TEAM

Ensemble’s expertise is rooted in the strength and longevity of its tenured team. Our acumen in asset management, development and operations is embodied in the commitment of our team members in an industry where people are everything.

Team member's name

KAM BABAOFF

Chairman, Co-Founder

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KAM BABAOFF

Chairman, Co-Founder

kbabaoff@ensemble.net

A founding partner of Ensemble, Kambiz “Kam” Babaoff began his career in construction and development and then embarked upon the practical application of his skillset through a number of hotel development and repositioning projects – most notably the renovation of the Hotel Maya in Long Beach, California and Dream Inn in Santa Cruz, California. Both an engineer and an entrepreneur, he formed Ensemble Real Estate Investements with his co-founders Michael Moskowitz and Randy McGrane to capitalize on their complementary skillsets.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Kam continues to spearhead Ensemble’s commercial real estate investment projects. With his reputation for diligent responsiveness and innovative thinking, he has overseen the development or acquisition of over several million square feet of hotel, multifamily and high-density office space for the company. Notable projects include: Long Beach World Trade Center office complex, Hotel Nia in Silicon Valley, 442 Residences and The Crest multifamily buildings in Long Beach and several hotel and office projects at the Philadelphia Navy Yard Master Development.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Kam remains dedicated to the cultivation of community-based arts and culture. He is an ongoing supporter of several California municipalities, including the City of Long Beach. Kam serves on the Board of Directors of a number of non-profit educational and religious organizations including as the chairman of Cornerstone Housing for Adults with Disabilities to build housing for the developmentally disabled in the Los Angeles area.

MICHAEL MOSKOWITZ

CEO, Co-Founder

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MICHAEL MOSKOWITZ

CEO, Co-Founder

mmoskowitz@ensemble.net

A founding partner of Ensemble, Michael Moskowitz has been involved in commercial real estate for more than 30 years. An accomplished developer, Michael has been a leader on many significant hospitality and healthcare projects in multiple states including work in California, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, Texas, Pennsylvania and New York. Early work included acting as the Owner’s Representative on the historic renovation of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and Holiday Inn Bayview Plaza (currently the Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica). Later, acting as a Principal with Ensemble, Michael oversaw development of the company’s first ground-up healthcare project, the 100,000 SF Thunderbird Paseo Medical Plaza in Glendale as well as numerous other award-winning healthcare projects including the 200,000 SF Saint Mary’s Center for Health in Reno, Nevada. Most recently, Michael has been active as a Principal for Ensemble on all of our ongoing hotel projects. Over his many years working together with his partners at Ensemble, Michael is most proud of helping create and build Ensemble as a company and having fostered and mentored the talent within the company.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Michael provides leadership for all aspects of the company’s operations with an emphasis on long-term goals, growth, profit, organizational structure and strategy. He is also involved in development activity, from deal structuring and entitlement through design and construction.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture, Yale University
MBA, UCLA’s John E. Anderson Graduate School of Management
Sustaining Board Member, UCLA Ziman Center for Real Estate
Vice Chairman (term completed) for Friends of Public Radio Arizona
Chairman (two years) for First Press Arizona benefiting Spot 127 – the Arizona Youth Media Center
Licensed Real Estate Broker California and Nevada

California Designated Broker of Ensemble Real Estate Solutions

JUST FOR KICKS

When not in the office, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife Kim Stockdale along with friends and family, cooking, traveling, celebrating and looking at lots of art. By himself, you will likely find Michael taking walks and reading everything from novels and detective stories to economics and science.

