MDG, through its affiliated companies, employs over 70 employees in asset management, accounting, development, and construction. The combined experience of these employees allows us to better advise CHA in this complex multi-site redevelopment.

Matthew Rooney is the Chief Executive Officer of MDG Design & Construction. Matthew joined MDG in 2015 and has since helped the company nearly double in size from its prior 25-year history through strategic planning with the goal of sustainable growth. He is involved in every aspect of MDG from construction to development both in the office and in the field.

Matthew received his B.S. in Finance and Marketing from the Stern School of Business at New York University with a concentration in Real Estate Finance. Matthew was driven to the affordable housing industry through the stories of displaced residents throughout New York City; he aims to preserve and create housing to maintain an economically diverse city. To date, he has overseen the closing of nearly 13,000 units working closely with lenders, government agencies, consultants, and his development team members to ensure a timely closing that meets the goals set by the development team. Additionally, Matthew has overseen construction and development costs of over $5 billion dollars.

Michael T. Rooney Sr., principal

Michael T. Rooney is the Founding Principal of MDG Design & Construction. Michael is best known for working with local community groups and building owners to find innovative ways to develop, finance, and rehabilitate residential real estate in emerging communities. Michael received his B.A. in Accounting from Pace University in 1982 and worked for Kenneth Leventhal in tax planning for New York and New Jersey real estate developers. In 1988 Michael turned his full attention to buying and developing affordable housing in New York City. His expertise in working with United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, and New York State Homes and Community Renewal has made him a leader in the affordable housing industry.

Michael has been involved in the development and/or construction of over 19,000 units in over 750 buildings resulting in $1.9 billion in affordable housing development. All of these properties were in a state of disrepair when Michael became involved. Michael’s success in turning around these distressed properties is the result of his hands-on approach to working with developers, community groups, investors, building managers, and tenant organizations. With over 25 years of experience in affordable housing, Michael has become an expert in turning around distressed properties that have appeared to have no hope of being saved.

Nicola DeAcetis, principal

Nicola DeAcetis, AIA is the Principal in Charge of Design and Construction at MDG Design & Construction. In this capacity, Nicola has become highly regarded in the industry for his expertise and creativity to solve difficult construction issues saving both time and money for MDG’s clients. Nicola sees New York's most disadvantaged properties as an opportunity for hope and urban renewal. It is his goal to bring upscale design and finishes to all affordable housing developments in New York City.

Nicola was trained at the New York Institute of Technology and received his Bachelor of Architecture in 1980. He also studied at the American University of Rome. He received his architectural license in New York State in 1984 and is NCARB certified. Before partnering with Michael T. Rooney in 1989, Nicola worked as a Senior Project Manager at GSGSB, Inc., an architecture, engineering, and planning firm. Nicola oversaw a team of engineers, architects, and TAB 2- Development Partner Experience & Qualifications interior designers working on various multifaceted projects in the New York area and throughout the east coast ranging from Lord & Taylor in Florida, Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Restoration, Calverton National Cemetery, and Morgan Stanley’s 200,000 square foot computer center at One Pierpont Plaza, that, when it was built in 1988 ended a 50-year drought of skyscraper construction in Brooklyn.