Capital Sustainability is a Washington, DC based Benefits Corporation that works with key stakeholders from the private, public and non-profit sectors to create solutions to recurring problems. Our triple bottom line approach emphasizes holistic outcomes. We measure results not just in economics, but also in the number of lives that are positively impacted, and the environmental improvements. Our principals and consultants have vast experience working across multiple asset classes and cities of varied sizes. Capital Sustainability is a Washington, DC Certified Business Enterprise.
John Settles is a proven leader known for crafting innovative strategic plans that advance organizational objectives and capabilities. John offers a unique blend of leadership, strategic thinking, team building,and creativity. He is an expert in the areas of real estate finance, real estate development, construction management, sustainability, and community/economic development.
Over the past 20 years, Mr. Settles has been instrumental in creating new mortgage lending strategies for prime and underserved markets; influencing public policy initiatives; developing numerous adaptive reuse strategies for properties; and fusing real estate transactions into broader community development programs. Additionally, he has pioneered the revitalization of several underserved neighborhoods.
His unique experience working as a developer and financier, coupled with his understanding of program and policy development at the federal government level equips him with the unique ability to design innovative solutions and strategies.
As an entrepreneur he has successfully built companies in several arenas such as Construction, Real Estate Development and Real Estate Finance. Additionally, he has written several white papers and created innovative programs addressing Community Economic Development. At the age of 30, Mr. Settles became A Vice President for Fleet Bank in charge of Sales and Operations for their Emerging Markets division. Prior to joining Fleet, Mr. Settles was a Sales Manager for Wells Fargo. His accomplishments in the mortgage industry include being selected as a Future Leader of the Mortgage Bankers Association.
John Settles is effective in high-profile executive roles. He acts with decisiveness in stressful situations,develops creative solutions to complex challenges, and is respected for work ethic, integrity and dedication to continued learning. Moreover, he is skilled in Operations and Finance. He understands financial processes, prepares and administers program budgets, manages facilities, technology and performs personnel appraisals while also developing performance improvement plans. His experience includes Start Up, Turn Around, Growth and Change Management. Further, he is experienced with Funding and Capitalization Strategies, Risk Management, Property and Asset Management and Customer Relations.
Mr. Settles received his BA in Finance from Howard University. He began his career working for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In addition to governmental experience, Mr. Settles has held several management positions in the Mortgage Banking Industry.
Mr. Aurbach is a problem solver with over 25 years helping clients address their needs through marketing, communications, production and engagement. He has extensive background in outreach tools such as digital solutions and video productions with a focus on the strategy behind the message. Aurbach produced a number of award-winning broadcast and non-broadcast videos and has developed multimedia and communications strategy tapping into a variety of technologies including websites, mobile apps, social media and digital marketing. His clients have ranged from Fortune 500 companies, federal, state and local governments, major institutions of higher learning, trade associations to small businesses and community groups.
Aurbach is involved with a wide variety of community initiatives related to transportation, planning, energy and cultural and environmental sustainability. He serves on the Champions Council for the Coalition for Smarter Growth and the steering committee for Ward 3 Vision, providing guidance for community building, capacity building, and outreach. He also served on the steering committees of Connecticut Avenue Pedestrian Action and the DC Office of Planning’s Neighborhood Sustainability Indicators Pilot Project. He is a Mayoral appointee to the District of Columbia Historic Preservation Review Board where he serves as a lead on the Board Sustainability Task Force. Aurbach is a member of the American Planning Association and wrote his masters thesis for Urban Planning on innovative technology platforms in the community engagement process.