CalBRE License# 01138291

RANDY McGRANE

Board Member, Co-Founder

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RANDY McGRANE

Board Member, Co-Founder

rmcgrane@ensemble.net

As a co-founder of Ensemble, Randy has decades of experience in commercial real estate. His background encompasses significant experience in development, acquisitions, dispositions, financing, underwriting, market analysis, and asset management.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Randy plays a pivotal role in Ensemble’s real estate investment business model. His full view of the market allows him to provide a value added perspective on all transactions from deal structuring and entitlement to overseeing development activity through design and construction and acting as the “Principal In Charge” on numerous projects.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Associate Degree in Construction, Don Bosco Technical Institute

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson – State of Arizona

Arizona Designated Broker – Ensemble Real Estate Solutions

Board of Directors – Sun Health Foundation

Past Trustee – Tesseract School

JUST FOR KICKS

Outside the office, Randy is passionate about cooking where he can express his creativity and please people at the same time. And as Randy says, creating a great meal only takes one day, not two years, like real estate development.

CONRAD GARNER

Managing Director

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CONRAD GARNER

Managing Director

cgarner@ensemble.net

Over his 15+ year career in real estate, Conrad Garner has advanced to Managing Director within Ensemble, overseeing the company’s development pipeline and investment initiatives. His depth of experience in real estate strategy, planning, entitlement, design and construction has led to successful execution of over $1B of hospitality, mixed-use, commercial, and medical development and investment.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Conrad is a member of Ensemble’s executive leadership team in which he contributes to setting corporate strategy and leading the organization’s overall development and investment initiatives. He additionally oversees a full team of project management, design, construction management, analysis, and accounting professionals. His department is responsible for lifecycle development execution from entitlement through operational start-up.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Bachelor of Architecture degree and MBA, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Member of Urban Land Institute (ULI)

AIA American Institute of Architects

PMI Project Management Institute

JUST FOR KICKS

When not in the office, Conrad enjoys raising his young family and getting outdoors in the great southern California weather.

JACOB OWEN

Managing Director

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JACOB OWEN

Managing Director

jowen@ensemble.net

Fulfilling a childhood passion to be in Real Estate, Jacob Owen joined the team in 2005. Prior to Ensemble, Jacob was at Universal Mortgage, a successful boutique mortgage lender in New York City.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Jacob is a member of Ensemble’s executive leadership team in which he contributes to setting corporate strategy and leading the organization’s overall development and investment initiatives. Jacob and his team are responsible for the feasibility, execution, capitalization, and asset management of Ensemble’s new and existing investments. Through these endeavors, Jacob has structured and deployed well over $2.0 Billion of capital while at Ensemble which has span across hotel, multi-family, life-science and office assets.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Washington

California Licensed Real Estate Broker

JUST FOR KICKS

Jacob lives in Seattle with his wife and four children. In those rare moments of free time, he can usually be found backpacking somewhere in the lower 48.

CA License# 01881381

BRIAN COHEN

Managing Director

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BRIAN COHEN

Managing Director

bcohen@ensemble.net

Brian’s passion is to create sustainable development projects which enhance both the lives of those who occupy them and the communities and neighborhoods they are located in.

Prior to Ensemble Brian spent the last 19years in several key roles for Liberty Property Trust, most recently as Vice President and Market Officer of Liberty Property Trust’s Philadelphia office where he had P&L responsibility for a 4.5 million square foot portfolio of urban office, industrial and flex space. In this role, Brian managed the development and oversaw leasing and property management of Liberty’s properties in Center City Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Navy Yard. While at Liberty, Brian has participated in the acquisition or development of properties containing over 7.5 million square feet in eight different geographic markets, representing approximately $2.5 Billion in investment.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

In his role at Ensemble, Brian focuses his time on the crafting and advancement of Ensemble’s real estate investment strategies throughout the Eastern United States.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Bachelor of Science, Real Estate University of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker’s License

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Valley Youth House, Board of Directors
African American Museum in Philadelphia, Vice Chair
Community Design Collaborative, Advisory Board
Greater Philadelphia NAIOP Board of Directors, Executive Committee

JUST FOR KICKS

Outside of work Brian enjoys swimming, coaching youth sports, and spending time with his wife and two children.

