Gerard F. Keena is an experienced professional with over 19 years of asset management experience with specialties in property management and business transactions. Consulting services have been completed on a wide variety of asset types. This includes the day‐to‐day oversight of large residential, commercial and industrial real estate portfolios originated from major financial institutions, private equity and hedge fund clients. Gerard has been responsible for numerous types of real property management, including office buildings, unfinished apartment and condominium complexes as well as industrial facilities. Additionally, Gerard has sold numerous types of real property ranging from single family homes to multi‐million dollar commercial properties. Gerard is experienced in real estate and business evaluations, negotiations as well as financial and market analysis.
Marianne Dickson is in-house counsel for the Bay Area Receivership Group. Ms. Dickson joined BARG as an accomplished attorney with a breadth of experience representing businesses and institutional lenders in corporate and commercial real estate financing and restructuring transactions, loan enforcement actions, and bankruptcy-related matters. Her practice naturally extended to representing court-appointed fiduciaries, such as receivers and bankruptcy trustees. Prior to joining the Bay Area Receivership Group, she was the lead attorney for Seyfarth Shaw LLP's Bankruptcy, Workouts & Business Reorganization Practice Group on the west coast.
Ms. Dickson previously served on the board of directors for the Turnaround Management Association from 2008-2016 and the board of directors for the California Receiver’s Forum – Bay Area Chapter from 2013 – 2016. Ms. Dickson was a judicial extern in 2006 for the Hon. Arthur S. Weissbrodt (Ret.) with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court – San Jose Division before graduating from the University of San Francisco School of Law. She earned her undergraduate degree in Japanese at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Since 2017, Ryan Griffith has served as in-house counsel for Bay Area Receivership Group assisting cities and counties address blighted properties throughout the areas. Prior to his time with BARG, Ryan attended Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco where he was offered a Faculty Scholarship to attend the school and was named to the Dean’s List every semester. After graduating from law school, Ryan was hired by the City of Vallejo where he worked to develop the Neighborhood Law Program and create solutions to the issues affecting the quality of life in Vallejo. In addition to this, Ryan has worked for several law litigation firms including Silver & Wright, which specialized in municipal code enforcement litigation. Some of his other accolades include being named the Solano County Bar Association Young Lawyer of the Year in 2013, being a member of the Jesse Carter Honor Society at Golden Gate University School of Law, as well as a stint as a professional basketball player in China. Ryan also serves an adjunct professor of law at Golden Gate University, where he teaches remedies.
Education
- M.A. History, Missouri State University (2021)
- Cannabis Law Certificate, McGeorge School of Law (2019)
- J.D. Golden Gate University, (2012)
- B.A. & Paralegal Certificate, Chico State University (2007)
Court Admissions
- California State Bar
- United States Northern District of California
- United States Eastern District of California
- Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
- District of Columbia Court of Appeals
- United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS)
Awards:
- Solano County Bar Association Young Lawyer of the Year, 2013
- Witkin Award for Highest Grade in Constitutional Law I
- CALI Award for Academic Excellence in Constitutional Law II
- CALI Award for Academic Excellence in Sports Law
- Member Jesse Carter Honor Society at Golden Gate University School of Law
- Dean’s List Every Semester at Golden Gate University School of Law
- Chico State Scholar Athlete Award
- College of the Siskiyous Scholar Athlete Award
- El Camino Real High School Basketball Legend
- El Camino Real High School Scholar Athlete Award
Organizations:
- California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO)
- California Lawyer’s Association
- California Receiver’s Forum
- San Francisco Bar Association
- Solano County Bar Association
- Chair, San Francisco Bar Association Basketball Operations
- Golden Gate University Alumni Association, Board of Directors
- YMCA Basketball Coach
- Adjunct Professor of Law at Golden Gate University School of Law
- Executive Committee Member, California Lawyers Association Public Law Board
Publications:
- Ryan Griffith, Drug Abatement Act how to Fight Crime with Civil Litigation, CEB-UCLA, November 8, 2022.
- Ryan Griffith, How Cities and Banks can use Receiverships to Fix Problem Properties, CEB-UCLA, September 21, 2022.
