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As chairman of GFI Capital Resources Group, Allen brings over 35 years of real estate expertise to the strategy and performance of GFI businesses. Allen founded GFI’s first company, GFI Mortgage Bankers, in 1983 while seeking opportunities to rehabilitate under performing multifamily assets. He has since grown the platform to include GFI Realty Services, GFI Insurance Services, GFI Hospitality, Broadway Construction Group (BCG), GFI Property Management and GFI Capital Resources. Under Allen’s leadership, GFI Realty Services has consummated over $10 Billion dollars in investment sales transactions, and GFI Insurance Company insures more than $2 Billion worth of real estate assets and provides health insurance to more than 1,000 companies nationwide. GFI’s multifamily holdings currently number over 10,000 units in six states which are operated and managed through GFI Management Services. GFI Capital Resources has completed many significant developments included among the famed Ace Hotel New York and the Beekman Hotel and Residences. Allen’s primary emphasis has always been creating value. In 2019, Mr. Gross was added to Commercial Observer’s “Power 100’s List”.
As Managing Director & General Counsel, Mr. Braz directs all of the day-to-day legal affairs of GFI and its affiliates, including the planning, structuring and negotiation of complex transactions, joint ventures, regulatory and compliance matters and corporate governance. Mr. Braz is a member of GFI’s Executive and Investment Committees and coordinates execution of the Company’s investment strategies. Prior to joining GFI, Mr. Braz was the Director of Legal Services for Africa Israel, USA, the U.S. subsidiary of Africa Israel Investments, where he advised the company on all legal matters concerning the company’s U.S. real estate holdings. At Africa Israel, Mr. Braz played a key role on development projects including: 20 Pine- the Collection, a conversion of a high rise office building in Manhattan’s financial district to 409 luxury condominium residences and ground floor retail, the ground-up development of the Marquis, a 67-story luxury condominium and hotel located in downtown Miami and the redevelopment of the Times Square Building. Mr. Braz earned his bachelor’s degree, from Clark University, cum laude with honors in Economics, and received a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School.
William M. Barrett, Chief Financial Officer of GFI Capital Resources Group, oversees all Accounting, Finance, Human Resources and IT functions for the company and all related entities/affiliates. He is responsible for the ongoing management and financial performance with the goal of monitoring and maximizing asset specific cash flow and profitability performance. He also oversees all tax and compliance reporting, and maintains ongoing relationships with partners, agencies, development and operations to ensure the integrity of all financial data. Mr. Barrett previous positions included Chief Administrative Officer of the LeFrak Organization, where he managed day to day operations for the firm; COO and CFO of GVA Williams, which during his tenure was acquired by Colliers International; SVP and COO Newmark & Company and CFO of the Edward S. Gordon Company. Mr. Barrett received a BBA in Accounting from Pace University and is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of New York.
Eric is the corporate controller for GFI Capital Resources Group and is responsible for overseeing and managing the day to day accounting and financial operations across GFI and its affiliates. Eric previously served as the CFO of Northwind Group where he was in charge of all tax, accounting, and financial activities and functions, and Senior REIT Accountant at Clipper Realty where he worked on the registration and financial filings for the REIT IPO. Prior to that, Eric spent 5 years in public accounting specializing in the real estate industry. Eric graduated Seton Hall University with an MBA in Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of New York.
Risa supervises administrative, human resources, records management, and staffing for GFI Capital Resources Group. She is a strategic HR executive with a strong background in organizational design, employee relations, executive & staff recruitment, talent & performance management, change management, leadership development, coaching, succession planning, employee communications & engagement, policy design & administration, HRIS, compensation & benefits, mergers & acquisitions and labor law compliance.