MARK SELTZER

Managing Director

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MARK SELTZER

Managing Director

mseltzer@ensemble.net

Mark’s extensive background in commercial real estate includes 20+ years in the public and private sectors. Operating out of Ensemble’s Philadelphia office, Mark serves as a key member of our executive team to lead the vision, strategy, and execution of development opportunities in the East Coast Region. Previously, Mark was Vice President of Leasing & Property Development for Liberty Property Trust, where he was responsible for Development, Leasing, and Dispositions. During his tenure with Liberty, he oversaw 1.6 million SF of commercial real estate activity at the Philadelphia Navy Yard and managed the company’s relationship with the Navy Yard’s public sector development partner, PIDC.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Mark oversees pre-development, entitlement, design, construction, and opening activities, as well as leads acquisition pursuits.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Bachelor of Science, Accounting University of Maryland, College Park, MD

Master’s in Business Administration Drexel University Philadelphia, PA

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

NAIOP: Chairman, Executive Committee of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter, former Chapter President and member of the National Board of Directors
LEADERSHIP Philadelphia: Board of Directors, 2015-2018 Keeper’s Mentor, and 2014 Fellow
Select Greater Philadelphia’s Emissary Program: Inaugural member
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS): Strategic Planning Committee Member (2014)

JUST FOR KICKS

Outside of work Mark enjoys spending time with his wife and their two boys and going to their non-stop sports games! When he has is an extra spare moment you can find him in the kitchen cooking or playing a round of golf.

KRISTI ALLEN

Executive Vice President, Hotels

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KRISTI ALLEN

Executive Vice President, Hotels

kallen@ensemble.net

Kristi initially joined Ensemble in 2010 to establish the company’s first hotel management platform for Hotel Maya and eventually became Vice President of Hotel Operations which included some additional asset management responsibilities for the company’s third-party managed hotels. Kristi is now Executive Vice President, Hotels and is effectively expanding the company’s hotel management division, Ensemble Hospitality, which now includes the management of eight Ensemble owned hotels. Prior to Ensemble, Kristi spent 30 years in the hospitality industry where she held positions such as General Manager, Food and Beverage Manager, and regional roles at Marriott, Hilton, Interstate Hotels and HEI Hotels and Resorts in Washington DC, San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Kristi oversees all aspects of the Hotel portfolio and develops and executes strategies that will support, strengthen, and grow both the division and its profitability.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Minor in Human Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Past Board Member of Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, Rancho Los Cerritos and Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau and Commissioner on City of Long Beach Economic Development Commission

Past Chair of Chamber Board of Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, and Downtown Long Beach Associates

JUST FOR KICKS

In her free time, Kristi enjoys walking, traveling, and a variety of beach activities.

TYSON SAYLES

Principal, Multifamily & Mixed-Use Properties

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TYSON SAYLES

Principal, Multifamily & Mixed-Use Properties

tsayles@ensemble.net

An experienced real estate executive with a 20+ year, 12,000+ unit track record delivering superior investment returns, Tyson Sayles oversees Ensemble’s multifamily group and its commitment in developing and managing inspiring communities that people call home. Previously, Tyson was Senior Vice President and Fund Manager for CityView, where he oversaw the acquisition, rehab and asset management of approximately over 5,100 units throughout in the U.S. Earlier, he managed the residential division of The KOR Group, overseeing the acquisition, renovation, capitalization, and construction of over 4,000 multifamily units valued at approximately $1 billion.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Tyson leads Ensemble’s investment and asset management activities on urban multifamily and mixed-use assets. He leads the origination and evaluation of new investment opportunities, oversees the Development and Finance teams through project execution and asset management of Ensemble’s multifamily portfolio.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, Minor in Business Administration, University of California, Berkeley; Chancellor’s Scholar; National Merit Scholar

Involved in adaptive reuse of Eastern Columbia, winner of Los Angeles Conservancy’s 2008 Preservation Award; and Pegasus, winner of 2004 American Institute of Architects’ Los Angeles Design Citation Award

