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
GARRETT McCLURE, Chief Strategy Officer
Garrett McClure serves as the Chief Strategy Officer, providing strategic planning and leadership for sales, marketing, and product development.
Garrett brings with him two decades of entrepreneurial experience and leadership, including founding the Customer Success division and the Education & Sales Enablement division at Basis as the company grew from 200 to 800+ employees. During the pandemic, he also became a certified master coach to hone his skills to inspire and serve organizations and unlock potential and growth.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in commercial graphics and journalism from Pittsburg State University and a master’s degree in corporate community and technology from Rollings College in Winter Park, FL.
JESSICA RIPPER, Director, Market Execution
Jessica Ripper specializes in partnering with clients to promote systems change at the intersections of housing, health, and human services through education and training, stakeholder engagement, and organizational capacity building. She currently leads a team that oversees curriculum development and delivery for the Housing Policy Leadership Academy and works with subject matter experts to create interactive educational experiences for a range of other clients. She previously served as a Principal at LeSar Development Consultants (LCD), where she guided multiple cities in Los Angeles County through the development of local homelessness plans, developed toolkits on subjects ranging from permanent supportive housing to cross-sector data sharing, and facilitated strategic planning for community-based organizations and collaborative networks. Prior to joining LDC, Jessica consulted on systems change initiatives for the County of San Diego Child Welfare Services and the Annie E. Casey Foundation, as well as other national and regional nonprofits.
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
