MISSION
Compass serves as the North Star for developers and residents of affordable housing through programs, partnerships and services. Our mission is to advance best practices in the development and programming of affordable housing. Compass leverages decades of experience providing managing general partner (MGP) services, as well as award-winning youth & family programming.
LEADERSHIP
Robin Martinez
Executive Director
Robin Martinez, Executive Director of Compass, brings nearly two decades of experience both in residential development, and creating and managing programming for multi-family housing communities. Blending a strong understanding of the needs of developers and the needs of the residents in the communities they serve, Robin’s leadership and vision are guiding Compass as it expands its mission and grows its reach.
Development & Programming Background
Robin has a history of building successful partnerships by working closely with residents, property managers, and developers. She has worked for prominent builders such as Shea Homes managing community development and overseeing HOA programs. She also worked for several companies dedicated to developing and managing Common Interest Developments. Throughout these experiences, Robin gained a deep understanding of both the development process and long-term community management. She also holds several credentials which have helped her develop community programming, including a Certificate in Personal Fitness Training from Cal State San Marcos, a Certificate in Nutrition for Optimal Health, Wellness and Sports from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a Certified Mindset Coach from the American Board of Neuro Linguistic Programming.
Founding of Compass
Helping to form Compass into the organization it is today, Robin co-founded a non-profit organization called Love Your Lunchbox, the predecessor of Compass, in 2008. Determined to help people access food resources in their communities, Robin saw the need for basic nutrition education and healthy cooking classes as an integral part of a larger strategy to address poverty. Soon after, the organization was administering the E.A.T. (Education, Access, Tools) program to residents of affordable housing communities throughout San Diego. As a certified facilitator of Franklin Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People ®, Robin designs well-structured programs, allowing for replicable success. Complemented by her natural ability to inspire and motivate others, Robin has created effective programming for developers of affordable housing and their residents. Today, Compass has grown to be a trusted resident services provider, program developer, and valued development partner.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Nicki Cometa
Board President
Jim Laverty
Board Treasurer
James H. Laverty leads the Construction and Real Estate Practice Group for Marsh & McLennan Insurance Agency LLC. He has more than 25 years of experience providing risk management services to real estate clients across all asset classes including office, industrial, retail, multifamily, affordable housing, and homebuilding. He is a frequent speaker and panelist at various industry conferences including the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), the Information Management Network (IMN) Real Estate Private Equity Conference, and the Urban Land Institute. He is a board member for the NAIOP Foundation and serves as a Real Estate Committee member of the University of San Diego’s Burnham Moores Center for Real Estate. Mr. Laverty earned his bachelor’s degree in business economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He lives in Solana Beach with his wife, Kristina, and their two children.
Denise Gomez
Board Secretary
Waheed Karim
Board Member
Beth Binger
Board Member
Beth Binger, President of BCIpr, has represented Southern California’s most recognized and landscape-shaping real estate developments, totaling well over $10 billion—from iconic civic buildings and place-making destinations to pioneering affordable housing and master-planned communities. As she has spearheaded the public relations efforts for BCIpr’s developer, designer, general contractor, and civil engineering clients, Ms. Binger has helped to elevate her clients’ reputations and contribute to San Diego’s status as a national destination for real estate innovation and investment. She received her bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of California, San Diego. While a student, she was awarded a scholarship by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS). Ms. Binger is past President of the University of California, San Diego Alumni Association. In 2025, she will serve as President of the Board of Directors for Lambda Alpha International (LAI), an invitation-only, global land economics association.
ADVISORS
Cappie Brooks
Educational Advisor
Cappie Brooks, MA, National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT), has nearly 30 years of experience as a teacher for elementary-age kids. Upon graduating from San Diego State University in 1993 with her psychology degree and teaching credential, Cappie began teaching second and third grades. As a specialist in helping children achieve literacy and who often worked with English language learners, she strongly believes that there is a perfect book for every child which will unlock the joy of reading. In 2002, she earned her master’s degree from California State University, San Marcos. Her thesis was focused on the development of an effective after-school literacy program for first graders. Twenty years later and now retired from full-time teaching, she continues to use her research and planning to make a difference for children as a Compass Advisor.
For Compass, Cappie has developed a structure for the FOCUS after-school program, intended to supplement and support children’s education. Administered by Compass’ on-site resident services coordinators, FOCUS provides homework help, enriching activities, and physical education. Her plan, based on her 30-year career as a teacher, provides structured choice, which keeps the options broad to meet children’s needs. Activities promote communication, cooperation, creativity, confidence, equity, and build math and reading comprehension. By designing a fun and engaging, multi-age learning environment, she has set up each day for success.