CLAIRE JANSSEN

Chief Financial Officer

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CLAIRE JANSSEN

Chief Financial Officer

cjanssen@ensemble.net

Claire has over 30 progressive years of experience in accounting, financial reporting and analysis, tax, treasury and due diligence. Her broad experience includes five years in public accounting serving entrepreneurial clients in Washington, D.C. and over 20 years of experience as an officer in both privately held and public companies. Claire is active in various trade and community organizations and was awarded the first Arizona Controller of the Year in 2018 by Arizona Chapter of Financial Executives International.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

As Ensemble’s Chief Financial Officer, Claire provides strategic operational and management leadership, planning and oversight of the financial resources of the firm, along with oversight of accounting, financial reporting, treasury and tax areas of the company.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – George Mason University

CPA – Certified Public Accountant

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Arizona Chapter of Financial Executives International (former Treasurer and board member)
National Association of Real Estate Companies (former President and board member)
North Central Women’s League
AICPA
Literary Society of the Valley

JUST FOR KICKS

Claire enjoys traveling and spending time with family, including her two energetic golden retrievers.

JASON HAMMERSMITH

Executive Director, Operations

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JASON HAMMERSMITH

Executive Director, Operations

jhammersmith@ensemble.net

Jason Hammersmith possesses a wide range of both technical and business savvy. His achievements include the development of proprietary financial reporting tools for Ensemble, as well as the implementation of numerous company-wide technologies and processes. Originally an accountant with Ernst & Young, Jason has been a key player in managing Ensemble’s growth since he joined the company in 2003

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Jason is responsible for the smooth and efficient day-to-day operations at Ensemble. He also serves as a member on Ensemble’s senior management committee. Above all, Jason is always willing to go the extra mile to meet the company’s objectives.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Economics, St. Mary’s College of California – Moraga, CA

St. Mary’s Academic Scholarship, Dean’s Honor List, Sigma Beta Delta, National Honor’s Society in Business, Management, and Administration

JUST FOR KICKS

Jason is a sports enthusiast and also enjoys staying active with weight training. His favorite pastimes include playing video games, and spending time with his family—especially during their annual trip to Disneyland.

KAREN CUSSEN, PHR

Corporate Director of Human Resources

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KAREN CUSSEN, PHR

Corporate Director of Human Resources

kcussen@ensemble.net

Karen started her career in the hospitality industry in 1991 working in Operations. She pursued her passion for supporting and caring for employees by joining the Human Resources Department in 1997 and has since worked in various HR roles. Her experience includes nearly 10 years of service with Hilton Hotels Corporation and 19 years with Hyatt Hotels Corporation working in the Phoenix and Los Angeles Markets.

Her most recent position before joining Ensemble in 2020 was as Area Director of Human Resources. In that role she oversaw 3 hotels with different branding and all operating with Collective Bargaining Agreements.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Karen provides service, support and resources to Ensemble Corporate and Ensemble Hospitality employees. She assists leadership with strategic planning, legal guidance, development tools and building Ensemble’s organizational culture.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification

Hospitality and Tourism Management Certificate, Florida Atlantic University

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS / PHILANTHROPY

PIHRA Long Beach Chapter – Member

Serving with a Thankful Heart Events – Co-Founder/Planner

Long Beach Rescue Mission – Volunteer

Women Shelter of Long Beach – Volunteer

Ronald McDonald House Meals from Heart – Volunteer

JUST FOR KICKS

Outside the office, Karen enjoys spending time with her family and two dogs, exploring new places, trying new things and attending country music festivals.

