First Interstate Properties Team

First Interstate Properties employs a professional team dedicated to quality work, quality relationships and uncompromising values. The results of that dedication are apparent to visitors of any of the properties owned and managed by First Interstate Properties. Click on any photo to learn more.

  • Mitchell C. Schneider

    Founder & Executive Chairman

    Mitchell Schneider

    Mitchell C. Schneider

    Founder & Executive Chairman

    Mitchell Schneider is the Founder & Executive Chairman of First Interstate Properties, Ltd. In 1989, he created First Interstate to be a full service real estate development and management company. Mitchell is also the Co-Founder & Chairman of Legacy Capital Partners, a real estate private equity firm formed in 2004. Mitchell serves as Strategic Advisor to the Investment Committee of National Real Estate Advisors and has served as a Board Member for a number of philanthropic institutions locally and nationally. These organizations include the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, Siegal College, ORT America, and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy.

  • Chris A. Goodrich, P.E.

    President

    Chris A. Goodrich, P.E.

    President

    In January of 2023, Chris Goodrich was named President of First Interstate Properties, Ltd., taking over the position from company founder, Mitchell Schneider. Chris’ responsibilities include daily management of all disciplines of the company’s business such as development, construction, asset management, and operations. Chris is known as a hands-on professional, having begun his career at First Interstate as the Operations Manager and working his way up to the position of Executive Vice President, which he held for several years. Chris’ accomplishments include successful public-private partnerships through TIF financing, several NMTC transactions, and competitive state grant awards for the completion of projects totaling well over $100MM. Chris has received various awards including the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Ohio EPA for Brownfield Redevelopment. Prior to joining First Interstate, Chris worked as a geotechnical engineer for 15 years, consulting on a host of various projects. Chris enjoys developing youth athletes through coaching basketball and baseball, and – most importantly – being truly devoted to his family.

  • Amy Cossick

    Office Assistant

    Amy Cossick

    Amy Cossick

    Office Assistant

    Amy joined First Interstate in 2004 as an Office Assistant. She primarily supports the Operations Department with tenant coordination responsibilities. In her free time, Amy enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and walking her dogs.

  • Cheri Seibert

    Staff Accountant

    Cheri Seibert

    Cheri Seibert

    Staff Accountant

    Cheri Seibert is First Interstate’s Staff Accountant, maintaining specific property accounts for the Company. She has worked for First Interstate since 2012 and can assist you with any questions you have regarding CAM reconciliations and taxes. Cheri enjoys hiking in the Cleveland Metroparks with her canine companion, and volunteering with local dog rescue organizations.

  • Dan Hoy

    Senior Accountant

    Dan Hoy

    Senior Accountant

    Daniel R. Hoy MBA, CPA (inactive status) joined First Interstate Properties in 2011. Dan has over 30 years of experience in managerial accounting. He enjoys sports, theater, hiking and biking.

  • David Vorndran, P.E.

    Project Manager/Tenant Coordinator

    Dave Vorndran

    David Vorndran, P.E.

    Project Manager/Tenant Coordinator

    David is a Project Manager/Tenant Coordinator for First Interstate and helped design several of the company’s projects as a consultant before joining the team in 2003 as an in-house Civil Engineer. He has over 24 years’ experience in site design and splits his time between project management and tenant coordination, as well as assisting architectural and engineering consultants on current projects. David is involved with his church and enjoys hiking, gardening and spending time with his wife, two sons and daughters-in law.

  • Evan Berliner

    VP - Porfolio Management

    Evan Berliner

    Evan Berliner

    VP - Porfolio Management

    Evan Berliner joined First Interstate in 2006 after providing 5 years of consulting to the Company. He is now VP – Portfolio Management, focusing on leasing, financing and appraisals. Between constant texts, calls, and emails, Evan enjoys entertaining friends, checking out the Cleveland food scene, and spending quality time with his wife and three children.

