Developers, Builders, Groundbreakers

Amy Wexler

Amy is responsible for driving Sterling Bay’s overall marketing vision and brand strategy. Prior to joining Sterling Bay, she served as CMO of AJ Capital Partners, leading global marketing efforts for Graduate Hotels, Marine & Lawn, and AJ Capital emerging platforms. She holds a BA in Public Relations and Advertising from DePaul University. Amy champions the communities where Sterling Bay develops; as a member of the company’s philanthropic initiative, SB Cares, she contributes to the oversight of annual donations across non-profit organizations. She also sits on the board of the Chicago Coalition for Family Building.

Andy Gloor

Andy oversees a national real estate portfolio of $20B. In his 20 years with Sterling Bay, he has directed the firm’s growth and evolution into a fully integrated, owner/operator real estate investment and development company. He is largely credited with the transformation of Chicago’s Fulton Market District from a meatpacking corridor into a globally recognized business destination. Andy chairs the firm’s investment committee and leads its philanthropic initiative, SB Cares. He is also actively involved with Misericordia, a Chicago organization supporting persons with developmental disabilities. Before joining Sterling Bay, Andy was a Managing Director at Insignia/ESG. He earned a BA in Political Science from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

Austin Lusson

Austin oversees day-to-day leasing efforts for several of the firm’s Chicago office assets. Since joining Sterling Bay in 2014, Austin has closed over 750,000 square feet of marquee transactions, securing major tenants like West Monroe Partners’ global headquarters at 311 W Monroe. Austin holds a bachelor’s degree in Business and Communications from Augustana College and is a licensed Illinois real estate broker. He is an active member of COLBA (Chicago Office Leasing Brokers Association) and City of Hope’s ‘Building Hope’ Board.

Chang Lee

Chang oversees all real estate investments and capital markets for Sterling Bay, focusing on expansion into new markets and forging new ventures with institutional partners. He also serves on the firm’s executive and investment committees. Prior to joining Sterling Bay, Chang provided investment sale advisory services at Eastdil Secured, LLC. He earned a BS in Business from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He is a member of Urban Land Institute, Kellogg Real Estate Alumni Club, 100 Club of Illinois, and University of Illinois Real Estate Alumni Club.

Daniella Hemsley

Daniella is responsible for helping manage the firm’s leasing. She focuses on the life sciences portfolio, specifically 2430 N Halsted, 1229 W Concord, and the Lincoln Yards megadevelopment. She brings diverse industry experience in leasing, transaction management, and valuation and advisory, and is a licensed Illinois real estate broker. She holds a BS in Business Administration and a Certificate in Real Estate from the University of Colorado Boulder. Daniella is an active member of the Greater Chicago Food Depository CREA Steering Committee, LPCS (Lincoln Park Community Service) Associate Board, and volunteers with Special Olympics.

Dave Gloor

Dave oversees day-to-day leasing efforts for the firm’s creative office and data center assets in the Chicago area. He joined Sterling Bay in 2012, starting as a Project Manager on the Victory Ranch development in Utah before transitioning to a leasing role in 2017. Dave graduated from the University of Southern California and is a licensed Illinois managing broker. He is an active member of Chicago Office Leasing Brokers Association (COLBA) and holds a leadership role in fundraising efforts for Misericordia.

Dean Marks

Dean oversees all strategic aspects of Sterling Bay’s business, including acquisitions, dispositions, lease negotiations, and debt and equity transactions. He serves on the firm’s investment, executive, charitable, and diversity and inclusion committees. Prior to joining Sterling Bay in 2009, he worked in private practice as a commercial real estate attorney at Greenberg Traurig, LLP and Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal, LLP (now Dentons US, LLP). Dean earned a BA from Dartmouth College and a JD from Emory University School of Law. He is a member of the Chicago Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, and the Hellenic Bar Association.

Dr. James Gillespie

James supports Sterling Bay’s relationship-building efforts in healthcare, life sciences, and technology. He is a Senior Advisor at the Stanford University School of Medicine, an External Advisor for McKinsey & Company, and a Research Affiliate at the Yale University School of Medicine. He serves on the boards of Action for India, the America-Israel Chamber of Commerce Chicago, the Black Healthcare & Medical Association, the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, and Special Operations Forces Innovators & Entrepreneurs (SOFIE). His education includes Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, MS, PhD.; Harvard University School of Law, JD; Princeton University School of Public Policy, MPA; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, BS; Carnegie Mellon University Heinz School; and Rand Graduate School.

