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

  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

  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

  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.

• Bethany Grunenwald

  General Manager, 121 Larchmere

  

  Bethany Grunenwald

  General Manager, 121 Larchmere

  Bethany joined First Interstate in October of 2020 in preparation for the grand opening of 121 Larchmere, the company’s newest residential venture. As General Manager, Bethany will be overseeing the daily operations of this multi-family residential property, supervising personnel and coordinating all leasing and marketing campaigns. She is also responsible for assisting in the implementation of First Interstate’s future multi-family properties and their marketing processes.

• Britney Graham

  Office Assistant and IT Coordinator

  

  Britney Graham

  Office Assistant and IT Coordinator

  Britney Graham joined First Interstate in 2019 as the front desk Office Assistant and IT Coordinator. She supports the front office by assisting the Office Manager, working with outside vendors and is lead contact for IT matters.

• Cheri Seibert

  Accounting Coordinator

  

  Cheri Seibert

  Accounting Coordinator

  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.

• Ciara Bush

  Administrative Assistant

  

  Ciara Bush

  Administrative Assistant

  Ciara joined the First Interstate Properties team as Administrative Assistant in April 2019. She provides support to the HR Department and Front Office in several capacities.

• 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

  Director of Operations

  

  Evan Berliner

  Director of Operations

  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

  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.

• Jeff Sayoc

  Associate General Counsel

  

  Jeff Sayoc

  Associate General Counsel

  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

  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

  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.

• Jessie Hoxha

  Operations Coordinator

  

  Jessie Hoxha

  Operations Coordinator

  Jessie Hoxha joined the Operations team at First Interstate in 2019. Jessie assists the Director of Operations and the Operations Manager in day-to-day facility management and the operation of First Interstate’s properties. She is a main point of contact for our property tenants, outside service providers, and utility companies. Her personal time is spent with family and friends.

• 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

  Operations Manager

  

  Lauren Nicoloff

  Operations Manager

  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.

• 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

  Construction Coordinator

  

  Rachel Cicconi

  Construction Coordinator

  Rachel Cicconi joined First Interstate in July of 2020 as Construction Coordinator, supporting the Construction and Development Departments in all ongoing projects. She moved to Cleveland from Pittsburgh, PA and in her free time she enjoys cooking, baking and DIY projects.

• 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.

• Tony Smith

  Development Associate

  

  Tony Smith

  Development Associate

  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

  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.

• 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 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

  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.

• Emily Christyson

  Marketing & Special Events Coordinator - Legacy Village

  

  Emily Christyson

  Marketing & Special Events Coordinator - Legacy Village

  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

  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.