Phoenix Group Companies
Executive Team
Melvin Washington
President
Founder and President of Phoenix Group Companies, a developer of affordable and market rate housing and a builder of housing utilizing LIHTC, MSHDA financing, HOME Funds and other government programs and private funding sources. The organizations also partner with community organizations helping build capacity.
Mr. Washington also worked as a Project Manager with First Centrum, a company that specialized in construction management of multi-family rental projects through state and federal government agencies utilizing LIHTC. At First Centrum, Mr. Washington was directly involved in the construction of over 2,000 apartments, condominium and single-family homes representing over 50 projects and more than $300 million in development.
In 2008, Mr. Washington received the Terrence R. Duvernay Award, an annual award presented by the selection committee of Michigan Conference on Affordable Housing for the person recognized as a leader in the affordable housing industry. Mr. Washington was also the recipient of the Spirit of Detroit Award, recognized as the largest developer/contractor of housing in the City of Detroit. Other accomplishments include For-Profit Developer of the Year from the Michigan Capital Fund for Housing; a reputation as one of Michigan State Housing and Development Authority’s best builders; and the completion of a nationally recognized historic building that serves as headquarters for Phoenix Group Companies.
Kenneth Moody
Director of Design
Mr. Moody has over 30 years of architectural experience. Over the course of his professional career he has worked on various types and sizes of projects ranging from $55,000 to $103,000,000. He brings a broad range of knowledge and experience to the architectural and construction team.
Mr. Moody has over 20 years of experience in project management, construction administration, field oversigt and inspection. He also posseses extensive experience and understanding as it relates to assisting owners thourgh effective management, cost containmen, field monitoring, design and detailing problem resolution, zoning and building department approvals, construction and design conflict resolution, construction document production, CAD experience and working with public utilites in coordination with local agencies to secure project approval and timely installtion of utilty distribution systems.
Angela Simon
Director of Land Aquisition
Ms. Simon started with the Phoenix Companies in 1999. During her tenure, Ms. Simon has been responsible for all phases of the land acquisition process. Some of these steps include initiating landowner contact; negotiating land purchases; working with local and state government to purchase land; coordinating survey, title, engineering and environmental assessment work. Ms. Simon has purchased over $30,000,000.00 dollars of land for the organization and has continued to scout and survey future and potential sites. Ms. Simon has a wealth of experience in, training and providing technical assistance to both the private sector and the nonprofit sector. Ms. Simon assist the non-profit partners throughout the land acquisition process.
Prior to joining Phoenix, Simon worked as an IT Technician for Ameritech providing computer support services for Ameritech clients. Duties also included furnishing and/or performing technical assistance that benefited the clients; working through computer software and hardware problems; and complying with official demands and customer satisfaction. Ms. Simon also brings negotiating and customer service skills to Phoenix with her work at Hamilton Investments where she handled all trades on the New York Stock exchange for the company, and worked closely with the brokers on all trades, house calls, and fed calls.
Bryan Hardaway
Director of Development & Finance
Mr. Hardaway joined the Phoenix team in 2006. Since joining the team he has been primarily responsible for creating project financing scenarios, working with funders to secure project financing and coordinating the development process. He has over a decade of experience in community & economic development working in both the non-profit and private sectors to provide access to quality affordable housing and access to funding.
Brittany Washington
Director of Accounting
Ms. Washington currently holds the position of Director of Accounting and Asset Manager for Phoenix Group Companies. Ms. Washington is a graduate of Michigan State University and possesses a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance. In addition, she recently embarked on her journey towards a Master of Business Administration at Wayne State University. She has a very diverse academic background and professional work experience and has brought a substantial amount of knowledge and useful skills to Phoenix Group Companies team. Ms. Washington has worked in several different tiers in the corporate business structure and has held an array of positions, ranging from administrative and marketing to management and accounting.