President

A seasoned policy, communications, and advocacy professional with over 20 years of experience, Thomas is committed to advancing social justice and equity for all. Thomas currently advises the Montgomery County Commissioners on public policy and operational development, and previously led the transition team for the new majority Commissioners for Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, one of the largest and most diverse counties in the state, with a nearly $1 billion budget and over 3000 employees.

Consulting CCD Coordinator

David Gest is a nonprofit executive and real estate attorney with a background in architecture, city planning, zoning, historic preservation, economic development, and affordable housing. He has worked in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, recently serving as Chief Operating Officer of Mural Arts Philadelphia, the nation’s largest public art program, and as Partner in the Real Estate Department of national law firm Ballard Spahr LLP, focusing on land use, zoning, and real estate law. He is the founder and Principal of SquareSide (www.squareside.us), a firm combining land use law, city planning, and nonprofit management consulting.

Board Member

Tam is a seasoned hospitality, marketing professional and entrepreneur with extensive experience in culinary leadership and business strategy. As the Executive Chef and Owner of Haven Local, he combines global culinary expertise with a focus on operational excellence and business growth. Having worked alongside industry leaders like John Seymour, Nas, and Ellen Yin, Tam played a pivotal role in launching and revitalizing successful restaurant concepts such as Sweetchick NYC and High Street on Hudson. His diverse background—born in Sri Lanka, raised in London, and established on the East Coast—fuels his strategic approach to small business development. With a proven track record in identifying market opportunities, optimizing operations, and enhancing customer experiences, Tam specializes in guiding small businesses toward sustainable growth by leveraging innovative concepts, scalable solutions, and personalized engagement.

Secretary

Lauren is an accomplished professional with a dynamic background in Real Estate. With a strong foundation in commercial & residential development , she has consistently demonstrated her ability to drive success and deliver innovative solutions. Known for her strategic thinking and attention to detail, Lauren excels in planning and execution, making her a valuable asset both collaboratively and in leadership.

Treasurer

Joe is a strategic and entrepreneurial executive with more than 15 years of experience nurturing key partnerships, guiding growth initiatives, and building core teams for nonprofit organizations. He has a proven ability to engage stakeholders, including C-suite business leaders, in identifying and qualifying opportunities, securing funding for programs, and monitoring metrics and KPIs to ensure continuous improvement. Joe has a comprehensive understanding of the roles of various business units in maintaining operational excellence and skilled at bringing functions together for a common goal.

Board Member

Adam is a seasoned real estate attorney with extensive experience representing developers and real estate investment trusts in complex transactions, including high-rise developments, portfolio acquisitions, joint ventures, and leasing agreements. He also advises borrowers on project finance and loan workouts. A Fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, Adam is actively involved in the American Bar Association and serves as Vice Chair of the Montgomery County Industrial Development Authority. He earned his law degree, magna cum laude, from Temple University and clerked for the U.S. District Court and Pennsylvania Superior Court.

Board Member

Cybele’s passion for creativity started early when, in the 10th grade, she made a cornflower blue dress with little cows that earned her the affectionate nickname "the girl with the cow dress." Her unique flair led her to backstage theater, where she spent the next 24 years designing props and scenery for shows and events. Alongside her work in theater, she cultivated her love for quilting and sewing, creating pieces for her family and local craft shows. After climbing the ranks to upper management in the event industry, Cybele realized her true passion was in hands-on creative work. So, she left her cubicle behind—and hasn’t looked back since. Today, she brings her wealth of experience and creative vision to every project she touches

Board Member

Don joined HBT in August 2024, bringing over 30 years of experience in higher education and consulting. As the former Vice President for Finance at Salus University, he oversaw strategic planning, financial management, grant acquisition, and campus project financing. Don is known for his ability to foster strong collaborative relationships with boards, faculty, and staff. He has also been an active member of the PAISBOA HBT Board of Trustees, serving as Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair, and Board Chair. Don and his wife live in Elkins Park, where they raised two children.

Vice President

Experienced Principal Owner with a demonstrated history of working in the insurance industry. Skilled in Property & Casualty Insurance, Disability Insurance, Estate Planning, Long-term Care, and Medicare Advantage. Strong business development professional graduated from Drexel University