Carissa serves as Human Resources Director at Zeffert, where she leads the organization’s people strategy, workforce development, and culture initiatives. She approaches human resources as an operational and leadership function, aligning talent, engagement, and organizational performance.

With academic foundations in Psychology and Criminal Justice, Carissa brings a human-centered perspective to workforce planning and employee experience. She has guided initiatives in diversity, equity, and inclusion, strengthening recruitment processes and engagement practices while supporting a workplace culture grounded in respect and accountability.

She established and continues to lead the firm’s in house Leadership Development program, focused on preparing future leaders within the organization. Designed to strengthen leadership capability and reinforce organizational continuity, the program reflects her commitment to investing in people as a long term strategic priority.

Her work has earned recognition as both the High Achiever and the CEO Award. Guided by her personal leadership principles, “Find the Laughter” and “Be Kind,” Carissa fosters an environment where accountability and compassion operate in tandem.

She remains committed to advancing the mission of Zeffert & Associates as the organization continues expanding its impact across the multifamily and affordable housing sectors.