SERGE NALBANTIAN

Vice President, Development & Construction

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SERGE NALBANTIAN

Vice President, Development & Construction

snalbantian@ensemble.net

Serge brings decades of construction and development experience having previously worked on award-winning multi-billion dollar commercial & mixed-use/multi-family developments in Philadelphia and the Middle East. In prior experience, Serge played a significant role in the development of the Comcast Technology Center and Four Seasons Hotel and the Comcast Center. Both towers are two of the tallest buildings in North America and received awards from the Urban Land Institute and the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

In his role Serge performs duties on behalf of the Ensemble/Mosaic joint venture. He is focused on the joint venture’s mixed-use development projects in Philadelphia Navy Yard including multi-family with retail, life science, office, and hotel projects as well as involvement in the team’s master planning effort. He also oversees project conceptualization, design, entitlement, and construction management efforts.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Bachelors Degree in Architecture, Drexel University

Masters of Architecture, Syracuse University

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (Certified)
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, Founding Member & Vice Chair, Philadelphia Chapter

DONICA GORRA

Vice President, Finance

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DONICA GORRA

Vice President, Finance

dgorra@ensemble.net

An experienced professional, Donica Gorra is Vice President of Finance for Ensemble. Previously, she was Vice President at National Bank of Arizona in Phoenix, where she spent 14 years as a commercial real estate lender. In years prior, Donica enjoyed six years in the commercial mortgage banking industry, holding various positions at two separate boutique companies in Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Donica serves as Ensemble’s primary lender liaison and also facilitates construction and term loan closing activities for the company’s real estate portfolio. In between loan closings, she plays an active role in sourcing new lending relationships to provide construction financing for the company’s CRE development pipeline. Donica also provides valuable consultation to the company’s third party owner clients when seeking debt for their commercial real estate properties.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Arizona State University

MBA, University of Phoenix

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson – State of Arizona

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Member of Scottsdale Board of Realtors

Sponsor of Women’s Sojourner Center in Phoenix, Arizona

JUST FOR KICKS

Donica loves to take her dogs hiking, ride her Harley on long trips, take beginner cross-fit classes, and cook and entertain friends and family with dinner parties.

RONI GOULD

Senior VP, Asset Manager

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RONI GOULD

Senior VP, Asset Manager

rgould@ensemble.net
562.628.0585

Roni Gould has more than 25 years of experience in commercial real estate working with many successful real estate companies. Prior to joining Ensemble, she excelled in a variety of management and leasing positions, both as a key executive and then later through her independent consulting practice. In 2005, Roni was promoted to Senior Vice President where her experience and insights are valuable assets to Ensemble’s corporate strategic planning.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

On a day-to-day basis, Roni oversees the asset management and leasing for Ensemble’s Southern California market. Her responsibilities also include portfolio-wide special projects and assisting with acquisitions and development. She enjoys the diversity and challenge of being able to create innovative solutions that successfully meet the wide-ranging needs of the general business tenant to the medical community’s continually changing requirements.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson – State of California

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Board Member and past Chair of the Long Beach Grand Cru

Member of the BOMA Los Angeles annual Medical Office Building Workshop

JUST FOR KICKS

Outside of work, Roni paints watercolors and enjoys taking adventures in hiking and wine tasting.

CalBRE License# 00991753

STEVE EDWARDS

Senior Vice President, Lifestyle Development

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STEVE EDWARDS

Senior Vice President, Lifestyle Development

sedwards@ensemble.net

Steve Edwards, LEED AP, is an experienced real estate executive with a 15-year background in developing, redeveloping, repositioning, and managing commercial real estate assets. Steve leads and is a partner in Ensemble’s multiple Santa Clara projects, directing the district’s vision, development, and placemaking for 1,400 units and 100,000 sf of retail/creative use space. He also oversees lifestyle elements of other projects, including the development of a boutique hotel and mixed-use project on Abbot Kinney in Venice, CA along with other mixed-use, creative office, specialized food & beverage, and public spaces at REthink Development. Previously, Steve worked on over $500MM+ of LEED Silver through Platinum real estate development projects including hotels, creative office, restaurants with creative office above, and other award winning mixed use projects. He also advised real estate owners on development and green building projects for customers such as Disney, US Army, FedEx, Strategic Hotels, LA Community College District, and more.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Steve’s role at Ensemble is to employ his experience in placemaking and lifestyle development by working with designers to create sustainable public spaces that enhance livability, foster economic revitalization and social equity, and are more connected and vibrant.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Bachelor of Science, Entrepreneurship and Business Management, University of Colorado at Boulder; Cum Laude

Bachelor of Science, Molecular, Cellular & Development Biology, University of Colorado at Boulder

JUST FOR KICKS

In his spare time, you can find Steve surfing, big mountain skiing, or enjoying some craft beer.

