Executive Leadership

Ed Novak

President

Ed Novak formed Nova Ventures in 1992 (then called Nova-Habitat) and has 25 years of experience in real estate development and private equity investment. Previously engaged in corporate strategic planning and new business development, Ed has primarily focused upon urban mixed use development and redevelopment projects in the greater Washington DC region over the past 15 years. Ed served as the Director of Development for the Marriott Corporation from 1983-1992, working as part of the venture team that formed the senior living services division of the company. Ed received a Bachelors of Science from Carnegie Mellon University and graduated with honors from Carnegie Mellon University's Masters in Business Administration (MBA) program.  He is an investor and co-owner in many local businesses, including Mad Fox microbrewery in Falls Church, Virginia.

Damon Orobona

Partner

Damon Orobona became a partner in Nova Ventures in 2015. Prior to joining Nova Ventures, Damon was a well-regarded attorney that represented development organizations, builders, REITs, and large landowners. Damon is among a select group of land use professionals nationwide who are licensed to practice law and are AICP planning certified. Damon studied real estate finance at Georgetown University, law at St. Thomas University, and urban planning at Harvard University. He is the Past President of the American Planning Association and is the Vice-Chairman of Georgetown University's Real Estate Alumni Association.  Damon has also been appointed to the Bethesda Design Advisory Panel (DAP) by the Montgomery County Planning Board.  Damon regularly speaks at conferences and universities on real estate development and urban planning topics.