- Ryan Griffith, Resolving Criminal Nuisance Properties Through Civil Litigation, California Daily Journal, October 10, 2022.
- Ryan Griffith, Amanda Pope, Dylan Brady: How Cities can Abate Nuisance Properties at No Cost, California League of Cities. (City Attorney’s Spring Conference 2021)
- Ryan Griffith, California Lawyers Association “CLA” CLE Webinar – How Cities and Counties Can Fix Dangerous Properties; Add Housing Stock; Increase Tax Revenue; and Recover Fees. (September 2020)
- California Lawyers Association Public Law Journal-Volume 44 - Health and Safety Receiverships: The Cost Neutral Way to Abate Difficult Nuisance Properties. (December 2021)
- Ryan Griffith, Health and Safety Receivership: California’s Cure for Zombie Foreclosures, Vacant, and Other Nuisance Properties, Lincoln Memorial University, Law Review, Volume 8, Issue 3 (2021)
- Ryan Griffith, How, cities can fix dangerous properties and increase revenue, California Daily Journal, April 1, 2020.
- Ryan Griffith, Zombie foreclosure: What is it and how can it be fixed, California Daily Journal, April 27, 2020.
- Ryan Griffith, How neighborhoods can fight nuisance properties, California Daily Journal, February 22, 2021.
- Ryan Griffith, City Attorneys: generate revenue, prevent crime and reduce blight, California Daily Journal, March 16, 2021.
- Ryan Griffith, A Breath of Fresh Air: A Constitutional Amendment Legalizing Marijuana Through a Convention of the States, 16 Umass L. Rev 275
- Ryan Griffith, California Association of Code Enforcement Officers Annual Conference (CACEO) – Fixing Problem Properties at No Cost. (October 2020)
- League of California Cities, City Attorney’s Conference Speaker, How Cities can Abate Nuisances at No Cost. (May 2021)
- Ryan Griffith, League of California Cities Annual Conference - Neighborhood Law Programs: How City Attorney Office can fight blight more effectively. (September 2021)
- Ryan Griffith, California Association of Code Enforcement Officers Annual Conference (CACEO), Neighborhood Law Programs - Fighting Blight (October 2021)
- Ryan Griffith, California Lawyers Association Public Law Journal-Volume 44 - Health and Safety Receiverships: The Cost Neutral Way to Abate Difficult Nuisance Properties. (December 2021)
- Ryan Griffith, California Lawyers Association “CLA” CLE Webinar – Neighborhood Law Programs Fighting Blight. (January 2022)
- Ryan Griffith, California League of Cities, City Leaders Summitt, How Cities Can Fix Dangerous Properties and Increase Revenue (May 2022)
Presentations:
Dan Collins has been active in various fields of real estate since beginning his real estate career in 1983. Since then, his career has focused upon commercial and residential construction projects, repurposing existing structures, land development, management and receivership services. He has in depth experience in entitlements and land development for commercial parks, planned residential communities, in-fill residential projects, and multi-family projects, as well as mixed use developments. Mr. Collins works as a Project Managing Director for BARG, overseeing several properties and sites. In 2018, he published a book entitled Probate & Trust Estate Administration Tips & Tricks which was published by Hackard Global Media.
Cindi Sherrod is an experienced professional in the specialized area of Receivership Administration. She has experience assisting with Receivership cases filed in US District Courts and California State Courts as well as assisting with Special Trustee Receiverships. Instrumental in preparing Reports to the Court, investigating fraudulent use of investor funds, and day-to-day organization and management of Receivership. Ms. Sherrod has been involved in the investigation of Ponzi Schemes, Family Trusts, Residential and Commercial Property Receiverships, and has worked with Investigators in Cornwall, England to arrest and prosecute a criminal responsible for defrauding investors in several countries. Ms. Sherrod is a Founding Board Member of John Adams Academy (a non-profit public charter school), which has three schools operating in Northern, California. She was the volunteer coordinator at Placer County Children’s Receiving Home, and has received an Honorary Devon and Cornwall Constabulary award for assistance with a Criminal Case in the UK.