NATHAN MERCER

Director of Marketing

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NATHAN MERCER

Director of Marketing

nmercer@ensemble.net

An experienced marketing executive with a 15-year track record of driving impactful internal and external marketing and communications to maximize business growth, Nathan Mercer oversees Ensemble’s marketing department. Prior to joining Ensemble, he held a long-term marketing management role with a national commercial construction company. In this position he oversaw the company’s communications group where he was responsible for the company’s communication strategies (overall company and construction project-based) as well as producing RFP responses and presentations to secure many high-profile hotel, stadium/arena, hospital and convention center construction projects.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Nathan leads all of Ensemble’s marketing and communication initiatives by developing corporate brand and marketing strategies (digital and traditional). He oversees internal and external communications, drives business development initiatives and manages public relations for all Ensemble offices and lines of business.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Bachelor of Journalism, Advertising, University of Nebraska

JUST FOR KICKS

In his spare time, Nathan enjoys international travel, spending time with family and friends, hiking Arizona’s mountains, and hanging out in the walkable urban core of Phoenix.

AUTUMN STORM

Development Manager

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AUTUMN STORM

Development Manager

astorm@ensemble.net
602.385.2854

Autumn Storm brings proven expertise in brokerage, development and financial analysis to Ensemble’s leasing, sales and investments teams. Most recently, she took on the role of Development Manager, working on real estate development opportunities. Previously a Healthcare Brokerage Agent at Ensemble, she closed a high volume of lease and sale transactions for medical offices.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Benefiting from a wealth of diverse experience, Autumn works closely with Ensemble’s executives to source and evaluate potential deals, determine market feasibility, and execute potential development and acquisitions opportunities. In addition to maintaining connections with brokers, owners and other industry luminaries to source potential deals and navigate market trends, Autumn also conducts extensive research to track markets of interest, monitoring alternative construction strategies and trends in hotel and real estate development.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Bachelor of Arts, University of Colorado

Masters in Real Estate Development, Arizona State University

Licensed Real Estate Person – State of Arizona

LEED Accredited Professional from the U.S. Green Building Council

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Member of Urban Land Institute (ULI)

Member of Lambda Alpha International (LAI)

JUST FOR KICKS

When she’s away from the office, Autumn enjoys yoga, hiking, road biking, and playing the guitar.

GRANT NASSIF

Director, Investment Management

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GRANT NASSIF

Director, Investment Management

gnassif@ensemble.net

Grant Nassif joined Ensemble in 2017. Prior to Ensemble, he worked in Transaction Advisory Services at EY in Los Angeles. As a financial analyst, Grant performed business valuation analyses for mergers and acquisitions in support of tax and financial reporting.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

As Director, Investment Management, Grant is responsible for the analytical overview of Ensemble’s portfolio of assets in order to constantly shape each asset’s business plan in an ever-changing market. By utilizing data from asset managers, property managers, competitive properties and capital markets, Grant is able to provide continuous recommendation to Ensemble’s senior leadership in an effort to maximize profitability. Additionally, Grant manages investor reporting and the feasibility for new acquisitions.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Bachelor of Arts, Economics & History, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Urban Land Institute, Young Leaders Group

JUST FOR KICKS

Born and raised in San Diego, Grant is a Southern California native. His hobbies include playing drums, golfing, traveling, and watching Oklahoma Sooners athletics.