Mr. Volkov is the Chief Financial Officer of GFI Real Estate Limited, GFI's Bond Company Portfolio, which since 2015 has raised $300 million in publicly traded corporate bonds on the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange. Mr. Volkov is responsible for GFI's investment, strategic and financial affairs, investor relations, working with rating agencies, compliance with all financial reporting requirements, along with raising private equity from high net worth individuals and institutional investors for GFI’s different projects and transactions. Mr. Volkov is a member of GFI's Executive and Investment Committees. Prior to joining GFI, Mr. Volkov was an Officer of the Israeli public company Mishorim, and a Senior Member of Deloitte Israel. Mr. Volkov graduated Tel-Aviv University with an M.B.A in Financial Management and is a licensed C.P.A by the Israeli Chamber of Accountants.
Ramsen joined GFI Capital Resources Group as Associate General Counsel in 2022. He is responsible for providing legal counsel to GFI and its affiliates on a broad range of issues, including real estate transactions, joint ventures, litigation, regulatory and compliance matters, and corporate governance. Prior to joining GFI, Ramsen represented design professionals, general contractors, construction management firms, and real estate developers in various commercial disputes and construction law matters. Ramsen earned his bachelor’s degree from McMaster University in Canada and received a J.D. from New York Law School.
As chairman of GFI Capital Resources Group, Allen brings over 35 years of real estate expertise to the strategy and performance of all GFI businesses. Allen founded GFI’s first company, GFI Mortgage Bankers, in 1983 while seeking opportunities to rehabilitate under performing multifamily assets. He has since grown the platform to include GFI Realty Services, GFI Insurance Services, GFI Hospitality, Broadway Construction Group (BCG), GFI Property Management and GFI Capital Resources. Under Allen’s leadership, GFI Realty Services has consummated over $10 Billion dollars in investment sales transactions, and GFI Insurance Company insures more than $2 Billion worth of real estate assets and provides health insurance to more than 1,000 companies nationwide. GFI’s multifamily holdings currently number over 10,000 units in six states which are operated and managed through GFI Management Services. GFI Capital Resources has completed many significant developments included among the famed Ace Hotel New York and the Beekman Hotel and Residences. Allen’s primary emphasis has always been creating value. In 2019, Mr. Gross was added to Commercial Observer’s “Power 100’s List”.
As Managing Director & General Counsel, Mr. Braz directs all of the day-to-day legal affairs of GFI and its affiliates, including the planning, structuring and negotiation of complex transactions, joint ventures, regulatory and compliance matters and corporate governance. Mr. Braz is a member of GFI’s Executive and Investment Committees and coordinates execution of the Company’s investment strategies. Prior to joining GFI, Mr. Braz was the Director of Legal Services for Africa Israel, USA, the U.S. subsidiary of Africa Israel Investments, where he advised the company on all legal matters concerning the company’s U.S. real estate holdings. At Africa Israel, Mr. Braz played a key role on development projects including: 20 Pine- the Collection, a conversion of a high rise office building in Manhattan’s financial district to 409 luxury condominium residences and ground floor retail, the ground-up development of the Marquis, a 67-story luxury condominium and hotel located in downtown Miami and the redevelopment of the Times Square Building. Mr. Braz earned his bachelor’s degree, from Clark University, cum laude with honors in Economics, and received a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School.
William M. Barrett, Chief Financial Officer of GFI Capital Resources Group, oversees all Accounting, Finance, Human Resources and IT functions for the company and all related entities/affiliates. He is responsible for the ongoing management and financial performance with the goal of monitoring and maximizing asset specific cash flow and profitability performance. He also oversees all tax and compliance reporting, and maintains ongoing relationships with partners, agencies, development and operations to ensure the integrity of all financial data. Mr. Barrett previous positions included Chief Administrative Officer of the LeFrak Organization, where he managed day to day operations for the firm; COO and CFO of GVA Williams, which during his tenure was acquired by Colliers International; SVP and COO Newmark & Company and CFO of the Edward S. Gordon Company. Mr. Barrett received a BBA in Accounting from Pace University and is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of New York.
