The Pleasant Street, LLC Team
Heather Cairns, President
Heather Cairns is a native of Marblehead. She was recruited by the founders of Google in 1998 to implement and run HR practices and championed the evolution of an early start up to a successful, global, high profile provider of Internet search. In addition to her role in developing a senior care facility in Marblehead, Heather’s philanthropic work includes helping disadvantaged women through Dress for Success and Image for Success. She is a significant participant with the Peabody Essex Museum in their contemporary art initiative. She holds a BFA from Massachusetts College of Art (1988), a certificate in HR from UC Berkeley (1999), a Post Baccalaureate Certificate from SMFA in Boston (2008) and a Certificate in Interior Design (2015). She was also a member of Keiretsu, an organization of HR professionals in Silicon Valley.
Michael LaFayette, CEO
Michael LaFayette is a career product marketing professional delivering project management, marketing and financial leadership for new product and go-to-market initiatives. Michael has held senior roles with Forbes & Fortune 500 companies and has lead product teams through concept, development and launch. He has extensive experience with financial, consumer, business service and advertising based products. Michael earned his MBA from Bentley University and is a native New Englander.
Phil Helmes, COO
Phil Helmes brings nearly 40 years of experience to all elements of engineering and construction projects worldwide. He is an accomplished registered professional engineer and has consulted for owners, contractors, architects, and engineers on a number of multi-billion dollar infrastructure, commercial, and process projects. Phil has been an active participant in numerous public and industrial projects, including rail, airport, highway, bridge, tunnel, power plant, oil and gas, chemical, and wastewater treatment projects. He holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut and a BS in structural/civil engineering from Syracuse University.