Dr. Suzet McKinney

Nationally recognized public health expert Dr. McKinney leads the strategy to expand Sterling Bay’s footprint in life sciences. Prior to joining Sterling Bay, Dr. McKinney was CEO and Executive Director of the Illinois Medical District. She holds a Doctorate from the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health; received a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Brandeis University (Waltham, MA), where she was also a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellow; and earned her Master of Public Health degree from Benedictine University in Lisle, IL. Board memberships include the Board of Directors for Wintrust Financial Corporation, Lurie Children’s Hospital, and Thresholds.

Elizabeth Berlinsky

Elizabeth is responsible for reviewing, drafting, negotiating, and finalizing leases and lease-related agreements with the firm’s office, retail, and industrial tenants. During her tenure at Sterling Bay, she has been involved with drafting some of the firm’s most notable office leases including McDonald’s, WPP, and Boston Consulting Group, and retail leases including Anthropologie and Sunda in Fulton Market. Prior to joining Sterling Bay in 2014, Elizabeth worked as a practicing attorney at two national law firms. She earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan and JD from Northwestern University.

Erin Belknap

Erin oversees all aspects of security and emergency preparedness for Sterling Bay’s nationwide portfolio and leads the firm’s crisis management operations and protocols. She is a United States Marine Corps veteran who finished her enlistment as a Sergeant. Her experience also includes management of critical infrastructure sites. She earned a BA from Excelsior College and graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Defense and Security’s Executive Leader’s Program. Erin serves as Chair of BOMA’s Chicago Preparedness Committee, Board Vice President of the Fulton Market Improvement District Association, and is a member of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) International and the Illinois Security Professional Association. She was recognized as part of Crain’s Chicago Business’ 2020 Notable Veteran Executives list.

Fred Krol

Fred advises Sterling Bay’s executive leadership on civic outreach and political engagement related to the firm’s development work. He works closely with city and neighborhood stakeholders, including elected officials, government organizations, and community groups, to communicate development plans and progress. Previously, Fred spent a decade as an attorney at Dentons, a global law firm. His experience also includes positions as an aide to US Senator Dick Durbin, former Alderman Charles Bernardini (43rd), and Illinois Comptroller Dawn Clark Netsch. Fred holds a BA from the University of Notre Dame and received his law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

Greg Sudkamp

Greg joined Sterling Bay as Chief Compliance Officer after serving in the same role at CME Group for over 10 years. With vast experience in financial services and real estate, he is responsible for managing Sterling Bay’s compliance program and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws. Greg is a United States Marine Corps veteran who began his professional career at the United States Securities and Exchange Commission after his service. He holds a Master of Jurisprudence from Loyola University and an MBA from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He coaches youth basketball and mentors military veterans through the American Corporate Partnerships program.

Gwen Kaminskas

Gwen manages all aspects of Sterling Bay’s HR operations and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal labor laws. She partners with leadership to develop initiatives that align with the firm’s strategy and growth objectives. Prior to joining Sterling Bay, Gwen served in HR leadership roles at Flexpoint Ford and Willis Towers Watson. She is an active member of the Human Resources Certifications Institute (HRCI) and the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM); she is SHRM-CP and PHR certified. Gwen holds a master’s degree in teaching from DePaul University and a BA in communications and journalism from the University of Iowa.

Hugh Williams

Hugh leads the firm’s investment in, and partnership with, local minority- and women-owned businesses in Chicago’s commercial real estate industry. He allocates firm resources to Chicago-based entrepreneurs, empowering them to develop a significant presence in their field. Hugh is also co-founder and Managing Member of KWILL Merchant Advisors, an investment and advisory firm that intersects real estate, management consulting, and committed capital. He graduated from Northwestern University with a master’s degree and is a former Big 10 Conference football player and wrestling letterwinner. Hugh co-chairs Yield, a joint venture between Urban Land Institute (ULI) and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and is on the board of Congo Square Theatre.

Jared Larson

Jared focuses on Sterling Bay’s ground-up and adaptive-reuse projects, managing all aspects of development. Since joining Sterling Bay, he has played a leading role in completing capital market transactions, including the development of McDonald’s global headquarters. Jared previously worked at Ernst & Young as a Real Estate Transaction Specialist. He received a BBA in Real Estate & Urban Land Economics and a BBA in Legal Studies from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He is an active member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and Wisconsin Real Estate Alumni Association.

