First Interstate Properties Team

First Interstate Properties employs a professional team dedicated to quality work, quality relationships and uncompromised 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

  President

  

  Mitchell C. Schneider

  President

  mcs@first-interstate.com

  Mitchell Schneider is the President 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 and CEO of Legacy Capital Partners, a real estate private equity firm formed in 2004. In addition, Mitchell serves as Strategic Advisor to the Investment Committee of National Real Estate Advisors. He has served as a Board Member for a number of philanthropic institutions locally and nationally including the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, Siegal College, ORT America, and is the current Board Chair of the Western Reserve Land Conservancy.

• Chris A. Goodrich, P.E.

  Executive Vice President

  

  Chris A. Goodrich, P.E.

  Executive Vice President

  cag@first-interstate.com

  Chris Goodrich is the Executive Vice President of First Interstate Properties, Ltd. Chris’ responsibilities include daily management of all disciplines of the company’s business including development, construction, asset management, and operations. Chris is known as a hands-on professional by beginning his career as the operations manager for First Interstate and working his way through the company to his current position. 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

  Office Assistant

  am@first-interstate.com

  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.

• Barb Ferrara

  Lease Administrator/Legal Assistant

  

  Barb Ferrara

  Lease Administrator/Legal Assistant

  bf@first-interstate.com

  Barb Ferrara joined First Interstate in April 2015 as Lease Administrator and Legal Assistant.  She maintains the lease database for all First Interstate properties, as well as assists the Legal and Asset Management Departments with their ongoing projects. Prior to joining the company, Barb worked at an international brokerage firm providing assistance to various real estate professionals along with managing corporate clients’ real estate portfolios.  In her spare time, Barb enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

• Cheri Seibert

  Accounting Coordinator

  

  Cheri Seibert

  Accounting Coordinator

  cs@first-interstate.com

  Cheri Seibert is the Coordinator for the Accounting Department. She has worked for the company 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

  drh@first-interstate.com

  Daniel R. Hoy C.P.A. Inactive, M.B.A. joined First Interstate Properties in 2011 as Operations and Financial Analyst. He has over 25 years of experience in accounting. Daniel enjoys sporting events, musical theater and the great outdoors.

• David Vorndran, P.E.

  Project Manager/Tenant Coordinator

  

  David Vorndran, P.E.

  Project Manager/Tenant Coordinator

  dv@first-interstate.com

  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 19 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 coaching baseball, golfing, and spending time with his wife and two sons.

• Evan Berliner

  Director of Operations

  

  Evan Berliner

  Director of Operations

  eb@first-interstate.com

  Evan Berliner is the Director of Operations and joined First Interstate in 2006 after providing 5 years of pavement management consulting to the Company. Evan is focused on operating the portfolio’s physical plant in a first-class manner through implementation of comprehensive maintenance, repair, and insurance programs. 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

  Analyst/Development Associate

  

  Jami Denavich

  Analyst/Development Associate

  jd@first-interstate.com

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

• Jeff Sayoc

  Associate General Counsel

  

  Jeff Sayoc

  Associate General Counsel

  jas@first-interstate.com

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

• Jeff Sluzala

  Director of Asset Management

  

  Jeff Sluzala

  Director of Asset Management

  jbs@first-interstate.com

  Jeff Sluzala is the Director of Asset Management for First Interstate and has been with the company since 2010. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and an MBA, both from Cleveland State University. Prior to joining First Interstate, Jeff’s experience included commercial real estate lending at a regional bank and commercial real estate financing for a nationally recognized real estate developer. Married with three sons, Jeff enjoys the outdoors and traveling.

• Jennifer Jirik

  Executive Assistant & HR

  

  Jennifer Jirik

  Executive Assistant & HR

  jj@first-interstate.com

  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

  Office Manager

  kg@first-interstate

  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 art and design, being outdoors as much as possible, and being fairly mediocre at yoga and running.

• Katie Pfeifenroth

  Construction Coordinator

  

  Katie Pfeifenroth

  Construction Coordinator

  kp@first-interstate.com

  Katie Pfeifenroth joined the company in November 2013 as an Administrative Assistant. Currently, she coordinates the Construction & Development Department in all ongoing projects. In her free time she likes to play volleyball and ride her jet ski.

• Laura Daly

  Office Assistant

  

  Laura Daly

  Office Assistant

  ld@first-interstate.com

  Laura joined First Interstate Properties in 2018. The first face you see when visiting the offices, Laura handles the front desk and supports the Office Manager. Her responsibilities encompass office maintenance, supply orders, and vendor relations. Laura has a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Communications from Emerson College. She enjoys hiking, golfing, outdoor games with friends, and loves taking advantage of the Cleveland Metroparks.

