Edgemere
founder John Oster is a graduate of Hamilton College.
In the 1970's he directed various local government and
non-profit agencies in Albany. Prior to joining
Conifer Development in 1988 he spent five years as Assistant
Commissioner and Director of Operations for the New York State
Division of Housing. He was the
state's principal on numerous publicly-assisted housing projects.
Between
1988 and 2000 John was the instrumental developer of 1,627 housing
units for Conifer and for Home Properties of New York, the real estate
investment trust that acquired Conifer in 1996.
As Vice President of Development, he played pivotal supporting
roles in another 1,134 units. His
areas of specialization included both historic conversions and new
multifamily, senior developments, and mixed use projects.
In 1997 he began working in Pennsylvania, and in 1998 he commenced operations in Maryland.
Beginning
in January 2001, John became President of Edgemere Development and
works directly with clients, lenders, agency funders, and associates.
Over the past three years, Edgemere has provided the expertise
for: new construction of
single-family homes, multifamily apartments and senior housing;
renovation of a historic school for seniors; renovation of existing
multifamily apartment buildings; and refinancing and renovation of a
Public Housing family development.
In
2003, Edgemere Development was pleased to announce its affiliation
with Stephanie Benson
and Suzanne Casey in order to expand our capabilities and better serve
our clients.
Stephanie
Benson is a Partner and Chief Operating Officer.
She brings over twenty years’ experience
in the public and non-profit housing and social services sectors.
During her years at the Syracuse
and
Fairfax
County
(VA) housing authorities, Roanoke Planning &
Community Development, and Rochester YWCA, Stephanie perfected her
role as housing innovator, funder, and implementer.
She works directly with clients to define project concepts,
secure funding, manage construction and transition to operations.
Suzanne
Casey is our Director of Finance.
Sue has extensive financial, systems, and organizing knowledge
based on many years as an auditor, school district leader, and
community volunteer. She makes
the transition from project selection to project completion as quick
and painless as can be. Sue
also expedites communications with Edgemere’s many clients and
associates.
In
addition, we expanded Don Curtis’ role as construction
monitor. Don’s forty
years in the business enable him to carry out the periodic inspection,
reporting, and photo-documentation required for effective project
management.
Brenda
Kingsley, providing administrative
support, joined the team in September 2005. She brings years of experience
in managing not-for-profit programs, writing grant proposals, and
supporting individuals who are receiving social services. Brenda
has a bachelor’s degree in Community and Human Services, has worked
for the Department of Human Services, YWCA of Rochester and Monroe
County, and LIFESPAN.
Kris
Rogers joined Edgemere as a Vice President in January
2008. She brings over 16 years of housing industry experience
that began with
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Buffalo
and grew through hands-on experience at Rochester area non-profit
and for-profit affordable housing developers. Most recently,
Kris worked for a Boston-based housing development and management
company as a Senior Project Director. Her tenure focused on the
preservation of affordable housing involving complex financial
restructuring and occupied rehabilitation projects. Kris works
directly with clients, lenders, and investors to create, develop,
and implement successful projects.
Jennifer
Kennard,
Executive Development Assistant. Joined Edgemere in December 2007.
She brings nine years’ experience in executive
operations supporting management and program staff at the YWCA.
During her tenure at the YWCA she was responsible for development,
monitoring, and analysis of grantmaking and internal reports
and processes. Prior to the YWCA, Jenny worked in the Auto-Cite
department at Lexis Nexis as Administrative Assistant / Workflow
Coordinator where she developed, improved, and monitored workflow
and reporting processes. Jenny also has over 10 years’ experience
in property and casualty and life insurance sales and service.
At
Edgemere she is responsible for supporting the principals in
planning and development of affordable housing projects, from
refining concepts through implementation to project closeout.
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