Marcia Perritt

Marcia Perritt

Director

(919) 600-7874
mperritt@sog.unc.edu

Marcia Perritt was named DFI director in 2023 after serving as associate director, project manager, and Community Revitalization Fellow. She handles business development for DFI and provides specialized assistance related to community engagement and communication across all DFI projects.

Tyler Mulligan

Tyler Mulligan

Faculty lead
David M. Lawrence Distinguished Professor of Public Law and Government

(919) 962-0987
mulligan@sog.unc.edu

Tyler Mulligan launched DFI in 2011 and now serves as its faculty lead. He is an expert in community economic development, affordable housing, and public-private partnerships for development.

Sarah Odio

Sarah Odio

Associate director, affordable housing

(305) 778-9383
odio@sog.unc.edu

Sarah Odio specializes in affordable housing. She helps urban and rural communities across North Carolina understand their housing needs and attract private investment to mixed-use and mixed-income developments.

Eric Thomas

Eric Thomas

Associate director, design

(919) 843-6914
ethomas@sog.unc.edu

Eric Thomas manages mixed-use development projects across North Carolina. He provides a range of support to DFI projects including conceptual design, program definition, budget, cost estimation, and site analysis.

Margaret Valyou

Margaret Valyou

Assistant director, business operations

(919) 966-5911
valyou@sog.unc.edu

Margaret Valyou manages DFI operations, including human resources, budgeting, contracts, workspace, and administrative support.

Sonyia Turner

Sonyia Turner

Senior project manager

(919) 445-0670
sturner@sog.unc.edu

Sonyia Turner oversees project level work at DFI. She conducts pre-development feasibility analysis and builds and maintains relationships with a wide range of stakeholders for DFI projects.

Sara VanLear

Sara VanLear

Project manager

(650) 380-9876
vanlear@sog.unc.edu

Sara VanLear is a project manager with DFI. She works alongside government partners to determine how privately-led real estate opportunities can support local economic and community goals.

Kevin McCarthy

Kevin McCarthy

Real estate development analyst

(919) 843-0250
kmccarthy@sog.unc.edu

Kevin McCarthy supports DFI’s work through data analysis and GIS services. He has expertise in urban planning and affordable housing finance, including the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and other rental housing programs.

Clark Ricciardelli

Clark Ricciardelli

Real estate development analyst

Clark Ricciardelli uses financial modeling and economic analysis to structure public-private partnerships and promote real estate development that supports local economies and residents.

DFI Team 2025