We take a multi-disciplinary perspective to generate pragmatic solutions that respond to community needs.
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Global Policy Leadership Academy
Jennifer LeSar combines a background of more than three decades in community development, real estate development and investment banking with a deep working knowledge of eco-system change management and organizational strategy.
She is the CEO/Founder of several systems change and sustainable communities-focused firms.
LeSar Development Consultants, founded in 2005, works specifically on systems change interventions to end the housing affordability and homelessness crises. In 2017, Ms. LeSar launched the Housing Policy Leadership Academy (HPLA), an education and engagement program for leaders and influencers designed to forge comprehensive regional housing solutions and identify actions needed to effectuate structural change and solutions.
Ms. LeSar earned an MBA in real estate and finance and an MA in Urban Planning from UCLA, and a BA from Bryn Mawr College in political science and economics. In 2014, she completed the Executive Program in Social Entrepreneurship at Stanford Graduate School of Business.
OUR STAFF
KRISTA PHIPPS, Director Business Strategy and Execution
Krista Phipps has more than 20 years of experience in economic development, public policy, and public relations in local governments and with private entities. Her core competencies include community engagement, strategic visioning, and economic development practices. She is adept at assessing core business objectives and processes and translating those needs into clearly defined and easily implemented systems. Prior to joining the Global Policy Leadership Academy, Krista worked at Lee Andrews Group as a Senior Account Executive where she managed several high-profile projects. Krista has also served in public affairs, regulatory crisis management and marketing at SoCalGas. During her time with the City of Los Angeles, she served in various roles including District Director, Planning Deputy and Community Affairs Deputy in various council offices, Senior Liaison for the Mayor’s Office of Housing & Economic Opportunity, and Community Affairs Manager for the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles.
Krista holds a master’s degree in urban planning and economic development finance from the University of Southern California (USC) and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Rosemont College.
OUR FACULTY
