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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.
Zach Walker

Property Manager

Zach Walker

Property Manager

Zach Walker joined our Operations Department as a Property Manager in 2022. Zach is responsible for overseeing operations and maintenance for specific commercial properties managed by First Interstate. He is a main point of contact for property tenants, outside service providers, and utility companies.
Susan Windle

General Manager – Legacy Village

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

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

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

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

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.