Founder

Craig Sawyer is a distinguished real estate developer and community economic development leader with more than 25 years of experience, recognized as one of the region’s most respected experts in equitable redevelopment, public financing, and mission driven urban revitalization. He has helped secure over $300 million in financing for affordable, mixed-income, and mixed-use projects, and is actively developing transformative community focused developments exceeding $100 million. Craig is widely regarded as an industry pinnacle for his role in creating and leading the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority’s Redevelopment Training Institute, which has trained more than 2,000 professionals statewide, and for his longstanding commitment to mentoring emerging developers through ESR Academy and other educational programs. His career reflects a rare combination of technical mastery, public sector insight, and deep community stewardship, establishing him as a leading voice in equitable real estate development.

Project Manager

Alonzo Goulbourne is the Founder and Principal of Creative Development Real Estate LLC, a Newark-based development company focused on building quality housing, mixed-use spaces, and community-driven projects that uplift underserved neighborhoods. As a self made developer with a decade of entrepreneurial experience, Alonzo has built his career on discipline, transparency, and long term vision anchored in a deep commitment to improving the communities he grew up in.

Alonzo began his real estate journey in 2014 through angel investing and completed his first personal project in 2017, a full renovation at 135 Hobson that was later fully leased and sold in 2019. In 2022, he acquired his first two Newark development sites and successfully delivered his first ground up construction project: a two family home at 732 Bergen Street, now fully leased and cash flowing. He is currently leading multiple large scale mixed-use and affordable housing developments, including two 4 family homes slated for completion in 2026, a 24-unit Affordable Housing project, and a 90-unit redevelopment that will revitalize the Clinton Hill branch of the Newark Public Library.

As both a developer and community partner, Alonzo believes in creating creative housing opportunities that balance financial sustainability with social impact. His work is grounded in strong neighborhood partnerships, transparent communication with city leadership, and a deep respect for the residents he serves.

Michelle Boone is the Chief Construction Officer of Poiema Development and the founder of TMA General Contracting LLC, established in 2014. She is a trailblazing construction executive with more than two decades of experience spanning residential construction, affordable housing development, and large-scale project management. In 2025, Michelle joined Poiema Development as CCO, bringing her deep field expertise, entrepreneurial leadership, and mission-driven vision to one of New Jersey’s most impactful and community-focused development teams.

At Poiema Development, Michelle oversees all construction strategy, field operations, contractor management, and vertical development execution. She draws on her unique background as both the first and only minority woman Steamfitter in UA Local 475 and a seasoned developer to bridge design, community priorities, and construction feasibility. Her leadership ensures that every project is delivered on time, within budget, and with exceptional quality and integrity.

Shaquella “Shaq” Jones is a real estate professional and emerging developer with a strong background in tech and housing. A graduate of Craig Sawyer’s ESR Academy, she focuses on building affordable and market rate projects that strengthen communities. With more than a decade of experience working with investors, distressed properties, and rehabs, she brings a practical, full view of the development process from acquisition to execution.

Devon Henry is a licensed realtor and developer. He is from NYC with a background in tech finance ($350M to $700M budgets) and project management at JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, and Fiserv. He has a bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College in Business Administration. His passion for real estate came from purchasing a 3-family new construction home in the South Ward of Newark. Since then, he has become a small landlord advocate, working to provide resources and education to local landlords of owner-occupied homes. He currently serves as the project lead and principle on our 2-3 family projects while working on a larger 24 unit development in Newark. His goal in real estate is to develop multifamily properties that will allow for affordable home ownership and rental opportunities. In his down time, he practices Muay Thai and reads financial literature.

Amir Asad Geofroy is the CEO of KING DEANS LLC and an emerging real estate developer from New Jersey. With a foundation in residential real estate and a passion for expanding into commercial projects, Amir brings both precision and vision to his work. He believes in building more than just structures—his desire is to build opportunities, and foster growth and innovation at every step.