Eric is the corporate controller for GFI Capital and all its affiliate companies and is responsible for overseeing and managing the day to day accounting and financial operations. Eric previously served as the CFO of Northwind Group where he was in charge of all tax, accounting, and financial activities and functions, and Senior REIT Accountant at Clipper Realty where he worked on the registration and financial filings for the REIT IPO. Prior to that, Eric spent 5 years in public accounting specializing in the real estate industry. Eric graduated Seton Hall University with an MBA in Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of New York.
Risa supervises administrative, human resources, records management, and staffing for Broadway Construction Group. She is a strategic HR executive with a strong background in organizational design, employee relations, executive & staff recruitment, talent & performance management, change management, leadership development, coaching, succession planning, employee communications & engagement, policy design & administration, HRIS, compensation & benefits, mergers & acquisitions and labor law compliance.
Mr. Volkov is the Chief Financial Officer of GFI Real Estate Limited, GFI's Bond Company Portfolio, which since 2015 has raised $200 million in publicly traded corporate bonds on the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange. Mr. Volkov is responsible for GFI's investment, strategic and financial affairs, investor relations, working with rating agencies, compliance with all financial reporting requirements, along with raising private equity from high net worth individuals and institutional investors for GFI’s different projects and transactions. Mr. Volkov is a member of GFI's Executive and Investment Committees. Prior to joining GFI, Mr. Volkov was an Officer of the Israeli public company Mishorim, and a Senior Member of Deloitte Israel. Mr. Volkov graduated Tel-Aviv University with an M.B.A in Financial Management and is a licensed C.P.A by the Israeli Chamber of Accountants.
Mr. Spiegelman is responsible for the day-to-day operations of GFI Development. Stan joined GFI in 2009 and currently oversees the development of multiple mixed-use, hotel and residential projects. This role includes deal structuring, design development and interfacing with project management and construction teams, sales and marketing teams, as well as capital partners, operating partners, and lenders. Mr. Spiegelman has been instrumental in the structuring and development of the Beekman Hotel and Residences, Ace Hotel Brooklyn, the James Hotel NoMad, 470 Vanderbilt, and 144 North 8th Street development projects. Prior to joining GFI, Stan spent several years as an investment banking analyst at a bulge-bracket investment bank. Mr. Spiegelman graduated summa cum laude from Binghamton University with concentrations in finance and marketing.
Eric joined GFI Development in 2012 as the Executive Vice President of Project Management. He is a 40-year hotel industry veteran responsible for the group’s development management efforts. Eric has overseen the development of over 50 hospitality development projects in North America and Europe. Some of the projects Eric has worked on include the Beekman Hotel and Residences and Ace Hotel Brooklyn in New York, the Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery in New Orleans, and the James New York – NoMad Hotel. He is also responsible for the Thompson Central Park New York and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach – a collection of condominium homes and single-family villas. Eric oversaw the conversion of the former Ritz-Carlton New York, Westchester into The Opus Westchester, an Autograph Collection Hotel. He previously served as the Owner’s Representative for development management at the Thompson Miami Beach, Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach and the Chicago Athletic Association. Prior to joining GFI, Eric was Senior Vice President of Development for Morgan’s Hotel Group, where he directed the development activities of their portfolio including prominent lifestyle brands such as Hudson, Royalton, Morgan’s, Mondrian, Ames, St. Martin’s Lane and Sanderson. Eric holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and has been a faculty member of the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University since 2019.
David joined GFI Development in 2015 as a Senior Project Manager to spearhead the ground up construction of a 180,000 square foot lifestyle hotel in Brooklyn and the renovation and adaptive reuse of an existing 185,000 square foot hotel in Midtown South. David is responsible for leading all aspects of these projects, including the preparation of budgets and cost estimates, monthly draws, selecting design professionals, facilitating procurement, and overseeing design direction and coordination of construction documents. Prior to joining GFI, David worked as an associate in the Acquisition and Development Group for Gemini Real Estate Advisors and Senior Consultant at Horwath HTL in Toronto. Mr. Rosen received his Master’s degree in Real Estate Finance and Investment from the NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate and graduated with Distinction from Queens University in Canada with a Bachelor's degree in Economics.