SAM PIERZINA

Director, Finance & Analytics

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SAM PIERZINA

Director, Finance & Analytics

spierzina@ensemble.net

Born and raised in San Diego, Sam Pierzina joined Ensemble after graduating with a Business Economics degree from UCLA in 2015. Since joining Ensemble, Sam has grown with the company and now manages the day-to-day operations of the Finance and Analytics department.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Sam plays an integral role in the investment and development process. Along with his team, he is responsible for the financial underwriting and feasibility assessment of the company’s expanding investments pipeline. These responsibilities include financial modeling, market research, and strategic planning as well as coordination with investors and the broader capital markets.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics, Minor in Accounting, University of California, Los Angeles

Board Member – Downtown Long Beach Alliance

Chair – DLBA Economic Committee

JUST FOR KICKS

Sam’s hobbies include camping, hiking, and getting away on the weekends.

CalBRE License# 02000362

SAMUEL GRANT

Corporate Director, Hotel Finance

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SAMUEL GRANT

Corporate Director, Hotel Finance

sgrant@ensemble.net

A seasoned 30+-year hotel finance professional, Samuel has held finance positions across the nation including high-end resorts, convention center hotels and publicly owned entities. Prior to joining Ensemble, he was the Vice President of Finance and Accounting for a Hotel Management Co based out of Newport Beach, CA overseeing 25 hotels in CA, AZ, NV and UT.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Samuel oversees the finance and accounting functions for Ensemble’s national hotel portfolio and ensures accounting practices are compliant, efficient, and up to standard operating procedures. He also provides reports for ownership groups and consolidates all financial reporting for the portfolio.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Bachelor of Arts, Economics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

Masters of Business Administration, Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), Los Angeles, CA

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Samuel participates in various volunteer organizations in Orange County, CA including math tutoring and coaching flag football.

JUST FOR KICKS

Samuel is musician, a pianist, and has his own band. He also enjoys rock climbing, and is an avid reader.

SHEILA MALEKZADEH, CDM

Corporate Director, Hotel Sales & Marketing

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SHEILA MALEKZADEH, CDM

Corporate Director, Hotel Sales & Marketing

smalekzadeh@ensemble.net

Sheila’s career in hospitality spans over 19 years with Hilton and Starwood branded hotels located in Southern California. She joined Ensemble Hospitality in 2011 as Director of Sales & Marketing for Hotel Maya in Long Beach, CA. More recently, Sheila served as Area Director of Sales & Marketing, overseeing multiple properties for Ensemble Hospitality before transitioning into her role as Corporate Director of Hotel Sales & Marketing for Ensemble Hospitality’s full hotel portfolio.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

At Ensemble, Sheila drives the hotel sales experience through proactive and reactive sales efforts. She implements the brand service strategy by overseeing the marketing initiatives for all the hotels in Ensemble’s portfolio.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

AA, Liberal Arts, Chaffey College, Southern California

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Sheila has volunteered her time at Serving with a Thankful Heart, the Ronald McDonald Foundation, the American Heart Association, and Justin Rudd’s Beach Cleanup.

JUST FOR KICKS

In her free time, Sheila enjoys being a mother, catching sunsets, traveling the world, staying active, and reading.

SANDY SOTO-SALAZAR

Corporate Director, Hotel Revenue Management

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SANDY SOTO-SALAZAR

Corporate Director, Hotel Revenue Management

ssoto-salazar@ensemble.net

Sandy’s career history includes over 20 years of hospitality industry experience in operations, sales, and revenue management. She has worked with many brands including Hilton, Marriott, and Radisson. Most recently, Sandy served as the Area Director of Revenue Management, overseeing multiple properties for Ensemble Real Estate Investments before transitioning into her role as Corporate Director of Revenue. Her strengths include utilizing a proactive approach when setting annual revenue strategies, understanding market and industry trends, forecasting and budgeting analysis, and mentoring high performing teams.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Sandy provides support to property revenue management, sales, and operation leaders as well as maintaining direct communication with brand leaders to accomplish revenue goals while growing RevPAR Index and profitability. Her support includes analyzing data and market conditions, creating revenue strategies, and utilizing distribution channels to maximize top line revenue in the hotel portfolio.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Sandy has been involved in several non-profit organizations, including: Precious Lambs of Long Beach, the Ronald McDonald House of Long Beach, Long Beach Women’s Shelter, and Long Beach Rescue Mission.

