Our Team

Marisa has been working in the business planning industry since 2007 and has specialized in EB-5, L-1, and E-2 visa business plans since 2012. Prior to launching Pinnacle Plan Writing, she was the senior project manager and immigration specialist at Masterplans, a major business plan writing firm based in Portland, Oregon. Since 2012, she has managed and developed more than 1,000 business plans for visa petitions, including nearly 500 EB-5 plans for direct investment, regional center projects, and new regional center operations. At Pinnacle, Marisa focuses on the firm’s EB-5 division, leading plan development and working closely with petitioners as well as partner attorneys and Regional Centers. 

Prior to focusing on business plans for immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applications, Marisa managed almost 2,500 business plan projects for entrepreneurs seeking bank loans, angel funding, or venture capital. Her portfolio includes plans for businesses spanning a multitude of industries, ranging from small businesses operating on a local level to large, multinational ventures. 

Marisa is a frequent panelist at conferences hosted by IIUSA (the national not-for-profit trade association for the EB-5 Regional Center Program) and serves on the editorial board for the Association’s quarterly Journal. She has been named one of the “Top 5 Business Plan Writers” by EB-5 Investors Magazine every year since 2015. Marisa earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Columbia University in 2005 and has engaged in continuing education courses in finance, market research, and industry-specific best operating practices throughout her career to remain abreast of changing dynamics in the industries she serves.
When not wearing one of the many hats she dons at Pinnacle, Marisa can be found on a mountain trail, “walking” her St. Bernard-mix horse dog, cooking with her wife, or getting schooled by her son in a high stakes game of Magic: The Gathering.

ML joined Pinnacle in 2018 and has helped write, research, and manage a wide variety of projects across an equally wide variety of industries, specializing in EB-5 business plan development. Prior to working with Pinnacle, ML’s career has spanned a variety of industries that has given her diverse experience in technical writing, procurement, quality assurance and regulatory compliance, business planning, ESOL community education, grant writing, and project management. 

ML holds a degree in Writing-Intensive English from Marquette University and brings an attention to detail, operational insights, well-honed research skills, and enthusiasm to her work at Pinnacle.

When not working (or engrossed in list-making), ML is typically focused on traveling to new places, searching for new hiking/biking trails, finding secret camp spots, soliciting interesting book and movie recs, and/or making up reasons to stop at literally any bakery. 

Paige Short is a seasoned project manager with 18 years of experience leading the development of complex business plans across a wide range of industries, focusing specifically on immigration-related projects since 2016. With a strong focus on communication and efficiency, Paige guides teams through the development of detailed business plans tailored to the unique needs of visa applicants. 

In addition to project management, Paige has a background in editorial work and education. Paige holds a bachelor’s degree in Literature from Pacific University and a master’s degree in Literature from Pacific University. 

A resident expert of the Criterion Collection, Paige would love to hear your movie recommendations to add to her watch list. 

Kelly joined Pinnacle Plan Writing after a 17-year career as the lead financial modeler for Masterplans, where she created thousands of compelling and credible financial models for businesses of all types. 

After earning her bachelor’s degree in Economics from Lehigh University, Kelly began her career as the research associate for the economist A. Gary Shilling. While working on Gary’s newsletter and books, she learned the value of clear and compelling charts and tables in telling a story. Later, she developed her analytic and financial modeling skills as a buy side analyst for Ramius Capital Group and Managing Director/equity analyst for McConnell, Budd, & Romano. She also was a founding partner of Lykos Capital Management, a community bank hedge fund. Kelly is also a former small business owner. For six years, she ran a subscription business focused on supporting independent artists, demonstrating her interest in entrepreneurism and the arts. 

When not developing financial models, Kelly enjoys misty morning walks, meaningful family and friend time, her monthly dream group, and travel to remote Atlas Obscura attractions and live music destinations.

Prior to joining Pinnacle in 2023, William was the lead visa specialist at Masterplans, a leading business planning firm. Today, William leads business development at Pinnacle, working closely with foreign nationals, industry partners, and immigration attorneys to guide, streamline, and simplify the process of developing a tailored business plan for any visa case. William has built relationships with attorneys worldwide, and now more than 300 immigration lawyers send their clients to William for guidance about this critical aspect of their candidacy.​

A former paralegal, William graduated from Brown University. When not championing immigration projects, he tries to corral his spirited daughters, supports Portland’s sprawling brewery scene (with his wallet/liver), and cheers for the Blazers and Seahawks.