Jeff Assenmacher

Jeff oversees all of Sterling Bay’s debt-related initiatives, including hedging strategies, debt originations, term sheet and loan agreement negotiations, and the management of lending and intermediary relationships. Prior to joining Sterling Bay in 2017, he spent 12 years within the Real Estate Commercial and Investment Banking groups at Bank of America and LaSalle Bank. Jeff earned a BS in Neuroscience from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Miami University.  He serves on the Chicago board of Humble Design, an organization that designs and furnishes home interiors for those emerging from homelessness.

Jennifer Steinborn

Jennifer oversees all transactional activity across Sterling Bay’s portfolio. She works closely with members of all internal departments and external partners and lenders to ensure that new acquisitions, financings, joint ventures, and dispositions are executed seamlessly. Prior to joining Sterling Bay, Jennifer earned a BA in History from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She honed her transactional skills as a paralegal in the real estate group of a mid-size law firm.

Jennifer Wishart

Jenny is responsible for driving strategy and national brand awareness across all marketing channels, overseeing creative asset production as the firm continues to expand. Prior to joining Sterling Bay, she served as Director of Marketing for Foxtrot, an e-commerce-driven market and café brand. She also brings experience from her role leading national marketing efforts at Graduate Hotels. Jenny earned a BA in Strategic Communication from Miami University.

Jess Brown

Jessica is responsible for overseeing all of Sterling Bay’s leasing efforts, specializing in overall asset strategy, lease negotiation, and retail placemaking. Before joining Sterling Bay in 2015, Jessica worked at CBRE. She earned a BBA from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and is part of the Board of Advisors at James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate. She is an active member of ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) and WIRL (Women in Retail Leasing).

Jesse Van Dyke

Jesse oversees Sterling Bay’s leasing efforts across all markets, creating relationships with major national tenants and connecting the firm’s existing tenant roster with new market office opportunities. He began his career at CBRE before joining JLL, where he worked with tenants in the tech and finance sectors securing premier office space in the Chicagoland area. Most recently, Jesse served as Vice President of real estate at co-working giant WeWork. Jesse earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications Studies from the University of Kansas.

Jessica Simons

Jessica oversees various aspects of Sterling Bay’s most complex and high-value acquisitions, dispositions, and financings. Prior to joining Sterling Bay in 2017, Jessica worked in private practice for 12 years as a commercial real estate attorney at Paul Hastings, LLP and Kirkland & Ellis, LLP. Jessica earned a BA in Political Science from the University of Michigan and a JD from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law.

Jori Young

Jori is responsible for directing and leading all aspects of Sterling Bay’s insurance program to manage and mitigate potential risks throughout the firm’s portfolio. She also oversees and manages the claims process, collaborating with insurance carriers to resolve coverage issues and ensure the proper and efficient handling of claims. Prior to joining Sterling Bay in 2018, Jori practiced as a litigation attorney and worked in the insurance industry, where she specialized in claims management. She earned a BA from the

Joseph Lauricella

Joe is responsible for the management, strategy, and execution of the firm’s technology infrastructure. Continually assessing efficiencies, he organizes long- and short-term improvements and deploys firm-wide hardware and software upgrades. He also manages a team of technology professionals and oversees technological operations and systems across the firm’s portfolio. Prior to joining Sterling Bay in 2010, Joe worked as the Director of Process Improvement for Chicago-based Informist Consulting. He earned a BS from DeVry University and is an active volunteer of the Orland Park Police Department’s Emergency Services Disaster Agency (ESDA) unit.

Joshua Liss

Joshua is responsible for evaluating new opportunities across the country and managing the acquisition process as well as the firm’s existing portfolio. He also sits on the firm’s investment committee. Prior to joining Sterling Bay in 2019, Joshua worked at Hudson Advisors, the asset management arm of Lone Star Funds. Joshua earned his BA from the University of Michigan and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Jewish United Fund (JUF).

Julie Goudie

Julie oversees all communications efforts at Sterling Bay, from national media relations to local community outreach. She focuses on increasing awareness of the public benefits that Sterling Bay’s real estate work delivers. Julie is a career-long public relations professional with agency and client-side experience, ranging from start-up concepts to national brands. In her role with SB Cares, the firm’s philanthropic initiative, Julie coordinates the distribution of nearly $1M in annual charitable giving. Julie earned a BA in Communications from the University of Iowa.

