Section 04 · Who We Are + Contact
A Team of Experts
M Lappin & Associates provides advisory and development services for affordable housing and mixed-use development in emerging neighborhoods.
Founding Member
Michael D. Lappin
Past CEO and President of The Community Preservation Corporation (CPC) and CPC Resources Inc. (1980–2011). Led CPC to become a national leader in the development and financing of affordable housing. During his tenure, over 140,000 affordable homes were financed and developed, representing investments of almost $8 billion. Pioneered a major investment program with the New York City and New York State public employee pension funds. Served on the advisory board of Fannie Mae; first president of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Advisory Committee for its Affordable Housing Program; founder and first president of the National Association of Affordable Housing Lenders.
Phone
(917) 601-8950
New York Region
Deborah A. Widerkehr
In her more than 25 years of affordable housing experience in both the public and private sectors, Debbie has led the development of more than 1100 housing units and the financing of thousands more. Her work has included mixed-use projects, senior housing, home ownership, and the rehabilitation of distressed assets. Her career has included senior positions with CPC Resources, Inc. and the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. She holds a bachelor's degree from Wellesley College and an MBA from Columbia University.
Phone
(917) 302-0939
Project Executive
David Nicklas
With over 35 years of experience in construction, primarily in the affordable housing sector, and holding degrees from SUNY and the Institute of Design and Construction, David brings professional oversight to all projects reflective of both his educational training and real world experience. His experience as a licensed Superintendent of Construction and Project Manager for some of NYC's largest builders — including Turner Construction, StructureTone, BFCI, and McAlpine Contracting — ultimately led to a position as Construction Manager for CPC Resources. During his tenure at CPCR, David not only directed his own projects but oversaw the facilitation and placement of over 550 affordable housing units, managing both General Contractors and Developers.
Phone
(201) 481-2265Email
dnicklas@gmail.com
Real Estate Finance
Richard Conley
Dick Conley has over 40 years of experience in real estate finance loan origination, as well as a deep knowledge of government programs and affordable housing programs. From June of 2020 until July 2025, Dick oversaw property management and housing development for New Destiny Housing, a NY not-for-profit founded in 1995 that creates permanent supportive housing for survivors of domestic violence. Prior to New Destiny, he was Senior Vice President, Director of Agency Production, at the Community Preservation Corporation (CPC). In this capacity he oversaw origination of multifamily loans for sale to Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and FHA. He began his career at CPC in 1988 in a community office in the Bronx originating loans for renovating or building affordable multi-family housing in the Bronx, and Manhattan north of 125th Street, playing a role in CPC's leadership in revitalizing New York neighborhoods. Dick earned his BA from the University of Southern Maine Portland and an MS in Urban Planning from Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. He is chair of Mosaic Mental Health, an agency in the Bronx that serves families and individuals experiencing mental health difficulties.
Phone
(917) 416-5665