Our Team
United by Belief
At CASA, our leadership, staff, and Board of Directors are united by one belief: everyone deserves a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home. Together, we bring decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, housing development, finance, mental health, and community advocacy to advance solutions to homelessness across the Triangle.
Our Leadership
Matt Bieniek
Chief Administrative Officer
Matt joined CASA in November 2022 as Director of Facilities and was promoted to CAO in summer 2025. He brings extensive facilities and operations experience from the nonprofit sector, previously serving as a Facility Director for an organization specializing in childcare and sports.
At CASA, Matt oversees facilities, infrastructure, and operational systems that ensure our properties remain safe and welcoming for residents. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his daughter and staying active.
Eric James Fullilove
Chief Financial Officer
Eric is an MIT graduate, CPA, and published author with a diverse background spanning mainstream media and nonprofit leadership. His experience includes work with CBS, Young & Rubicam, Scholastic, Housing Works, World Vision, Relief International, Boys & Girls Clubs, and Innovations for Poverty Action.
He has traveled to more than 60 countries supporting global causes related to poverty alleviation, displaced persons, child development, and housing stability. At CASA, Eric provides strategic financial leadership to ensure long-term sustainability and impact.
Miriam Urenda
Human Resources Manager
Miriam joined CASA in 2022 with more than 10 years of HR management experience across the private and government sectors. Her expertise includes continuous improvement initiatives and building equitable, effective workplace systems.
Originally from Portland, Oregon, Miriam is proud to call the Triangle home. She is passionate about fostering a fair, inclusive workplace culture and enjoys exploring the area with her family.
Senior Staff
Cornelis Verkerk
Director of Real Estate Development
Cornelis joined CASA in May 2022 after earning a Master of Public Administration from UNC–Chapel Hill, concentrating in Community and Economic Development. Prior to graduate school, he spent six years in construction and real estate development and gained experience in local government planning and public works.
At CASA, Cornelis evaluates new development and redevelopment opportunities and manages active construction and acquisition projects that expand affordable housing across the region.
Joyce Hicklen
Director of Community Partnerships & Resident Relations
Joyce joined CASA in 2004 after working as a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counselor. She now serves as a bridge between CASA residents and service providers across the Triangle, ensuring tenants have access to the support they need to thrive.
Joyce also leads grant reporting efforts and serves in leadership roles with Wake County’s Partnership to End Homelessness and the Coalition to End Homelessness in Durham. She holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling.
Board of Directors
CASA’s Board of Directors provides strategic leadership, governance, and community advocacy to advance our mission.
Tina Konidaris
Board Chair
Why Tina serves:
“Having experienced homelessness myself, I understand how frightening it can be to have nowhere of your own to call home. I serve on CASA’s board because I want to be part of an organization making a tangible difference in our community.”
Catherine Clodfelter
Vice Chair
Catherine is a lawyer with Parker Poe, practicing municipal law and business litigation. She advises communities on infrastructure expansion to support sustainable growth. Previously, she worked in public health, including with the CDC, focusing on the role of law in supporting core public health initiatives.
Why Catherine serves:
“Lack of housing is a moral and economic problem we created—and therefore one we can fix. Affordable housing is an investment in our community’s future.”
Mike Bauldree
Secretary
Mike has served as an executive at several software companies, leading global teams across customer engagement, strategy, and operations. Currently on sabbatical, he volunteers with organizations supporting vulnerable community members.
Why Mike serves:
“With the region’s growth comes a widening economic gap. CASA is making a meaningful difference in people’s lives and restoring dignity through affordable housing.”
David Bennett
Treasurer
David joined the CASA board in 2025 and serves as President of Centrant Community Capital, a mission-driven consortium providing financing for affordable multifamily housing across the Southeast. He previously worked in bank consulting and with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Program.
Why David serves:
“Housing exists on a spectrum, and a functioning society requires safe, affordable options for everyone. I’m proud to support CASA’s dedication to serving those with the greatest needs.”
Todd Hay
Todd is a professional civil engineer with more than 25 years of experience across nine states. He holds degrees from Temple University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology and recently relocated to North Carolina.
Why Todd serves:
“My professional network in the built environment can help bring resources and awareness to the housing crisis in the Triangle. There is hope—and partnership—for what’s possible.”
Jean Gross
Jean became involved with CASA in 2018 before retiring from private practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Throughout her career, she has supported causes including food insecurity, voting rights, foster youth, reproductive rights, and affordable housing.
Why Jean serves:
“CASA has proven to be an effective champion of what should be a basic human right—a safe and affordable place to live.”
Sharonda Ocean
Sharonda is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Ocean Motivation Mental Health Services, LLC. For over 18 years, she has served the Durham community and worked to reduce veteran suicide rates through strategic initiatives.
Why Sharonda serves:
“Having experienced sheltered homelessness and worked with individuals facing chronic homelessness, I understand its trauma. Stable, permanent housing is essential to healing and community well-being.”
Levi Zsuppan
Levi joined CASA’s Board in 2022 and leads the Medical Specialty Group for Truist Bank in the Triangle, advising physicians in financial planning. A licensed attorney and avid college basketball fan, he lives in Raleigh with his wife and their yellow lab.
Why Levi serves:
“With the economic prosperity our area has seen, it’s our responsibility to advocate for safe and affordable housing for everyone.”
Interested in Making an Impact?
Together, we’re building communities where everyone has a place to call home.