Senior Staff
 |
Ernesto R. Flores, PresidentSince the firm’s inception 25 years ago, the mission has been to meet the facilities and financing needs of California’s school districts and community colleges. Mr. Flores is very proud of the experienced team he has assembled to assist our client base of over 140 districts. CFW continues to be the leading firm annually in bond transactions sold and in the number of successful bond programs approved and implemented — all for the benefit of our clients. |
 |
Michael D. Winters, Ed.D., PartnerWith over 40 years experience in public school teaching, administration, and facilities planning, Dr. Winters has the knowledge and skills to help districts find the best ways to assess and meet their long term facilities needs. He has worked with many clients to help identify planning and demographic issues that drive enrollment, voter preferences, developer fees, and the need for State facilities funding for new construction and modernization projects. He is also recognized throughout the State for his work in school district reorganizations and assessing unification efforts. |
 |
Khushroo Gheyara, Chief Operating OfficerKhushroo Gheyara has had the opportunity to work with over 175 districts during his 15 year tenure at CFW. He has worked in all facets of the firm’s operations and heads the firm’s financial advisory services unit. He knows it takes quality services to make your district successful in its efforts and is committed to maintaining the firm’s high standard of service.
|
 |
Steve Castellanos, FAIA, Program ExecutiveSteve Castellanos previously served as the State Architect where he oversaw all functions of the Division of State Architect (DSA) from 2000-2005. He directs CFW’s program management approval and implementation services. At DSA, he oversaw over a thousand K-12 and community college construction project plans annually to ensure code compliance and oversight of construction and testing. His experience with State agencies includes Caltrans, Department of Education, Division of the State Architect, Office of Public School Construction, State Allocation Board and Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. As Program Executive, he brings his experitise to bear to ensure your project is built pursuant to timeline, budget and specification. |
 |
Rosa Perez, PrincipalRosa Perez has worked throughout the State garnering support to substantially improve our colleges. As a former chancellor of a community college, Ms. Pérez turned her local institution into one of the most admired and sought after colleges for corporate, public and private partnerships and employment. She brings a wealth of experience in community college planning, financing, and operations. As the head of our community college practice, she assures a practioners hand in making recommendations that provide solutions necessary to compete in today’s world. |
 |
Barbara Renteria, CEO, CFW FoundationBarbara Renteria is the CEO of the CFW Foundation, administering the firm’s annual giving and scholarship program. Under her leadership, the CFW Foundation has made a commitment to allocate $250,000 over a five year period to qualifying high school seniors to further their college education or career training. She also maintains CFW’s investments, sponsored activities, and systems operations. Her 10 year tenure with the firm has made her a vital component of the firm’s daily operation and commitment to our gifting programs. |
 |
Abel Guillén, Senior Vice PresidentAbel Guillén has worked on over 100 financings to help secure more than $2.5 billion to improve and construct K-12 school facilities and community colleges. He works closely with the executive team to bring key stakeholders together to design programs that meet facility needs and are acceptable to local voters and policy makers. He heads CFW’s public information and public acceptance programs. He is also a trustee with the Peralta Community College District. |
 |
Lalo Trujillo, Managing DirectorLalo Trujillo has over 20 years of experience in the municipal bond industry. He has held leadership positions as an investment banker, commercial banker, and as a municipal issuer. Mr. Trujillo has concentrated much of his work on serving the needs of school districts and healthcare providers. His industry experience and his depth of knowledge with credit and bond structuring provides our clients with valuable expertise in maximizing financial flexibility while achieving the most efficient debt financing. Mr. Trujillo graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the UC Berkeley and received an MBA degree from UCLA. |
 |
Jeremy Cogan, Assistant Vice PresidentJeremy Cogan assists clients with facilities planning, program management, and election services, as well as providing expertise in evaluating 21st century classroom technology infrastructure. He has four years of planning and policy experience focusing on sustainability practices, legislative affairs, and public relations via work in India, China, and the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington DC. Mr. Cogan holds a Bachelor’s degree from UC San Diego, and a Master’s degree from UCLA. |