JUST FOR KICKS

Sandy enjoys spending time with her nearly two-year-old daughter, who is constantly making her laugh.

PEGGY HIMMELSPACH

Development Director

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PEGGY HIMMELSPACH

Development Director

phimmelspach@ensemble.net

Peggy Himmelspach has served as a project/property/facility manager in healthcare, hospitality, retail, office, banking and industrial environments for more than 20 years. Her experience includes construction project management, budget preparation, lease management, bid analysis, space planning, vendor management and furniture reconfiguration.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

At Ensemble, Peggy manages the design and construction process, including architects, engineers and consultants, and acts as Owner’s representation in contract negotiations. She works directly with the SVP of Development Services, as well as with the company Principals and Managing Directors, on decision support and project execution.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson – State of Arizona

JEWELLE KENNEDY

Development Director

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JEWELLE KENNEDY

Development Director

jkennedy@ensemble.net

An experienced development professional, Jewelle manages project schedules and budgets, and coordinates required governmental approvals, entitlements and permits. She was previously with AvalonBay Communities, Inc. a multifamily REIT, offering vital project management and financial analysis support for all of the company’s new development activities and acquisitions in Southern California.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

At Ensemble, Jewelle manages the design and construction process, including architects, engineers and consultants, and acts as Owner’s representation in contract negotiations. She works directly with the SVP of Development Services, as well as with the company Principals and Managing Directors, on decision support and project execution.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Bachelors Degree in Real Estate, Georgia State University

Masters of Science in Real Estate Development, Columbia University

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Member of Urban Land Institute (ULI), Young Leaders Group Programs Committee

CREW Commercial Real Estate for Women Associate Member

JUST FOR KICKS

Outside the office, Jewelle takes time to mentor young, aspiring real estate developers, and volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. She is also pursuing a trip to every country, and in the last 10 years has traveled around the world to more than 40 countries across six continents.

ROB GOMEZ

Development Director

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ROB GOMEZ

Development Director

rgomez@ensemble.net

Before joining the Ensemble team, Rob worked in the consumer goods industry as a business consultant. He then entered the real estate industry working at KB Home as a project manager for single-family residential communities throughout Los Angeles County. In that capacity, he managed schedules, budgets and agency approvals.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

As a development director at Ensemble, Rob manages prospective and current projects on both the investment and development teams. He is responsible for all phases of the development process, from identifying and evaluating investment opportunities, to entitlement and execution of the design and construction process.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Michigan

MBA in Real Estate, University of California Los Angeles

Member of UCLA Real Estate Alumni Group

JUST FOR KICKS

In his free time, Rob enjoys writing, spending time at indie coffee shops and rooting for U-M athletics. He is bilingual in English and Spanish and has recently started learning Portuguese.

LOGAN MURPHY

Senior Associate

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LOGAN MURPHY

Senior Associate

lmurphy@ensemble.net

Logan began his professional career at PGIM Real Estate in Washington, D.C. as an investment analyst. There, he analyzed new financing opportunities for PGIM Real Estate’s balance sheet and debt fund capital sources.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Logan’s role as a Senior Associate entails conducting market research, performing due diligence and modeling cash flows and deal structures. Aside from analyzing and underwriting acquisition opportunities, he monitors asset performance and contributes support in entitlement and development activities.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Bachelor of Arts in Economics, University of California Berkeley

Urban Land Institute – Young Leaders Group

Executive Committee Member – ULI Orange County YLG

YLG Representative – ULI Office & Commercial Local Product Council

JUST FOR KICKS

You will likely find Logan either rock climbing or doing yoga outside the office. He enjoys exploring new restaurants and wineries and volunteering at his local dog rescue.

TEAM

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