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 is a capital markets executive specialized in funding US based multifamily transactions up and down the capital stack, advising both many lower middle market operators to some of the largest real estate operators in the United States. Michael has direct relationships with senior management covering family offices, private equity groups, life insurance companies, private credit groups and commercial banks. He has mandated more than $6 billion in opportunities and has a strong track record of success with his clients. Michael earned his B.S. in Business Administration from Boston University’s Questrom School of Business.
Alanna Wojciechowski
DIRECTOR
Alanna Wojciechowski has been with CastleSquare since its inception and is a foundational member of the firm’s capital markets platform. Alanna is deeply committed to ensuring sponsor capabilities and deal fundamentals meet CastleSquare’s high standards, and she consistently goes to great lengths to ensure sponsors are successful and that their best interests are always prioritized. Known for her professionalism and exceptional client service, Alanna has built long-standing relationships and has been instrumental in successfully closing transactions across multiple asset classes and every portion of the capital stack. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the College of Charleston.
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.
Jennifer Tavassoli
Investor Relations
Jennifer Tavassoli manages relationships with ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. She supports the firm’s strategy communication, long-term capital partnerships, and high-touch engagement with global investors. She began her career with the U.S. Department of Defense, developing strong capabilities in compliance, discretion, and high-level coordination. She later founded and operated her own business, building expertise in client management, operations, and strategic communication. Fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, and French, Jennifer brings notable cultural fluency and cross-border communication skills to her work with international stakeholders. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University.
CastleSquare seeks to attract and retain individuals who
have demonstrated an exceptional ability to source, analyze, and proactively manage real estate transactions.