As one of the project managers for BARG, John Kirsten is responsible for overseeing and managing the Southern California office. He brings significant experience to the company, spending over thirty years in financial restructuring and management consulting with distressed businesses, representing company management, equity investors and lenders. John’s recent engagements have been primarily involved with Rents & Profits Receiverships and Post-Judgement Receiverships.
Gerard F. Keena is an experienced professional with over 19 years of asset management experience with specialties in property management and business transactions. Consulting services have been completed on a wide variety of asset types. This includes the day‐to‐day oversight of large residential, commercial and industrial real estate portfolios originated from major financial institutions, private equity and hedge fund clients. Gerard has been responsible for numerous types of real property management, including office buildings, unfinished apartment and condominium complexes as well as industrial facilities. Additionally, Gerard has sold numerous types of real property ranging from single family homes to multi‐million dollar commercial properties. Gerard is experienced in real estate and business evaluations, negotiations as well as financial and market analysis.
Marianne Dickson is in-house counsel for the Bay Area Receivership Group. Ms. Dickson joined BARG as an accomplished attorney with a breadth of experience representing businesses and institutional lenders in corporate and commercial real estate financing and restructuring transactions, loan enforcement actions, and bankruptcy-related matters. Her practice naturally extended to representing court-appointed fiduciaries, such as receivers and bankruptcy trustees. Prior to joining the Bay Area Receivership Group, she was the lead attorney for Seyfarth Shaw LLP's Bankruptcy, Workouts & Business Reorganization Practice Group on the west coast.
Ms. Dickson previously served on the board of directors for the Turnaround Management Association from 2008-2016 and the board of directors for the California Receiver’s Forum – Bay Area Chapter from 2013 – 2016. Ms. Dickson was a judicial extern in 2006 for the Hon. Arthur S. Weissbrodt (Ret.) with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court – San Jose Division before graduating from the University of San Francisco School of Law. She earned her undergraduate degree in Japanese at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Since 2017, Ryan Griffith has served as in-house counsel for Bay Area Receivership Group assisting cities and counties address blighted properties throughout the areas. Prior to his time with BARG, Ryan attended Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco where he was offered a Faculty Scholarship to attend the school and was named to the Dean’s List every semester. After graduating from law school, Ryan was hired by the City of Vallejo where he worked to develop the Neighborhood Law Program and create solutions to the issues affecting the quality of life in Vallejo. In addition to this, Ryan has worked for several law litigation firms including Silver & Wright, which specialized in municipal code enforcement litigation. Some of his other accolades include being named the Solano County Bar Association Young Lawyer of the Year in 2013, being a member of the Jesse Carter Honor Society at Golden Gate University School of Law, as well as a stint as a professional basketball player in China. Ryan also serves an adjunct professor of law at Golden Gate University, where he teaches remedies.
Education
- M.A. History, Missouri State University (2021)
- Cannabis Law Certificate, McGeorge School of Law (2019)
- J.D. Golden Gate University, (2012)
- B.A. & Paralegal Certificate, Chico State University (2007)
Court Admissions
- California State Bar
- United States Northern District of California
- United States Eastern District of California
- Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
- District of Columbia Court of Appeals
- United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS)
Awards:
- Solano County Bar Association Young Lawyer of the Year, 2013
- Witkin Award for Highest Grade in Constitutional Law I
- CALI Award for Academic Excellence in Constitutional Law II
- CALI Award for Academic Excellence in Sports Law
- Member Jesse Carter Honor Society at Golden Gate University School of Law
- Dean’s List Every Semester at Golden Gate University School of Law
- Chico State Scholar Athlete Award
- College of the Siskiyous Scholar Athlete Award
- El Camino Real High School Basketball Legend
- El Camino Real High School Scholar Athlete Award
Organizations:
- California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO)
- California Lawyer’s Association
- California Receiver’s Forum
- San Francisco Bar Association
- Solano County Bar Association
- Chair, San Francisco Bar Association Basketball Operations
- Golden Gate University Alumni Association, Board of Directors
- YMCA Basketball Coach
- Adjunct Professor of Law at Golden Gate University School of Law
- Executive Committee Member, California Lawyers Association Public Law Board
Publications:
- Ryan Griffith, Drug Abatement Act how to Fight Crime with Civil Litigation, CEB-UCLA, November 8, 2022.