• Lauren Nicoloff

  Operations Manager

  

  Lauren Nicoloff

  Operations Manager

  ln@first-interstate.com

  Lauren Nicoloff joined First Interstate Properties in October, 2011. In her role as Operations Manager, she is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and maintenance of many properties. When she is not working, Lauren enjoys spending quality time with her family.

• Liesl Kern

  Operations Coordinator

  

  Liesl Kern

  Operations Coordinator

  lbk@first-interstate.com

  Liesl Kern joined First Interstate Properties in August, 2017. As the Operations Coordinator, Liesl is responsible for the synchronization and smooth operations of the First Interstate Operations Team. She maintains daily property procedures and assists in the management of daily operations for the company portfolio. Liesl has a Bachelor’s in Business Management with a focus in Finance from Colorado State University. She lives by the “love what you do” philosophy and in her free time, enjoys exploring the great outdoors with her husband.

• Peggy Kleckner

  Property Accountant

  

  Peggy Kleckner

  Property Accountant

  pk@first-interstate.com

  Peggy Kleckner is a Property Accountant and a veteran employee for 19 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.

• Steve Pickett

  Director of Construction

  

  Steve Pickett

  Director of Construction

  scp@first-interstate.com

  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.

• Tony Smith

  Development Associate

  

  Tony Smith

  Development Associate

  ts@first-interstate.com

  Tony Smith is a Development Associate with First Interstate Properties. He joined the company in 2019 to assist the Asset and Management groups in analysis/modeling, reporting requirements, and implementing development plans.

• Troy Gembarski

  Director of Accounting

  

  Troy Gembarski

  Director of Accounting

  tg@first-interstate.com

  Troy Gembarski joined First Interstate in 2005 and has experience in real estate accounting since 1993. In his spare time, Troy enjoys nature, running, and participating in various road races.

• Victoria Babloyan

  Property Accountant

  

  Victoria Babloyan

  Property Accountant

  vb@first-interstate.com

  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.

• Susan Windle

  General Manager – Legacy Village

  

  Susan Windle

  General Manager – Legacy Village

  sw@first-interstate.com

  Susan Windle is the General Manager of Legacy Village and has been with First Interstate since the summer of 2004. Susan has over 15 years of experience in retail marketing, property management, and special event planning. When not managing Legacy Village, Susan enjoys traveling, running and fitness, discovering new places to go in Cleveland, time with friends and family, and hanging out with her golden retriever, Finn.

• Gregg Goodwin

  Operations Manager - Legacy Village

  

  Gregg Goodwin

  Operations Manager - Legacy Village

  gfg@first-interstate.com

  Gregg Goodwin started with First Interstate in 2005 as the Facilities Manager for many of First Interstate’s properties. In January of 2013, he shifted his focus and now dedicates his efforts and expertise to Legacy Village as its Operations Manager. Gregg attended The Ohio State University where he studied Landscape Design and Landscape Construction. To relax, Gregg enjoys playing drums, gardening, and spending time with his family.

• Maddy Converse

  Marketing Director - Legacy Village

  

  Maddy Converse

  Marketing Director - Legacy Village

  mtc@first-interstate.com

  Maddy Kratzer is the Marketing Manager of Legacy Village, and has been with First Interstate since February 2016. She graduated from Ohio University in 2014 with a degree in Communications. Maddy directs the Legacy Village marketing efforts including special events, promotions, entertainment, community & media relations, sponsorship generation and advertising. In her free time she likes to spend time with family and friends.

• Emily Christyson

  Marketing & Special Events Coordinator - Legacy Village

  

  Emily Christyson

  Marketing & Special Events Coordinator - Legacy Village

  ec@first-interstate.com

  Emily Christyson started as the Marketing and Special Events Coordinator for Legacy Village in March of 2017. She graduated from Cleveland State University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Alongside Maddy Kratzer, Emily works with Legacy’s marketing efforts including special events, promotions, entertainment, community and media relations, sponsorship generation and advertising. In her spare time, Emily enjoys watching the Cleveland Indians, camping and sailing, spending time with family and friends, and attempting to get her cat, Stanley, to act more like a dog.

• Laura Dvozenja

  Office Assistant - Legacy Village

  

  Laura Dvozenja

  Office Assistant - Legacy Village

  ltd@first-interstate.com

  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.