Perry joined GFI Development in 2018 as an Analyst, where he is primarily responsible for underwriting new development and investment opportunities, financing, deal structuring and execution and asset management. While at GFI Perry has been involved in numerous acquisitions and development projects including the Thompson Central Park New York (formerly the Parker Hotel), The Beekman Hotel, Mission Gateway, Ace Hotel Brooklyn, The Ritz- Carlton Residences Miami Beach, Ace Hotel Denver, Jefferson Park Apartments, Copper Ridge Apartments, Infinity at Plaza West Apartments, River Market West Apartments, Adara at Godley Station Apartments and The Lakes at Deerfield Apartments. Prior to joining GFI, Perry worked as a Private Equity Associate at Beechwood Capital in Boston, MA. Perry holds a Bachelor’s degree from Bentley University with concentrations in Corporate Finance and Law.
Klara originally joined GFI in 2016 as a Senior Project Manager. She is responsible for planning and coordinating implementation of complex, ground up and rehabilitation projects, principally by leading a carefully assembled team of third party design consultants and contractors through all phases of entitlement, design development, procurement, construction and project turn over. Key roles include, analyzing construction documents, exploring effective entitlement solutions, overseeing trade procurement, controlling soft cost and hard cost budgets and tracking schedule. Klara brings over 15 years of diversified experience in real estate development, construction management and architecture project management. In addition to her role as a Senior Project Manager, Klara is also involved in a consulting project management capacity for Broadway Construction Group. Prior to GFI Development, Klara worked for various New York based real estate developers, architects and construction managers. Klara holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Pratt Institute and is a registered architect in the State of New York.
Alex joined GFI Development in 2023 as a Project Manager. Prior to GFI, Alex worked at SJP Properties and Humphrey Rich Construction Group in New York. Alex obtained his Master's in Real Estate Development from New York University and Bachelor of Science from University of Connecticut School of Business.
Eli joined GFI Development in 2023 as a Development Analyst. His primary responsibilities include underwriting and sourcing new development and multi-family opportunities, investment due diligence and asset management. Eli received his Master’s degree in Real Estate Finance and Investment from the NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate.
Carmine joined GFI Development in 2022 as an Assistant Project Manager, where he assists the team with mixed-use land development projects in Florida and the Midwest. Prior to GFI Development, Carmine worked as an Owner’s Representative Construction Manager for Slate Property Group, where he managed and oversaw all aspects for the renovation of a historic townhouse in NYC’s Carnegie Hill. Carmine graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Engineering degree and concentration in Systems Engineering and Economics.
Igor joined GFI Development in 2012 as a Project Coordinator and worked his way to Lead Project Accountant on all active Development projects. Igor Received his BS in Business management and Finance from Brooklyn College and is currently pursuing his MS in accountancy from Baruch’s Zicklin school of Business.
Mr. Spiegelman is responsible for the day-to-day operations of GFI Capital Resources. Stan joined GFI Capital Resources in 2009 and currently oversees the development of multiple mixed-use, hotel and residential projects. This role includes deal structuring, design development and interfacing with project management and construction teams, sales and marketing teams, as well as capital partners, operating partners, and lenders. Mr. Spiegelman has been instrumental in the structuring and development of the Beekman Hotel and Residences, Ace Hotel Brooklyn, the James Hotel NoMad, 470 Vanderbilt, and 144 North 8th Street development projects. Prior to joining GFI, Stan spent several years as an investment banking analyst at abulge-bracket investment bank. Mr. Spiegelman graduated summa cum laude from Binghamton University with concentrations in finance and marketing.
