
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.
Business Development and Client Services
Jenni Woodard
Jenni is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in education, specializing in charter school administration. She holds a Bachelor’s of
Jenni is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in education, specializing in charter school administration. She holds a Bachelor’s of Interdisciplinary Studies in Communication and Education and a Master’s in Educational Leadership.
At Red Hook Capital Partners, Jenni leads partnership management efforts, focusing on expanding the firm’s impact within the charter school sector. She excels in cultivating long-term client relationships and ensuring seamless support throughout every stage of engagement. Her expertise in strategic planning, operational oversight, and partnership development has enabled her to build a robust network of stakeholders dedicated to the growth and success of charter schools.
Jenni’s commitment to advancing education and fostering community collaboration aligns perfectly with Red Hook Capital Partners’ mission to support transformative initiatives in education.
Director of Planning and Entitlement
Maria Gomez
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
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.
Senior Project Manager
Sarineh Minasian
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
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
Project Manager
Hugo Garcia
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
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
Project Manager
Lori Hashimoto
For over 20 years, Lori has held various roles, including architect, project manager/owner’s representative, and facility manager for schools, theaters, churches, and
For over 20 years, Lori has held various roles, including architect, project manager/owner’s representative, and facility manager for schools, theaters, churches, and high-end residential projects. She earned a Bachelor of Architecture and a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University, and she is a registered architect in California. As a project manager at Red Hook, Lori oversees daily project management, collaborating with design teams, contractors, public agencies, and school administrators to bring their visions to life.
Project Manager
Ingrid Canedo
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
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.
Project Manager
Valerie Trinh
As a Project Manager, Valerie is engaged in daily communication with school leaders, design teams, contractors, and public agencies. Her previous experience in the
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.
Controller
Leo Paolo Fernando
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
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.
Why should a school own its campus?
Ownership provides autonomy. This means no constraints from the landlord or your authorizer. A school can control its own destiny — plus, there will not be any further rental increases. Further, depending on the cost of your acquisition financing, your annual acquisition financing repayment may be materially lower than your lease payments.
Why should I team up with Red Hook?
Red Hook specializes in evaluating school campus development. We analyze risk — including political, landuse and community support — when trying to obtain permits to allow a school building on a property. We have an excellent track record of getting projects to the finish line and we are so confident that we guarantee it: if Red Hook does not get final approval for charter school use, a school can walk away from the project with no money out of pocket. We provide 100% of the financing — the school does not pay anything until the property is move-in ready. We pride ourselves in understanding that each school is unique and has different needs; we make sure these needs are met through the design of the building.
Why is Red Hook qualified?
Red Hook is led by David Hyun and Craig Underwood. David always has a school’s best interests in mind because he was an operator himself. He led the Alliance College-Ready Public School as its CFO/COO. He drove in-house development projects as the organization expanded campuses all while creating strong reserve funds. Craig has decades of experience working in the capital markets, specifically with charter schools. He knows the ins and outs of financing a project and knows how to make facility ownership affordable for schools. Together, the financing and development teams of Red Hook are a one-stop shop.
How does Red Hook help a school own its facility?
Red Hook offers a Lease to Own model. The model helps schools with limited enrollment (often due to space constraints); schools that have not received their renewal yet; and schools that have less-than-ideal cash reserves. It also helps schools avoid taking the risk of pre-development expenses to secure approval to build their campus. That risk includes costly out-of-pocket spending, a significant time investment, as well as the potential failure to gain approval. Overall, the Lease to Own model helps to create an affordable and responsible path to facility ownership.
Why do I need to lease from Red Hook? Why can’t I own my facility from the beginning?
Charter schools with strong credit (think great FICO score) can directly access a variety of permanent financing options. Schools who are younger might not have the necessary longevity to be viewed as credit worthy, and thus likely will have a greater difficulty accessing traditional financing. Credit worthiness normally includes a solid history of financials, enrollment, and academics to gain favorable financing (think low interest rate). If a school decides to directly finance a project themselves through traditional means like philanthropy, new market tax credits, traditional bank loans or municipal bonds, the school will be liable for pre-development costs. If a school is unsuccessful in obtaining the approval to proceed with the project, the school will have spent $200,000-$800,000 of its valuable reserves with nothing to show for it. Red Hook takes this risk for the school with no financial commitment from the school if Red Hook fails to receive the necessary approvals.
FAQs
You Ask,
We Answer
FAQs
You Ask,
We Answer
Why should a school own its campus?
Ownership provides autonomy. This means no constraints from the landlord or your authorizer. A school can control its own destiny — plus, there will not be any further rental increases. Further, depending on the cost of your acquisition financing, your annual acquisition financing repayment may be materially lower than your lease payments.
Why should I team up with Red Hook?
Red Hook specializes in evaluating school campus development. We analyze risk — including political, landuse and community support — when trying to obtain permits to allow a school building on a property. We have an excellent track record of getting projects to the finish line and we are so confident that we guarantee it: if Red Hook does not get final approval for charter school use, a school can walk away from the project with no money out of pocket. We provide 100% of the financing — the school does not pay anything until the property is move-in ready. We pride ourselves in understanding that each school is unique and has different needs; we make sure these needs are met through the design of the building.
Why is Red Hook qualified?
Red Hook is led by David Hyun and Craig Underwood. David always has a school’s best interests in mind because he was an operator himself. He led the Alliance College-Ready Public School as its CFO/COO. He drove in-house development projects as the organization expanded campuses all while creating strong reserve funds. Craig has decades of experience working in the capital markets, specifically with charter schools. He knows the ins and outs of financing a project and knows how to make facility ownership affordable for schools. Together, the financing and development teams of Red Hook are a one-stop shop.
How does Red Hook help a school own its facility?
Red Hook offers a Lease to Own model. The model helps schools with limited enrollment (often due to space constraints); schools that have not received their renewal yet; and schools that have less-than-ideal cash reserves. It also helps schools avoid taking the risk of pre-development expenses to secure approval to build their campus. That risk includes costly out-of-pocket spending, a significant time investment, as well as the potential failure to gain approval. Overall, the Lease to Own model helps to create an affordable and responsible path to facility ownership.
Why do I need to lease from Red Hook? Why can’t I own my facility from the beginning?
Charter schools with strong credit (think great FICO score) can directly access a variety of permanent financing options. Schools who are younger might not have the necessary longevity to be viewed as credit worthy, and thus likely will have a greater difficulty accessing traditional financing. Credit worthiness normally includes a solid history of financials, enrollment, and academics to gain favorable financing (think low interest rate). If a school decides to directly finance a project themselves through traditional means like philanthropy, new market tax credits, traditional bank loans or municipal bonds, the school will be liable for pre-development costs. If a school is unsuccessful in obtaining the approval to proceed with the project, the school will have spent $200,000-$800,000 of its valuable reserves with nothing to show for it. Red Hook takes this risk for the school with no financial commitment from the school if Red Hook fails to receive the necessary approvals.
When does my school start to pay Red Hook?
A school pays nothing until keys are delivered to the property and the school can move in. Then, the school makes payments to Red Hook in the form of lease payments until the school acquires the property from Red Hook.
What kind of financing do I use to buy the facility from Red Hook?
Red Hook clients have access to a number of financing options, including traditional bank debt, philanthropic funding, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI’s), and the municipal bond market.
Do you have more questions?
Email us , we’re here to help.
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We do not have any job opportunities at the moment, but if you think you would make a great fit and you’re passionate about helping schools provide excellent educational opportunities- please feel free to reach out to us. Email us your resume and a cover letter.
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