- Ryan Griffith, How Cities and Banks can use Receiverships to Fix Problem Properties, CEB-UCLA, September 21, 2022.
- Ryan Griffith, Resolving Criminal Nuisance Properties Through Civil Litigation, California Daily Journal, October 10, 2022.
- Ryan Griffith, Amanda Pope, Dylan Brady: How Cities can Abate Nuisance Properties at No Cost, California League of Cities. (City Attorney’s Spring Conference 2021)
- Ryan Griffith, California Lawyers Association “CLA” CLE Webinar – How Cities and Counties Can Fix Dangerous Properties; Add Housing Stock; Increase Tax Revenue; and Recover Fees. (September 2020)
- California Lawyers Association Public Law Journal-Volume 44 - Health and Safety Receiverships: The Cost Neutral Way to Abate Difficult Nuisance Properties. (December 2021)
- Ryan Griffith, Health and Safety Receivership: California’s Cure for Zombie Foreclosures, Vacant, and Other Nuisance Properties, Lincoln Memorial University, Law Review, Volume 8, Issue 3 (2021)
- Ryan Griffith, How, cities can fix dangerous properties and increase revenue, California Daily Journal, April 1, 2020.
- Ryan Griffith, Zombie foreclosure: What is it and how can it be fixed, California Daily Journal, April 27, 2020.
- Ryan Griffith, How neighborhoods can fight nuisance properties, California Daily Journal, February 22, 2021.
- Ryan Griffith, City Attorneys: generate revenue, prevent crime and reduce blight, California Daily Journal, March 16, 2021.
- Ryan Griffith, A Breath of Fresh Air: A Constitutional Amendment Legalizing Marijuana Through a Convention of the States, 16 Umass L. Rev 275
- Ryan Griffith, California Association of Code Enforcement Officers Annual Conference (CACEO) – Fixing Problem Properties at No Cost. (October 2020)
- League of California Cities, City Attorney’s Conference Speaker, How Cities can Abate Nuisances at No Cost. (May 2021)
- Ryan Griffith, League of California Cities Annual Conference - Neighborhood Law Programs: How City Attorney Office can fight blight more effectively. (September 2021)
- Ryan Griffith, California Association of Code Enforcement Officers Annual Conference (CACEO), Neighborhood Law Programs - Fighting Blight (October 2021)
- Ryan Griffith, California Lawyers Association Public Law Journal-Volume 44 - Health and Safety Receiverships: The Cost Neutral Way to Abate Difficult Nuisance Properties. (December 2021)
- Ryan Griffith, California Lawyers Association “CLA” CLE Webinar – Neighborhood Law Programs Fighting Blight. (January 2022)
- Ryan Griffith, California League of Cities, City Leaders Summitt, How Cities Can Fix Dangerous Properties and Increase Revenue (May 2022)
Presentations:
Dan Collins has been active in various fields of real estate since beginning his real estate career in 1983. Since then, his career has focused upon commercial and residential construction projects, repurposing existing structures, land development, management and receivership services. He has in depth experience in entitlements and land development for commercial parks, planned residential communities, in-fill residential projects, and multi-family projects, as well as mixed use developments. Mr. Collins works as a Project Managing Director for BARG, overseeing several properties and sites. In 2018, he published a book entitled Probate & Trust Estate Administration Tips & Tricks which was published by Hackard Global Media.
Cindi Sherrod is an experienced professional in the specialized area of Receivership Administration. She has experience assisting with Receivership cases filed in US District Courts and California State Courts as well as assisting with Special Trustee Receiverships. Instrumental in preparing Reports to the Court, investigating fraudulent use of investor funds, and day-to-day organization and management of Receivership. Ms. Sherrod has been involved in the investigation of Ponzi Schemes, Family Trusts, Residential and Commercial Property Receiverships, and has worked with Investigators in Cornwall, England to arrest and prosecute a criminal responsible for defrauding investors in several countries. Ms. Sherrod is a Founding Board Member of John Adams Academy (a non-profit public charter school), which has three schools operating in Northern, California. She was the volunteer coordinator at Placer County Children’s Receiving Home, and has received an Honorary Devon and Cornwall Constabulary award for assistance with a Criminal Case in the UK.