  • Jami Denavich

    Asset Manager

    Jami Denavich

    Jami Denavich

    Asset Manager

    Jami joined the First Interstate Properties team as an Office Assistant in March 2017. She currently assists the Asset Management and Development groups with portfolio, investment, and property level analysis/modeling and reporting requirements. Jami received her MBA from Cleveland State University. In her spare time, she likes to travel, read and spend time with her friends and family.

  • Jane Vorndran

    HR Assistant

    Jane Vorndran

    Jane Vorndran

    HR Assistant

    Jane Vorndran joined the First Interstate team in late 2021, after previously providing outside support for the company. Jane works with HR Manager Jennifer Jirik, and assists First Interstate staff with their Plans Administration needs.

  • Jared Arnold

    Real Estate Analyst

    Jared Arnold

    Real Estate Analyst

    Jared Arnold joined First Interstate as Real Estate Analyst in June 2022, assisting the Asset Management and Development departments. Jared works to implement acquisition, financing, and leasing plans for the company, as well as on various analysis/modeling and reporting requirements at the portfolio, investment, and property levels.

  • Jeff Sayoc

    General Counsel

    Jeff Sayoc

    Jeff Sayoc

    General Counsel

    Jeff Sayoc joined First Interstate in 2019 and currently holds the position of the company’s General Counsel. Jeff manages the company’s real estate development, management and leasing matters, as well as miscellaneous ongoing corporate matters.

  • Jennifer Jirik

    Executive Assistant & HR

    Jennifer Jirik

    Jennifer Jirik

    Executive Assistant & HR

    Jennifer Jirik is the Executive Assistant for Mitchell Schneider, and HR for all of First Interstate Properties. She has been with First Interstate for 15 years and can assist you with questions you may have regarding the company, including employment opportunities. As Mitchell Schneider’s assistant, she can coordinate meetings and relay communication. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her daughter and husband.

  • Kate Gessler

    Office Manager

    Kate Gessler

    Kate Gessler

    Office Manager

    Kate Gessler joined First Interstate in 2013 and is currently the company’s Office Manager. Kate has over 10 years of office and administrative experience, having previously been involved in the field of market research. In her free time, Kate enjoys being outdoors as much as possible.

  • Katie Pfeifenroth

    Project Manager/Tenant Coordinator

    Katie Pfeifenroth

    Katie Pfeifenroth

    Project Manager/Tenant Coordinator

    Katie Pfeifenroth joined First Interstate in 2013 and is currently a Project Manager/Tenant Coordinator with the construction department. In her free time she likes to play volleyball and ride her jet ski.

  • Lauren Nicoloff

    Director of Operations

    Lauren Nicoloff

    Lauren Nicoloff

    Director of Operations

    Lauren Nicoloff joined First Interstate Properties in October, 2011. In her role as Director of Operations, she is responsible for overseeing our Operations Department and the company’s Maintenance Services at certain properties. When she is not working, Lauren enjoys spending quality time with her family.

  • Peggy Kleckner

    Property Accountant

    Peggy Kleckner

    Peggy Kleckner

    Property Accountant

    Peggy Kleckner is a Property Accountant and a veteran employee of 22 years. She maintains tenant accounts for several properties. Peggy is always happy to assist with any questions you may have regarding billing and rent collection matters. Peggy is a self-proclaimed tree-hugger and loves spending time with her family.

  • Rachel Cicconi

    Property Manager

    Rachel Cicconi

    Rachel Cicconi

    Property Manager

    Rachel Cicconi joined First Interstate in July of 2020 as Construction Coordinator and now works in our Operations Department as a Property Manager. Rachel is responsible for overseeing operations and maintenance on many of our properties. She is a main point of contact for our property tenants, outside service providers, and utility companies. Rachel moved to Cleveland from Pittsburgh, PA and in her free time she enjoys cooking, baking and DIY projects.

