Team
Michael Reinhold
Co-Founder & CEO
Michael W. Reinhold is an experienced entrepreneur with a proven track record for creating sustainable economic and social value in complex markets. A diverse background in private equity, emerging technology, and business development guides Michael’s impassioned pursuit of disruptive private sector solutions to systemic social issues. Michael has devoted much of his career to working in economically challenged communities in the United States, Asia and Africa.
Prior to joining VTAS, Michael spent ten years as a founding Principal at Tur Partners, a firm launched in 2011 by Former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley to generate environmental and social equity in partner cities nationwide. Previously he served as Chief Financial Officer for multiple private equity funded businesses including Holliston LLC, a 100-year-old union manufacturer in rural Tennessee, and Kivu Fresh LLC, a large poultry operation in Kigali, Rwanda. Earlier in his career, Michael held various strategic positions in private equity including with VIGIC Services / GTRC Golder Rauner.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Illinois.
Greg Goldner
Co-Founder
Greg Goldner is a strategic force who can breakthrough politics, policy and the status quo to help clients achieve their business goals.
In 2002, Greg founded Resolute, a national public affairs firm, and continues to earn the trust of Fortune 100 CEOs, industry association executives and policy makers with his forward-looking 360° business insights, his acutely perceptive strategic thinking and his renowned public affairs expertise on the local, state and national levels. He is sought after for his unsparing, often prescient, assessment of the financial and business consequences of systems, structures and decision making.
Greg is exceptionally skilled at taking on complex issues, reframing them into compelling narratives and determining key stakeholders to address a client's issue or opportunity. He is recognized for his ability to provide leadership in contentious situations, promote collaboration and build consensus among opposing parties.
Twice named by Chicago Magazine as one of the most powerful people in Chicago, Greg seamlessly applies his national and global experience to every sector – including finance, transportation and infrastructure, technology and civic – to achieve outstanding results for clients and positioning them for future growth.
Nori Greenstein
COO
Nori Greenstein is an experienced operations and strategy leader with a two-decade track record of improving performance, streamlining systems, and managing complex projects across technology, real estate, hospitality, and the public sector.
Before joining VTAS, Nori was Vice President of Operations at The School House, where she led daily operations for a multiuse venue, managed a $1M budget, directed a team of 10, and oversaw construction and transition projects. She previously worked as a Management Consultant at AECOM, where she helped design and launch ComEd's smart city initiative, managing budgets, metrics, and cross-departmental coordination.
Earlier in her career, Nori held senior leadership roles across real estate, retail, and municipal development, including directing operations and retail expansion for Intelligentsia Coffee, leading leasing and operational turnaround efforts for a major student housing portfolio in Chicago, spearheading property management and development initiatives at Smithfield Properties, and serving as an Assistant Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Planning & Development, where she oversaw complex development projects and interdepartmental coordination.
Nori holds an M.A. in Urban Planning & Policy from the University of Illinois Chicago and a B.A. in Urban & Economic Geography from the University of Toronto.
Lauren Popiel
Director of Communications
Lauren excels in activating teams, driving strategy, and keeping campaigns moving toward success. A highly organized, detail-oriented problem solver, she has worked with clients across sectors and public policy issues to develop and implement communications and outreach plans.
Lauren spent more than a decade at Resolute Public Affairs focused on Chicago-based, national, and international clients managing communications, government relations, outreach, and special events. She helped manage a national outreach and engagement campaign for Discovery, Inc's effort to protect free and independent media in Poland – successfully securing one of the company's television licenses in the face of aggressive political opposition. She also managed teams for other global clients. Lauren played a key role in a high-stakes Washington, D.C. media effort for CRRC Sifang America and managed their milestone events with local dignitaries.
Lauren previously worked for the academic Department of Communication at the University of Illinois in several capacities, including social media adviser, researcher and teaching assistant. In addition, she was an earned and social media relations specialist at a suburban Chicago business. Lauren also interned for Resolute and as an editorial assistant with a regional media company.
Lauren holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and English from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.