Meet Our Team

A smiling older man in a business suit sitting on a chair against a brick wall, with one hand on his lap and the other on his knee. 
President & CEO

Robert Lepre Sr.

Robert Sr. co-founded Avante with his wife Nancy Lepre over 25 years ago, and has spent the decades since building it into a trusted name in New York's Affordable housing community. A 50-year industry veteran, he remains deeply involved in every aspect of the business — from construction oversight to client relationships, contracts, and financials. Robert is known for bringing a personal touch to every project, and his commitment to the communities Avante serves extends beyond the job site — he is a longtime supporter of the Mount Vernon Boys & Girls Club and a lifelong champion of community-centered construction.

A stylized handwritten signature that reads 'Darlya Lynn' in dark red on a transparent background.
A man with dark hair and a beard, wearing a checkered shirt and beige pants, standing in a modern, bright interior space with large windows and plants, smiling at the camera. 
SVP of Project Management

Robert Lepre Jr.

Robert Jr. oversees Avante's project management and estimating team, leading daily operations and driving new business. He started out painting apartments as a summer job and has held nearly every role since — laborer, site super, project manager, and now Senior VP. With over 20 years of ground-up experience, he brings deep operational knowledge and a genuine commitment to the communities Avante serves.

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VP of Operations & Development

Laura Lepre

Laura Lepre joined the Avante team in early 2025, bringing outside perspective after a 15-year career in marketing — though construction has been part of her DNA since childhood. She applies her management and interpersonal expertise to modernize operations, streamline communications, and drive business development alongside the partners, with a focus on expanding Avante's footprint into Affordable housing development. She is currently pursuing her Master's in Real Estate Development at NYU, expected to graduate in 2027.

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Lawerence Iannitti

Steve Ackilli

Director of Coordination
vp of construction

Dawn McCormilla

Reza Nemati

Senior project manager & estimator
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Manager

Chris Cotte

Bram Hillegers

Bookkeeper
Office Manager

Michelle Wright

Niss Lovera

Assistant Bookkeeper
Purchasing manager

Manus Clancy

Rita Vergel

Josiah Descaetes

Issac Djaroud

Louis Ricci

Victor Zequeira

Construction Site Super

Ueberson Benedetti

Site supervisor
SITE SUPERVISOR
Site Supervisor
Site Supervisor
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In Memory of Our Founder, Nancy Lepre

Visionary. Champion. Heart of this company.

Our co-founder and former President, Nancy Lepre, was lost too soon. Armed with an MBA and a commanding presence, she fought tirelessly for diversity and inclusion in Affordable housing and construction — bringing her voice to City Hall and Albany to champion greater opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses. Her award-winning advocacy reflected a core belief that everyone deserves a seat at the table. We honor her legacy by carrying that mission forward in everything we do.