John Washek, Founder and Principal

Since founding Edgemere Consulting in 1993, John has organized and directed technical assistance and training projects for many of the largest, most complex housing organizations in the country. He has been a key team member for several receivership initiatives and many Choice Neighborhoods, HOPE VI and other redevelopment projects. His related experience includes having served as an advisor to major national research initiatives including the Harvard Public Housing Cost Study and the HCVP Administrative Fee Study. John holds a Masters degree from Harvard University Kennedy School of Government and completed his undergraduate studies at Boston University. A Boston native and proud dad to three daughters, John and his family live and work in the Charlotte, North Carolina metropolitan area.

Hannah Bolcome, Managing Senior Associate

Hannah has over 10 years of affordable housing experience. She has held supervisory and administrative staff roles at several large and mid-size public housing authorities. Her areas of expertise include HCV administration, MTW planning and reporting, policy development, strategic and organizational planning, data analysis, and training. Hannah holds a M.A. degree in Public Administration from the University of Massachusetts McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies and completed her undergraduate studies at Kenyon College. She serves on the Board of Directors for the National Leased Housing Association (NLHA) and the Board of Advisors for Harborlight Homes.

Jean Amendolia, Senior Associate

Jean has over 20 years of experience with HCV, public housing, and other housing programs in both consultant and staff member roles. Her experience includes evaluating and providing technical assistance to housing authorities, conducting training, developing policies and procedures, and conducting qualitative and quantitative data reviews, collection, management, and analysis. A team member since 2018, Jean’s work at Edgemere has involved design and implementation of training programs, quality control initiatives, policy research and other related areas. She holds a B.A. degree from George Washington University.

Kristin Montgomery, Senior Associate

Kristin has over 10 years of experience working with Public Housing Authorities and other affordable housing organizations. Her focus at Edgemere includes process design, systems implementation, policy analysis and development, and MTW planning and reporting. Kristin’s prior experience includes serving as Senior Advisor and Manager at large public housing authorities and working on Capitol Hill. She holds an M.A. degree in Public Administration from New York University’s Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service and completed undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland.

Rebecca O’Brien, Senior Programmer & Analyst

Rebecca has been part of the Edgemere team since 2002. Her expertise includes systems development, data analysis and data modeling. She models and analyzes policy impacts, develops desktop tools for PHA staff, and designs and implements quality control and vacancy tracking tools. Rebecca holds an M.S. degree from Boston University and completed undergraduate studies at Haverford College.

Jane Schenkel, Senior Associate

Jane has been part of the Edgemere team since 1996 and has recently transitioned to a part-time role. Her work focuses on the design of major policy documents, development of customized training curricula, MTW planning and reporting and quality control reviews and initiatives. Jane holds a B.S. degree from SUNY Buffalo.

Cheryl Cohen, Associate

Cheryl has been part of the Edgemere team since 1996. Her expertise includes developing policies and procedures, implementing quality control programs, and developing training and survey materials. She has helped organize several major community wide planning efforts and been a key participant in the development of successful Choice Neighborhoods, Jobs Plus and other funding applications. Cheryl holds an MBA from Boston University and completed her undergraduate work at Union College.