As one of the project managers for BARG, John Kirsten is responsible for overseeing and managing the Southern California office. He brings significant experience to the company, spending over thirty years in financial restructuring and management consulting with distressed businesses, representing company management, equity investors and lenders. John’s recent engagements have been primarily involved with Rents & Profits Receiverships and Post-Judgement Receiverships.
Hafez Alsaidi is an accounting professional with over 20 years experience serving a wide diversity of clients from self-employed entrepreneurs to large corporations. To better serve her remote clients, she completed a 6-month ‘Virtual Assistant” course and has applied it to virtual accounting and bookkeeping for engineers, doctors, retailers, construction contractors, farmers, authors, insurance agents, and other professionals throughout California. She joins the BARG team with this experience plus 19 years as a certified QuickBooks ProAdviser. Diane excels in helping business owners to better understand and organize their accounting needs, and her communications and “people skills” are highly appreciated by her clients. She has volunteered her accounting skills to serve the local Community Center and farmer’s market.
Diane Bouchard is an accounting professional with over 20 years experience serving a wide diversity of clients from self-employed entrepreneurs to large corporations. To better serve her remote clients, she completed a 6-month ‘Virtual Assistant” course and has applied it to virtual accounting and bookkeeping for engineers, doctors, retailers, construction contractors, farmers, authors, insurance agents, and other professionals throughout California. She joins the BARG team with this experience plus 19 years as a certified QuickBooks ProAdviser. Diane excels in helping business owners to better understand and organize their accounting needs, and her communications and “people skills” are highly appreciated by her clients. She has volunteered her accounting skills to serve the local Community Center and farmer’s market.
Annie Sien is a seasoned Office Manager/Executive Assistant with over 15 years of experience. She has extensive experience in accounting, finance, and investment having previously held positions in the legal, health, and business industries. As a multifaceted professional, Annie tailors her skills to meet the needs of various clients and stakeholders. Harnessing her passion for helping people, she has spent over a decade in the nonprofit sector volunteering at various organizations such as the Tibetan Aid Project, Toolworks, and Maitri Compassionate Care. Giving back to the community inspires her to continue to do our part to make the world better than we found it. Annie is also a certified notary public and a part-time baker, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from California State University, East Bay.
Hafez Alsaidi is a project manager at Bay Area Receivership Group who is a jack of all trades. Hafez has a B.A. in government from Connecticut College, which has familiarized him with addressing municipal issues, as well as an international MBA from Les Roches University in Switzerland. The MBA allows Hafez to deal with the numerous financial and accounting issues that a receiver must address. Hafez has also worked at major corporations such as Marriot and worked to resolve mental health issues at Connecticut Behavioral Health Associates. Hafez also has IT experience and excels in managing software and resolving technological problems that arise. Hafez is a valued member of the team and excels in obtaining positive results.
Diane Bouchard is an accounting professional with over 20 years experience serving a wide diversity of clients from self-employed entrepreneurs to large corporations. To better serve her remote clients, she completed a 6-month ‘Virtual Assistant” course and has applied it to virtual accounting and bookkeeping for engineers, doctors, retailers, construction contractors, farmers, authors, insurance agents, and other professionals throughout California. She joins the BARG team with this experience plus 19 years as a certified QuickBooks ProAdviser. Diane excels in helping business owners to better understand and organize their accounting needs, and her communications and “people skills” are highly appreciated by her clients. She has volunteered her accounting skills to serve the local Community Center and farmer’s market.
Annie Sien is a seasoned Office Manager/Executive Assistant with over 15 years of experience. She has extensive experience in accounting, finance, and investment having previously held positions in the legal, health, and business industries. As a multifaceted professional, Annie tailors her skills to meet the needs of various clients and stakeholders. Harnessing her passion for helping people, she has spent over a decade in the nonprofit sector volunteering at various organizations such as the Tibetan Aid Project, Toolworks, and Maitri Compassionate Care. Giving back to the community inspires her to continue to do our part to make the world better than we found it. Annie is also a certified notary public and a part-time baker, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from California State University, East Bay.