Executive Staff
Marlene Zarfes
Executive Director
Marlene was previously WRO’s Deputy Executive Director, responsible for all WRO programs including Fair Housing, First Time Home Buying, Mortgage Default Protection, Senior Housing, Independent Living and Eviction Prevention. Marlene joined WRO in 2010 as Fair Housing Director, supervising federal and local grants to conduct fair housing and fair lending testing, and education and outreach. In addition to supervising, Marlene is a frequent speaker on behalf of WRO at public events. Prior to joining WRO, she practiced corporate law, most recently with Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in New York City, where she placed substantial priority on pro bono matters. Marlene has a BA from University of Pennsylvania and a JD from Boston University School of Law.
Andrew Smith
Deputy Executive Director
Andrew joined WRO’s fair housing department in the beginning of 2017 and has coordinated both fair lending and fair housing testing programs for WRO. Prior to joining WRO, Andrew was a corporate partner with the law firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in New York City, specializing in leveraged buyouts and other mergers and acquisitions. Andrew has a BA from Brown University and a JD from Columbia Law School.
Andrew Smith
Deputy Executive Director
Andrew joined WRO’s fair housing department in the beginning of 2017 and has coordinated both fair lending and fair housing testing programs for WRO. Prior to joining WRO, Andrew was a corporate partner with the law firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in New York City, specializing in leveraged buyouts and other mergers and acquisitions. Andrew has a BA from Brown University and a JD from Columbia Law School.