Mr Bass is an industry veteran responsible for the group’s development management efforts. At GFI, Mr Bass has overseen the development of the Beekman Hotel and Residences, the Old No 77 Hotel Chandlery in New Orleans, and the James Hotel NoMad. He is also overseeing the Bond Street Hotel in Brooklyn and the Grant Street Hotel in Denver. Mr Bass served as the Owner’s Representative for development management at the Thompson Miami Beach, Ritz Carlton Residences Miami Beach and the Chicago Athletic Association. Prior to joining GFI, he was Senior Vice President of Development for Morgan’s Hotel Group, where he directed the development activities of their portfolio including prominent lifestyle brands such as Hudson, Royalton, Morgans, Mondrian, Ames, and St Martin’s Lane and Sanderson. Mr Bass holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration.
Mr. Ashwal directs GFI Management Services, Inc. which includes management and execution of asset-level strategies for a national portfolio of multifamily and retail assets. Additionally, Mr. Ashwal oversees GFI’s developments outside of the New York Metro Area. Prior to joining GFI, Mr. Ashwal oversaw KW Property Management & Consulting’s expansion efforts in the New York metropolitan area. Additionally, he served as Director of Operations at LCI, a boutique construction management and owner’s representative firm. He is also the former Senior Developer at Africa Israel, USA where he oversaw the repositioning the former New York Times building and the completion of 20 Pine – the Collection. Mr. Ashwal holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland and a Master’s degree in Construction Executive Management from the NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate.
Mr. Rosen joined GFI Capital Resources in 2015 as a Senior Project Manager to spearhead the ground up construction of a 180,000 square foot lifestyle hotel in Brooklyn and the renovation and adaptive reuse of an existing 185,000 square foot hotel in Midtown South. Mr. Rosen is responsible for leading all aspects of these projects, including the preparation of budgets and cost estimates, monthly draws, selecting design professionals, facilitating procurement, and overseeing design direction and coordination of construction documents. Prior to joining GFI, Mr. Rosen worked as an associate in the Acquisition and Development Group for Gemini Real Estate Advisors and Senior Consultant at Horwath HTL in Toronto. Mr. Rosen received his Master’s degree in Real Estate Finance and Investment from the NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate and graduated with Distinction from Queens University in Canada with a Bachelor's degree in Economics.
Mr. Lorberbaum is a Senior Associate with GFI Development Company where he is primarily responsible for underwriting new development and multifamily opportunities, deal structuring, execution, and asset management. Since joining GFI in 2018, Mr. Lorberbaum has been involved in various acquisitions and development projects including the Parker Hotel & Residence, Mission Gateway, Ace Hotel Brooklyn, The Ritz- Carlton Residences Miami Beach, Ace Hotel Denver, Copper Ridge Apartments, Infinity at Plaza West Apartments, River Market West Apartments, Adara at Godley Station Apartments and The Lakes at Deerfield Apartments. Prior to joining GFI, Mr. Lorberbaum worked as a Private Equity Associate at Beechwood Capital. Mr. Lorberbaum holds a Bachelor’s degree from Bentley University with concentrations in Corporate Finance and Law.
Zach Zelikovic joined GFI Development in 2018 as a Project Manager where he is responsible for executing on the business plans of several of the company’s ongoing hospitality projects including the repositioning of a luxury hotel in Westchester, and the renovation of a 500,000 square foot lifestyle hotel in Midtown. Zach is responsible for managing all aspects of these projects, coordinating design and development, construction, asset management, operations, and ownership. Prior to joining GFI, Mr. Zelikovic held several roles with both Andre Balazs Properties and Denihan Hospitality Group, where he focused on Design & Construction as well as Openings & Transitions. Most recently, Zach managed the development portfolio for Montparnasse 56. Zach received his Master’s degree in Real Estate Development from Columbia University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel Administration from Cornell University.
