About Us

Founded by innovators who helped direct the transformation of Brooklyn into a global model for urban revitalization, our work draws upon our expertise in our respective fields and a deep understanding of what makes a vibrant local economy. Our team is comprised of professionals with a depth of experience in public service, nonprofit management, marketing, and community and government relations.

 
 
 
Totems 2022.png

Vivian
Liao

Principal

Vivian Liao is Co-Founder and Principal of Totem, overseeing operations, narrative strategy, and economic development projects.

Tucker
Reed

Principal

Tucker Reed is Co-Founder and Principal of Totem. Aside from serving as CEO, he leads our real estate developments and advisory work.

Elizabeth
Canela

VP, Project Management

Elizabeth Canela (Liz) is Vice President for Totem, overseeing project management and community outreach for our developments.

 
 
 

Advisors + Collaborators

We are also proud to partner with a number of trusted advisors who bring further expertise in community and workforce development, real estate investment sales, urban design, and public policy.

 
 
 

 

Lee Brodsky

CEO | BEB Capital


Owner and operator of industrial and multi-family assets along the East Coast

Rohan Defreitas

Principal and CEO | The Crescent Companies

Expert in M/WBE and local hiring in construction-related fields

J. Manuel Mansylla

Founding Principal | FANTÁSTICA

Urban designer who specializes in revitalizing underutilized assets

Melony Samuels

Founder and Executive Director | The Campaign Against Hunger

Community food and urban farming expert

 

 
 

Leah Archibald

Executive Director | Evergreen Exchange

Advocate for manufacturing, creative production, and industrial service businesses

“Finding partners who consider the people and unique character of the communities where they build is key to Evergreen’s mission to preserve manufacturing and industrial businesses in Brooklyn. Totem is doing that work to understand the local community here, which will help create new high-quality jobs and preserve the ones already in the neighborhood.”

 

 

Bhaskar Srivastava

Founder | dencityworks

Architect who specializes in mixed-use, multifamily, cultural, office, and hospitality projects

Shabazz Stuart

Founder and CEO | Oonee

Mobility expert and founder of bike parking startup

Claire Weisz

Principal-in-Charge | WXY

Urban design and master planning expert

Bill Wilkins

Executive Director | LDC of East New York

Economic and industrial development advocate

 
 

Colvin Grannum

Former CEO | Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation

Community development expert

“After being an integral part of this community for over 50 years, we have seen how thoughtful, community-focused developments such as 1065 Atlantic Avenue can benefit our neighbors in creating much-needed workforce housing.”