Staff

S. Joseph Bruno, President Mr. Bruno oversees and directs all aspects of Building Hope's operations. He is a certified public accountant with 35 years of accounting, finance, business and management experience, was a partner in two of the "Big 4" international accounting firms and CFO of a public company. Mr. Bruno qualifies as a financial expert under the Sarbanes-Oxley guidelines. He serves on the board of a public company in addition to his non-profit board positions at Georgetown University Hospital, Center City Public Charter Schools, D.C. Prep Public Charter School and is on the Advisory Board of KIPP: DC. In addition, he chairs the audit committee of the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools. Read more »

The first hire of Building Hope as a consultant in 2003, Mr. Bruno has guided the organization since its inception, and to where it has now participated in the completion of over $430 million in projects. Mr. Bruno laid the foundation for the future success of Building Hope and the fulfillment of the educational dreams of thousands by initially targeting those public charter schools in the District of Columbia that were most suitable for its objectives of aiding those students most in need and assisting communities most in need of revitalization. Becoming President in 2004, he oversees and directs all aspects of Building Hope's operations. He is a certified public accountant (CPA) with over three decades of accounting, finance, business and management experience, was a partner in two of the "Big 4"  international accounting firms and chief financial officer (CFO) of a publicly traded corporation. Mr. Bruno qualifies as a financial expert under the Sarbanes-Oxley guidelines. Under his tenure, the operations of Building Hope have expanded from Washington, D.C. to as far south as Florida and as far west as California. The financial acumen and skillful management of Mr. Bruno at the helm is evidenced in the loan portfolio of Building Hope, which has never suffered a default from its operations in the District of Columbia, California, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee and Texas. The executive expertise of Mr. Bruno has also been recognized with election to the board of a public company in addition to other board positions. Active with many charities, he currently serves in board positions with Georgetown University Hospital, Center City Public Charter Schools, D.C. Prep Public Charter School, Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools, San Miguel School, Federal City Council and the Advisory Board of KIPP: DC. He also chairs the audit committee of the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools. A CPA since 1972, he is a Finance and Accounting graduate of the University of Maryland. Mr. Bruno has two daughters: one attending Fordham University in New York City and the other matriculating to the College of Charleston. Paul R. Leleck, Chief Financial OfficerMr. Leleck manages Building Hope's finances, and underwrites financial assistance to public charter schools. He also works with client schools on their accounting and budgeting through Building Hope Services. Paul is a certified public accountant with 35 years of accounting, finance, business and management experience. He has assisted development stage companies and served as a partner in a Big 4 accounting firm. Paul currently serves on the boards of the  Latin American Montessori Bilingual Public Charter School and the Arts & Technology Academy Public Charter School.

Richard Moreno, Executive Director As Executive Director of Charter School Services Corporation, A Building Hope Affiliate (CSSC), Mr. Moreno is responsible for its day to day operations providing comprehensive support services to charter schools in Florida. Prior to joining CSSC he served as Chief Financial Officer of Pacific National Bank and has over 19 years CFO experience with various business enterprises in diverse industries. His charter school experience includes working as the Chief Financial Officer for Charter Schools USA and as resource specialist for NCB Capital Impact. As a resource specialist he provided technical assistance with facilities development and financing to Florida and Georgia charter schools assisting over 90 schools representing over $110 million in projects. Richard served as Chairman of the Florida School of Excellence Commission. He holds an MBA from Florida Atlantic University and BS in finance with honors from the University of Florida.

Thomas E. Porter, Director of Real Estate Operations Mr. Porter manages real estate transactions and directs our project management efforts for public charter schools in the District of Columbia, directs the Charter School Incubator Initiative for start-up charter schools, and directs Building Hope’s nationwide credit enhancement program through our America’s Charter School Finance Corporation affiliate.   In addition, Tom provides support to Building Hope’s day to day operations. Tom’s background includes 20 years experience in key administrative positions in start up organizations in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors.  Tom holds a Bachelor in Science in business administration from San Francisco State University and a Masters of Nonprofit Administration from the University of San Francisco.  Tom volunteers his time and energy to support public education and healthcare and has served on numerous board of directors including Washington Yu Ying and Two Rivers Public Charter Schools and Chase Brexton Health Services. Tom was the second Building Hope employee and over his seven year tenure has been instrumental in the growth of Building Hope in the Washington D.C. market.  Tom serves as the corporate secretary for Building Hope and its affiliates.

Joseph D. Cooper, Controller Mr. Cooper is in charge of Building Hope’s finances. He is responsible for all aspects of the financial transactions and reporting. Mr. Cooper also has responsibility over the day-to-day operations of the company such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and cash management. Mr. Cooper is a certified public accountant who brings a solid background and expertise in the field of finance and accounting to the organization. Mr. Cooper was previously employed by Ernst &Young, LLP in Chicago and Los Angeles in the Business Risk Services - Internal Audit Division.

Laurel L. Ihator, Executive Assistant Ms. Ihator provides support to the President and Executive Team. She brings a wealth of experience in building administrative structures for developing companies as well as improving existing policies and procedures for established companies. Her experience ranges from managing administrative functions of a public accounting firm to managing program coordination of a department in a federal government agency.

Alice Barnes, Administrative Assistant Ms. Barnes provides support to Controller and Staff. She is responsible for preparing monthly and quarterly billing, preparing and making weekly deposits for all accounts including federal and private grants, maintaining database, and other administrative duties.