Mr. Faulds joined GFI in 2018 and is responsible for leading and coordinating all aspects of project management, including the review of budgets and cost estimates, monthly draws, identifying and selecting design and construction professionals, facilitating the procurement process, overseeing the design direction and coordination of construction documents. Mr. Faulds has a broad range of development and construction experience having worked on many commercial, retail, luxury branded residential and hotel properties throughout the North East, Mid-West, Mid-Atlantic and South East Regions such as Downtown by Starck, 20 Pine Street the Collection, The Apthorp, The Clock Tower, Marquis Residences Miami and Tempo Miami. Prior to joining GFI, Mr. Faulds worked at Fasano-Acchione as a Senior Surety Consultant and Director of Development for Africa-Israel USA.
Mr. Gaines is a Development Analyst with GFI Development Company where he is primarily responsible for underwriting, analyzing and modeling transactions. He provides transactional and analytical support to the entire development team concerning acquisitions and dispositions, capital raises, project management, and asset management. Prior to joining GFI Development Company, Mr. Gaines was an Investment Banking Analyst at Hammond Hanlon Camp (H2C) in New York. During his tenure he was a member of the firm’s healthcare real estate group, where he serviced a variety of real estate, M&A, and capital market transactions. Mr. Gaines graduated with a B.S. in Hotel Administration and a Minor in Real Estate, with a focus in finance and accounting from Cornell University S.C. Johnson College of Business – School of Hotel Administration.
Igor Joined GFI in 2012 as a project coordinator and worked his way to become the lead project accountant for all current jobs. He is responsible for managing the day-to-day accounting aspects of all development projects, including maintaining monthly and annual job cost reports, and overseeing the submission and funding process from various lenders. In addition to working on development projects, Igor also has experience working on the construction accounting need of GFI’s Construction affiliate, Broadway Construction Group for the past 8 years. In that role, Igor is responsible for recording and maintaining construction budgets, contract commitments and project change orders, in addition to preparing monthly construction and development draws submissions to lenders and capital partners. Igor’s experience in meeting the needs of both the development and construction teams make him a critical member of the company. Igor Received his BS in Business management and Finance from Brooklyn College and is currently pursuing his MS in accountancy from Baruch’s Zicklin school of Business.
Joel leads GFI’s hospitality group with a focus on value creation and developing solutions to achieve ownership’s investment objectives. Joel brings more than 45 of years experience in hotel & resort development, management contract negotiations, operation of lifestyle hotels, marketing and sales, capital projects, property tax valuation, and asset management. Prior to joining GFI, Joel was partner in Geolo Capital and a founding partner of Horwath HTL (Canada) and its Chairman and CEO. He has asset managed and provided advisory services to hotels and resorts ranging in size from 59 rooms to 1600 rooms in Canada, the US, Mexico, Caribbean and Asia.
At GFI Hospitality, Scott Koster is responsible for providing oversight of GFI Hospitality properties and guidance to hotel management, capital partners and other investors. Scott is an experienced senior leader with a demonstrated history of working in the luxury and lifestyle space from his tenures at the Waldorf-Astoria, The Plaza, Gramercy Park Hotel and Thompson Hotels where he served in both Area Managing Director and Regional Vice President rolls. Scott is a strong business development leader, skilled in Asset Management, Operations, Revenue Management, Sales and Brand Development. He has extensive knowledge and experience in all aspects of hospitality, with a history of innovation and the ability to capitalize on market opportunities to build revenue, outperform the competition and achieve the financial objectives of investors. Scott brings 30 years of hotel and restaurant progressive leadership to the team, serving most recently as a Senior Vice President of Equinox Hotels. Scott is a graduate of Widener University’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management.
Melissa is responsible for overseeing the Team's ground up hotel development projects and sourcing new investment opportunities. Prior to joining GFI, Melissa was VP of Acquisitions and Development at Denihan Hospitality and sourced and negotiated several hotel management and joint venture contracts for the firm. Melissa was also a Director of Acquisitions and Development at Tishman Hotel & Realty. Melissa is a graduate of The Hotel School at Cornell University and is actively involved in alumni networks including Cornell’s Undergraduate Women in Real Estate mentorship program.
