Key Staff
Erica Dobreff
Erica Dobreff is President of the Kansas City Equity Fund, which raises capital on an annual basis from financial institutions and corporations, and invests this capital in affordable and historic rental housing units by purchasing federal and state tax credits.During 2006, Ms. Dobreff served as the Executive Director of the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, where she was responsible for the financial integrity and full range of housing programs for that entity charged with policy development and implementation of affordable housing in the state.
Prior to joining KHRC, Erica was the Executive Director of the Missouri Housing Development Commission, Missouri’s Housing Finance Agency. She held that position for four years.
Ms. Dobreff’s experience also includes four years as the Deputy Director of MHDC and 19 years with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which included assignments as Director of HUD’s Multifamily Portfolio Reengineering Demonstration and two years as Director of the Office of Housing for HUD’s St. Louis office. She also held positions with HUD in Chicago and Indianapolis, and began her housing career at local government agencies in Indiana.
A native of Ohio, Erica holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Literature from Purdue University and a Master of Public Affairs from Indiana University. She resides in Kansas City, Missouri, with her husband, Terry Gratz.
Maryann Nieweg
Maryann (Gutierrez) Nieweg is the Executive Assistant to the President of the Kansas City Equity Fund, and brings a wealth of experience to this new venture.She comes from a background in Affordable Housing having served nearly 29 years as an employee of the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC). While at MHDC, Maryann held a variety of positions in production and the executive offices. She administered a number of programs including the Affordable Housing Assistance Program, CHAS (Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy) and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program.
Before retiring from MHDC in 2005, Maryann served the Commission in a dual capacity: one as the Secretary to the Commission, acting as liaison to the board of elected officials and six members appointed by the Governor; and the second, as the Director of Administrative Services/Executive Secretary.