Meet the Team

  • Laney Vassallo

    FOUNDER

    Laney is the glue that holds it all together. She moves seamlessly between interior design, construction, marketing, and strategy (just to name a few). Laney holds degrees from the Newhouse and Whitman Schools at Syracuse University. And with her previous leadership roles at J Crew and Crocs, she knows a few things about running a tight ship.

  • Ryan Day

    FOUNDER

    Ryan has a love for all things strategy and a knack for driving exponential growth. As Chief Strategy Officer of a prominent NYC-based adtech company since 2011, Ryan has led the firm to a revenue increase of over 3,000%. With a finance degree from the Whitman School of Management and a background in professional poker, his approach to building products and strategies is supported by game theory and novel risk approaches. At Foundation, Ryan brings this innovative mindset to redefining the student housing experience.

  • Steve Vassallo

    FOUNDER

    Equipped with a strong background in finance, data science, and institutional research, Steve holds degrees from both Syracuse University and NYU. Through his research and extensive experience in leading data analytics teams at multiple renowned universities, Steve has developed a deep understanding of all aspects of our higher education system. He is passionate about improving both the student experience and the value proposition of a college education.

  • Greg Vassallo

    FOUNDER

    Greg is a User Experience Designer with an extensive record of leading innovation teams. Trained at Syracuse University and Carnegie Mellon, Greg and his teams have designed award-winning experiences for brands like ESPN, Disney, Tiffany, Bloomberg, and Fidelity Investments. At Foundation, Greg brings his passion for developing a deep understanding of student needs and their end-to-end journey, and intentionally designing every aspect of the student housing experience.

  • Kaleigh Tennies

    HEAD OF STUDENT SUCCESS

    Kaleigh is a passionate advocate for individuals with special needs and is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion. She holds a degree in finance and a master’s in leadership and organizational change. Kaleigh's commitment to creating an inclusive world brought her to Foundation, where she was drawn to their innovative approach to student housing. She believes that every student deserves a safe and supportive home environment, where they can thrive both academically and personally.

  • Yaw Aidoo - Accounting & Analytics Manager

    Yaw Aidoo

    ACCOUNTING & ANALYTICS MANAGER

    Yaw brings a powerful mix of education and experience — a bachelor's and master’s in accounting, an MBA focussed on global business, and valuable experience as a Senior Accountant at Raytheon Technologies. His passion for building a lasting legacy, coupled with a unique blend of data analytics and accounting expertise, align perfectly with Foundation's mission.

  • Tim Moran

    VP OF OPERATIONS & CONSTRUCTION

    With 15 years of experience in commercial operations and construction, Tim Moran brings a wealth of knowledge to his role. As the former owner-operator of a residential and commercial contracting business, Tim possesses a deep understanding of all aspects of the industry, from estimating and contract negotiations to customer relations and project completion. His extensive knowledge and emphasis on customer satisfaction make him an invaluable asset to the team.

  • Grace Tiderencel

    STUDENT SERVICES & RECRUITMENT MANAGER

    As a former Foundation student herself, Grace is determined to provide residents with the same exceptional amenities and community she enjoyed. With a degree from Syracuse University in Finance and Business Analytics, she leverages data-driven insights to enrich the student journey. Grace is devoted to creating modern, comfortable student housing where students truly feel at home.