Adam Lavelle has quickly moved up the ranks at CREA, a leading low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) syndicator.
After beginning his career as an underwriting analyst, he went on to serve as an acquisitions analyst, closing coordinator, and account manager. These early roles combined with his leadership skills have led Lavelle to his current position as senior vice president, overseeing CREA’s Midwest originations platform.
Recently celebrating 10 years with the firm, he has been a key player in closing more than 130 LIHTC transactions, helping to create more than 12,000 affordable homes.
“We have a great team at CREA, and our team really emphasizes celebrating the wins,” says Lavelle, who is based in CREA’s Indianapolis headquarters. “The ultimate win is attending a grand opening and having a tenant speak about how a development CREA partnered on had a positive impact on their life.”
Lavelle, who also worked as a project manager for a large multifamily developer, describes affordable housing as “the varsity of real estate” for its complexity. “It’s not just rinse and repeat,” he says. “Every deal takes on its own form, and every deal has a special story.”
His colleagues cite his ability to break down complex problems and support of others as key strengths.
A native of Nebraska, Lavelle played baseball at Western Kentucky University. “He brings the same level of teamwork to CREA that any successful baseball program would depend upon from its players—never one to try and steal the limelight and a competitive spirit that is to be commended,” says CREA president Charles Anderson.
Lavelle serves on the board of a local community development corporation serving northeast Indianapolis. He and his wife, Morgan, have three daughters.