Kate joined the GFI Hospitality Team in 2023. She dual focuses on Hotel Asset Management and Hospitality Investments. Previously, Kate worked at Morgan Stanley in Wealth Management, where she scaled an analyst program to over 250 participants and worked on a COO team supporting different strategic initiatives for the Wealth Management Business. Prior to Morgan Stanley, Kate worked as a Revenue Manager with Marriott International, where she was responsible for managing and monitoring the selling strategies of the Algonquin Hotel and supporting their Times Square Cluster. She graduated from New York University with a degree in Hospitality and a concentration in Hotel Development. Outside of work, Kate serves as the Co-Chair of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Next Gen Board and sits on the UJA Young Hospitality and Young Wall Street Committees.
Joel leads GFI’s hospitality group with a focus on value creation and developing solutions to achieve ownership’s investment objectives. Joel brings more than 45 of years experience in hotel & resort development, management contract negotiations, operation of lifestyle hotels, marketing and sales, capital projects, property tax valuation, and asset management. Prior to joining GFI, Joel was partner in Geolo Capital and a founding partner of Horwath HTL (Canada) and its Chairman and CEO. He has asset managed and provided advisory services to hotels and resorts ranging in size from 59 rooms to 1600 rooms in Canada, the US, Mexico, Caribbean and Asia.
At GFI Hospitality, Scott Koster is responsible for providing oversight of GFI Hospitality properties and guidance to hotel management, capital partners and other investors. Scott is an experienced senior leader with a demonstrated history of working in the luxury and lifestyle space from his tenures at the Waldorf-Astoria, The Plaza, Gramercy Park Hotel and Thompson Hotels where he served in both Area Managing Director and Regional Vice President rolls. Scott is a strong business development leader, skilled in Asset Management, Operations, Revenue Management, Sales and Brand Development. He has extensive knowledge and experience in all aspects of hospitality, with a history of innovation and the ability to capitalize on market opportunities to build revenue, outperform the competition and achieve the financial objectives of investors. Scott brings 30 years of hotel and restaurant progressive leadership to the team, serving most recently as a Senior Vice President of Equinox Hotels. Scott is a graduate of Widener University’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management.
Alissa joined GFI Hospitality in 2019 as a Senior Analyst and was promoted to Director of Hotel Asset Management in November 2021. In her role at GFI, Alissa oversees all hotels in the portfolio and acts as a conduit between the management companies and Ownership. In addition, she handles all loan and financial reporting, retail leasing initiatives, capital projects, as well as provides the team with in-depth analytical research and findings on the portfolio’s operating performance. Prior to joining GFI, Alissa worked as an Asset Management Analyst for Tishman Hotel & Realty. Alissa received her Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a minor in Information Technology. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the University’s Hospitality & Tourism Department. She is an active member of the Hospitality Asset Managers Association (HAMA) and Young Hospitality Investment Professionals (YHIP).
Melissa is responsible for overseeing the firm’s ground up hotel development projects and sourcing new investment opportunities. Prior to joining GFI, Melissa was VP of Acquisitions and Development at Denihan Hospitality and sourced and negotiated several hotel management and joint venture contracts for the firm. Melissa was also a Director of Acquisitions and Development at Tishman Hotel & Realty. Melissa is a graduate of The Hotel School at Cornell University and is actively involved in alumni networks including Cornell’s Undergraduate Women in Real Estate mentorship program.
Michael Cherner joined GFI in 2020 as a Senior Associate. In his current role, Michael is responsible for asset management of GFI’s existing hotel portfolio and underwriting new investment opportunities. Previously, Michael worked at Cushman & Wakefield on their hotel capital markets team facilitating over $750 million of hotel debt and equity. Michael graduated from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration with a Bachelor of Science degree.