  • Reem Al Awar

    Analyst / Development Associate

    Reem Al Awar

    Analyst / Development Associate

    Reem joined First Interstate’s Development Team in July 2022, where she works with the Asset Management and Development groups. Reem manages various portfolios’ assets and investments, and is a key lead in implementing development, acquisition, financing, and leasing strategies.

  • Ruthie Klein

    Office Coordinator

    Ruthie Klein

    Office Coordinator

    Ruthie Klein is the Office Coordinator for First Interstate Properties, having recently joined the team in 2022. She supports the Office Manager and is first contact for various vendors and suppliers to the Company.

  • Sandy Hovanitz

    Lease Administrator / Legal Assistant

    Sandy Hovanitz

    Sandy Hovanitz

    Lease Administrator / Legal Assistant

    Sandy Hovanitz joined First Interstate in August of 2020 as Lease Administrator and Legal Assistant, supporting the Legal and Asset Management Departments. Sandy’s experience includes abstracting, data entry and maintaining of leases and amendments, along with maintaining associated tenant and property files. She also assists with the resolution of lease challenges or disputes. In her free time, Sandy enjoys her family, outdoors and reading.

  • Steve Pickett

    Director of Construction

    Steve Pickett

    Steve Pickett

    Director of Construction

    Steve Pickett is the Director of Construction and has been with First Interstate since 2008. He has more than 20 years of experience in Construction/Engineering and has a degree in Civil Engineering Technology. For fun, Steve enjoys woodworking and spending time with his family.

  • Troy Gembarski

    Director of Accounting

    Troy Gembarski

    Troy Gembarski

    Director of Accounting

    Troy Gembarski joined First Interstate in 2005 and has experience in real estate accounting since 1993.

  • Victoria Babloyan

    Property Accountant

    Victoria Babloyan

    Victoria Babloyan

    Property Accountant

    Victoria Babloyan serves as Property Accountant and has been with the company for over 10 years. She maintains tenant accounts for several properties, keeping the books pristine. Victoria is fluent in the Russian language and enjoys spending free time with her family.

  • Legacy Village Mall Office Staff

    Legacy Village Mall Office Staff

  • Susan Windle

    General Manager – Legacy Village

    Susan Windle

    Susan Windle

    General Manager – Legacy Village

    Susan Windle is the General Manager of Legacy Village and has been with First Interstate since the summer of 2004. Susan has over 25 years of experience in retail marketing, property management and special event planning. When not spending time at Legacy Village, Susan enjoys traveling, fitness, time with friends and family and hanging out with her golden retriever, Henry.

  • Tony Hinton

    Operations Manager – Legacy Village

    Tony Hinton

    Tony Hinton

    Operations Manager – Legacy Village

    Tony Hinton joined the First Interstate team in March of 2021. He is the Operations Manager for the Legacy Village shopping center and is responsible for the center’s maintenance and daily operations.

  • Holly Duns

    Marketing Director - Legacy Village

    Holly Duns

    Holly Duns

    Marketing Director - Legacy Village

    Holly Duns is the Marketing Director for Legacy Village, and joined First Interstate in 2022. Holly heads the Legacy Village marketing efforts including special events, promotions, entertainment, community & media relations, sponsorship generation and advertising.

  • Laura Dvozenja

    Office Assistant – Legacy Village

    Laura Dvozenja

    Laura Dvozenja

    Office Assistant – Legacy Village

    Laura Dvozenja is the Office Assistant for Legacy Village Management. She joined First Interstate Properties in 2018 and supports the General Manager, Advertising Department, and Operations Manager, as well as provides service to guests of Legacy Village.

  • Miranda Young

    Events & Marketing Specialist - Legacy Village

    Miranda Young

    Miranda Young

    Events & Marketing Specialist - Legacy Village

    Miranda Young joined first Interstate in 2022 as the Events & Marketing Specialist for Legacy Village. Miranda is the primary team member overseeing property-wide promotions and events for Legacy Village.