Meet the team behind

Nehmiah HDFC

We see big potential in every moment, and care deeply about what we do every day. Our leadership team reflects a group of diverse individuals with breadth and depth of experience across the company.

Board Members

Aaron Graf

Executive Director of Nehemiah HDFC

Aaron Graf is the Executive Director of Nehemiah HDFC. Mr. Graf's primary role is to source, structure, and develop affordable housing in New York City.

Aaron Graf is also the co-founder of LG Fairmont Group, a residential brokerage firm focused on Manhattan and Brooklyn. The firm has completed over $1.2 billion dollars in transaction volume.

Prior to forming Capital, Mr. Graf was a Loan Officer for three years with the Community Preservation Corporation ("CPC") where his primary role was to provide debt capital for affordable residential development projects and stabilized property in Brooklyn, Queens, Lower Manhattan, and Staten Island. As a Loan Officer and subsequently in an advisory role, he reviewed hundreds of deals for feasibility and committed, closed, and/or arranged approximately $100 million dollars in transactions.

Mr. Graf holds an MBA from Columbia Business School where he was a Toigo Fellow and a Pension Real Estate Association Fellow. Mr. Graf holds a B.A. in Economics from Kenyon College where he was a Merit Scholar.

Arshad Bacchus

Director of Nehemiah HDFC

Arshad is widely considered a subject matter expert on Real Estate Development and Finance, Disaster and Emergency Recovery and Project and Program Management. Mr. Bacchus serves as the Director of Real Estate at Nehemiah HDFC where he oversees Nehemiah's growing real estate portfolio and ensures its continued expansion.

Arshad Bacchus also serves as the Director of Operations and Program Manager for Capital Access Inc. where he manages the Emergency Rental Assistance Program ("ERAP") for Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Mr. Bacchus skillful and efficient management of the ERAP has successfully resulted in funds being administered ahead of schedule. Under his leadership, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program has been applauded for its exemplary performance.

Mr. Bacchus earlier positions include serving as Deputy Director for the Extremely Low and Low-Income Affordability Program ("ELLA") at the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development ("HPD"). At HPD, Arshad oversaw a robust pipeline of over $SB in new construction developments. He supervised a team of highly skilled Project Managers in negotiating and closing large multifamily real estate transactions that utilizing funding sources such Tax­ Exempt Bonds, Federal and State Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, Federal, State and Local government subsidies, and private financing. Mr. Bacchus was directly responsible for the closing of various projects totaling over $1B in total development cost that produced over 2,500 affordable housing units across New York City at various income levels.

Arshad holds a Master in Real Estate Development from Georgetown University where he earned the accolade of Summa Cum Laude and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy-Law from CUNY-Brooklyn College where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Lawrence Bell

Asset Manager of Nehemiah HDFC

Lawrence Bell is the Asset Manager for Nehemiah HDFC. Mr. Bell’s primary responsibility is the management of Nehemiah’s existing portfolio, which consists of 680 affordable units, including two senior living projects.

As a former NYCHA resident with a diverse background, Lawrence is sensitive to the unique needs of our low-to-moderate income tenants and has a personal commitment to preserving quality affordable housing. Applying his training in legal affairs and social justice, Mr. Bell works diligently to ensure Nehemiah’s projects operate efficiently and in compliance with all regulatory requirements. Moreover, Mr. Bell works to ensure that the rights and dignity of all tenants are honored in the decision-making process for our properties. 

Prior to coming to Nehemiah, Mr. Bell served as an Honorarium Lecturer for several universities and colleges, including Princeton University, Rutgers University, and Swarthmore College. During his tenure, Mr. Bell instructed in the areas of Political and Social Sciences, The History of African Religions, and Penology. Mr. Bell continues his work in education through various speaking engagements and community organizing.

Mr. Bell is an OSHA certified Construction Site Safety and Health Coordinator and is registered with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) for Standardized Craft Training, and Green Energy Sourcing.

In addition, Mr. Bell holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Studies from Rutgers University’s School of Law, where he earned Summa Cum Laude honors. Mr. Bell is a Braven Fellow and member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, the Incarcerated Children’s Advocacy Network and the Transformative Justice Initiative.