Keating Crown

Keating focuses on new acquisitions and development, as well as strategic capital pursuits and relationships. He is an integral member of Sterling Bay’s business operations, serving on the executive and investment committees. He also oversees the firm’s retail merchandising portfolio. Keating began his career at Tishman Speyer, where he was Senior Director of Development. He earned a BA from Duke University and a JD-MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and Pritzker School of Law. Keating serves as Chair of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company Board of Trustees and is on the 9/11 Memorial & Museum Board of Trustees. He is also on the board of directors for Crown Family Philanthropies, Lurie Children’s Hospital, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, and the Northwestern Memorial Foundation.

Keiana Barrett

On hiatus while leading the City of Chicago’s Host Committee for the 2024 Democratic National Convention

Keiana oversees the development and execution of Sterling Bay’s community integration and diversity inclusion strategies. With over 20 years of experience in government affairs, strategic communications, and community engagement, she now leads Sterling Bay’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council and the interagency Sterling Bay Inclusion Committee. Keiana previously served as Deputy Director for Heartland Alliance’s READI Chicago program. She earned a BA in Communications and English from Illinois State University and MHS from Spertus College in Chicago.

Marty Wood

Marty oversees all aspects of the firm’s real estate developments. He manages construction across the firm’s national portfolio, including the 53-acre Lincoln Yards master-planned development. He is responsible for the oversight of all phases of a project from early due diligence through project closeout. Prior to joining Sterling Bay, he worked at Turner Construction, managing projects within the healthcare, infrastructure, education, sports, and renewable energy divisions. Marty is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a degree in Industrial Technology and is a LEED Accredited Professional.

Matt Menna

Matt leads the firm’s creative design efforts, serves on the executive and investment committees, and guides all projects requiring operational oversight or master plan design expertise. His master planning experience includes Victory Ranch, a 6,700-acre luxury residential community near Park City, Utah. Additionally, he is the Managing Principal of Four Corners Tavern Group, Inc., which operates or invests in over 20 hospitality ventures nationwide. He oversees the philanthropic arm of Four Corners and serves on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Restaurant Association. Before joining Sterling Bay in 2012, Matt spent 17 years at William Blair. He earned a BS in Business Finance from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

Matt Miller

With nearly 15 years of residential development and capital markets experience, Matt is responsible for operating Sterling Bay’s residential vertical, overseeing strategic planning, underwriting, capital raising, and asset management for a robust pipeline of development projects. Matt began his career at The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies and transitioned from commercial property acquisitions to residential development in 2015, when he joined Fifield Companies in Chicago. Matt earned a BS in Finance from the University of Illinois and is actively involved with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and Illini Real Estate Network.

Matt Ryan

Matt leads a team of development project managers and design and engineering consultants. He manages acquisition due diligence and capital analysis for leasing and leads all communication with investment partners regarding tenant improvements and capital projects. Prior to joining Sterling Bay in 2018, Matt held a role with global real estate firm Tishman Speyer, developing commercial office buildings. Matt earned a BS in Construction Management from Colorado State University. He is actively involved in Best Buddies International and participates in its annual Cycling Challenge in Miami, FL. He has also served on the boards of Ann & Robert Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago Scholars, and City of Hope.

Meg Hanley

Meg is responsible for establishing and maintaining excellence in all aspects of Sterling Bay’s commercial property management program. Meg also manages a team of over 80 property management professionals across the firm’s national portfolio. She holds a BS in Business Management from National Louis University and is a LEED Accredited Professional. She is a member of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), where she serves on the Chicago Energy and Sustainability Committee.

Mike Beringer

With over 17 years of real estate and accounting experience, Mike manages all aspects of Sterling Bay’s financial functions and oversees a team of finance professionals. Before joining Sterling Bay, he served as Senior Vice President of Finance for Revantage, a Blackstone Portfolio Company.

