Our people are our greatest asset.
CastleSquare has a special appreciation for the power of thoughtful disagreement. Everyone is encouraged to speak up.
Michael Khalilzad
PRESIDENT
Michael Khalilzad founded CastleSquare, where he leads firm strategy, investment decisions, and risk management across the platform. Acting as the firm’s investment committee, he directs balance sheet allocation and drives disciplined underwriting and execution across all investments. Michael has deep experience across the capital stack and maintains direct relationships with senior leadership at family offices, private equity firms, life insurance companies, and commercial banks. He has mandated more than $6 billion in opportunities and has a strong track record of delivering results for partners and investors. Michael earned his B.S. in Business Administration from Boston University’s Questrom School of Business.
Alanna Wojciechowski
Head of Originations
Alanna Wojciechowski has been with CastleSquare since its inception and is a member of the firm’s executive leadership team, where she leads the origination of investment opportunities. She is responsible for evaluating sponsor capabilities and deal fundamentals, ensuring each transaction meets CastleSquare’s high standards. Known for her professionalism and exceptional client service, Alanna has built long-standing relationships and has been instrumental in closing transactions across multiple asset classes and throughout the country. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the College of Charleston.
Sonya Soro
Chief of Staff
Sonya Soro is Chief of Staff at CastleSquare, where she works closely with the firm’s leadership to drive strategic execution, operational discipline, and performance across the platform. With over 12 years of experience across finance, operations, and private equity, Sonya specializes in leading cross-functional initiatives, enhancing reporting and underwriting processes, and building systems that improve decision-making and scalability. Prior to CastleSquare, Sonya held positions at UHNW private family offices and New York based commercial real estate institutions. Sonya earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Val Despard
DIRECTOR
Val Despard is a Director at CastleSquare, specializing in origination and placement of both debt and equity for commercial real estate owners and sponsors. Val brings more than 13 years of institutional capital markets experience to the CastleSquare platform. Prior to joining CastleSquare, Val has held positions at a LifeCo debt brokerage firm, Transwestern and most recently, Newmark. Val earned his MBA at Goizueta Business School at Emory University in Atlanta, GA.
Tommy MacLane
Director of Originations, Co-Guarantor Investment Division
Tommy MacLane plays a key role in CastleSquare’s national credit-enhancement platform, with a heavy focus on fostering and maintaining relationships with leading capital brokerages across the United States. With over a decade in finance, he has a strong track record of sourcing deals and building strategic partnerships, that added meaningful value to both CastleSquare and is founder’s predecessor firm. Tommy previously played professional baseball, having been drafted by the Colorado Rockies, Toronto Blue Jays, and ultimately signing with the Boston Red Sox after collegiate careers at the University of South Carolina and Florida Atlantic University.
CastleSquare seeks to attract and retain individuals who
have demonstrated an exceptional ability to source, analyze, and proactively manage real estate transactions.