Patrick Biesty

Patrick draws from over 20 years of experience in building engineering and management to oversee building operations across the firm’s national portfolio and to manage over 80 field engineering professionals. Prior to joining Sterling Bay, Patrick worked as a Building Consultant with JLL, as well as a Chief Engineer in the Chicago market. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the Illinois Institute of Technology and an Associate Degree from Triton College. He is a board member of the Chief Engineers Association of Chicagoland and an active member of the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Rick Kintigh

Through design review and analysis, Rick collaborates with project partners and Sterling Bay’s Development Services team to ensure brand alignment and compliance with firm standards. He reviews proposed designs and works to optimize the structures’ operational and financial performance. Rick’s expertise is evidenced by the many architecture and design recognitions awarded to Sterling Bay properties including SARA National Design Awards, AIA and IIDA Design Excellence Awards, and NAIOP Development Awards. Rick holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Iowa State University, is a licensed architect in Illinois, and is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Rodney Richerson

Rodney is responsible for sourcing and closing new acquisitions and developments in the Western United States. Additionally, he serves on the firm’s investment committee. Prior to joining Sterling Bay, Rodney oversaw West Coast assets on behalf of KBS Realty Advisors and its affiliate KBS Capital Advisors. Rodney serves on a variety of industry advisory groups and is a board member of the Southern California chapter of NAIOP. He earned a BA in Business, with an emphasis in Real Estate Finance from California State University, Fullerton.

Ron Frain

Ron oversees the national expansion of Sterling Bay’s industrial platform. A 55-year industry veteran, he co-founded Hawthorn Realty Group; Frain Camins & Swartchild; and Bridge Industrial (formerly Bridge Development Partners). Ron is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Madison and an active member of the Association of Industrial Real Estate Brokers (AIREB), the National Association for Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP), Wisconsin Real Estate Alumni Association, and the University of Wisconsin Club of Chicago.

Russ Cora

Russ oversees all aspects of office leasing for Sterling Bay’s portfolio, including upcoming development projects. Prior to joining Sterling Bay in 2013, Russ spent over a decade working for prominent firms in Chicago’s commercial real estate industry before eventually forming his own company. Russ earned a BS in Economics from Allegheny College and is a licensed Illinois managing broker.

Ryan Walsh

Ryan oversees the sourcing, closing, and capital formation of Sterling Bay’s investment and development opportunities across the country. He also sits on the firm’s investment committee. He has contributed to the firm’s national portfolio growth through several high-profile acquisitions, including mixed-use opportunities in Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, and Nashville, and over $4B in life science portfolio investment. Prior to joining Sterling Bay in 2017, Ryan worked as an investment sale broker at Eastdil Secured. He earned a BA in Economics from the University of Michigan and is an active member of Open Heart Magic.

Ryan Zordan

With over 18 years of industry experience in commercial real estate analysis and asset management, Ryan is responsible for managing all aspects of the firm’s Lincoln Yards master-planned development, including portfolio management, financing, and capital transactions. Prior to joining Sterling Bay, Ryan served on the Property and Fund Accounting team at Wrightwood Capital. Ryan holds a BS in Accountancy from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.

Sach Kirpalani

Sach is responsible for managing the firm’s acquisitions, development, and portfolio management in markets west of Denver. He has facilitated over $7 billion in real estate transactions throughout his career, covering nearly 20 million SF across markets in the West. Sach spent 17 years at JLL, where he served as Senior Director. He holds a Master’s in Real Estate Finance and Development from the University of San Diego, a Bachelor’s in Finance from San Diego State University, and is a LEED Accredited Professional. Sach is an active member of the National Association for Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP) and Urban Land Institute (ULI).

Scott Gibbel

Scott spearheads the firm’s strategic initiatives within the industrial real estate sector. His responsibilities include oversight of all acquisitions, development projects, and leasing activities within the vertical. Prior to joining Sterling Bay, Scott served as Chicago Market Officer at IDI Logistics, a leading developer and manager of logistics real estate in the U.S. Scott holds a BS in Business, Finance, and Real Estate from Indiana University Kelley School of Business and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is on the board of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) and is a youth mentor through LINK Unlimited Scholars.

Steph Smothers

Steph generates and leads Sterling Bay’s creative vision through a national portfolio of corporate workplace, residential, hospitality-focused, and branded environments. She also manages the firm’s external consultants and interior design teams. Prior to joining Sterling Bay, Steph worked as a Senior Interior Designer for a boutique Chicago design practice. She holds a BFA in Interior Design from Iowa State University and is NCIDQ licensed. Steph is a committee member of Insightful Collaborative, a council that promotes and provides mentorship for women, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ in the design and CRE community. She also serves as a member of Sterling Bay’s Inclusion Council, IIDA’s Chicago Chapter, and Professional Women in Construction Chicago Chapter, and volunteers for Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids.