About Us
Since 2000, Edgemere has developed 58 projects, 100,000 sq. ft. of
Commercial Space, and $1 Billion in Public and Private Investment.

Edgemere works with a variety of clients and partners, building strong relationships with local, state, and federal agencies that have been instrumental. Much of the firm’s success is due to key business partners:

The Law Firm of Cannon Heyman & Weiss, LLP

Accountants Flaherty Salmin CPAs

Key financial partners include JP Morgan Chase, M&T Bank, KeyBank, Citizens Bank, Five-Star Bank,

Community Preservation Corporation, Greater Rochester Housing Partnership, as well as syndicators/investors Enterprise, National Equity Fund, RBC, CREA, Boston Financial, Key Community Development Corporation,

Red Stone Equity Partners, Hudson, Wells Fargo, and others.

Edgemere is a member of several organizations focused on the Preservation, Rehabilitation, and creation of Affordable Housing, including New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH), Supportive Housing Network of New York (SHNNY), and National Housing & Rehabilitation Association (NH&RA).

Meet the Team

Brad Mack

Director of Development

Brad joined the Edgemere Development team in May 2018. He graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, bringing extensive research and project development experience. Serving Edgemere as a Housing Development Analyst, Brad provides a wide variety of services to clients, supporting all facets of the development process. His background in research, management, and customer service makes him a great asset to the Edgemere team.

Charlie Oster

Partner & Vice President of Real Estate Development

Charlie serves as Edgemere’s VP of Real Estate Development and works with clients on all aspects of the development process, including design, underwriting, financing, construction, and transition to operations. Serving as chief underwriter for the company, he maintains strong relationships with public and private lenders including NYSHCR, HFA, ESD, HUD, City of Rochester, City of Buffalo, JP Morgan Chase, KeyBank, M&T, Enterprise Community Partners, RBC Capital Markets, and National Equity Fund.

Since 2011, he has been involved in over 27 project closings, producing over 2,000 units of housing and 70k square feet of commercial space.

He has successfully managed the closings of residential, mixed-use, mixed-income, adaptive reuse, and preservation projects across in New York and Pennsylvania. Charlie is also heavily involved in construction monitoring for projects underway. Most recently, Charlie has been instrumental in managing Housing Authority projects with clients such as the Herkimer Housing Authority, Hornell Housing Authority and Albany Housing Authority. He currently serves as project lead for the portfolio rehabilitation of the Albany Housing Authority and Herkimer Housing Authority. AHA is closing construction financing on their $105MM project in December 2020.

Charlie earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, with a concentration in Physics and Mathematics from SUNY Geneseo. During the summers he interned with architect’s general contractors and investors. His technical knowledge and experience gained in college helped him to develop a breadth of knowledge around the various facets of development.

Chris Roland

Partner & Vice President of Real Estate Development

Chris serves as Edgemere’s VP of Real Estate Development and works with clients on all aspects of the development process including design, underwriting, financing, construction and transitioning to permanent financing. He strives to maintain strong relationships with clients and provides expertise and guidance through the construction period, lease-up and transition to permanent financing and stabilized occupancy.

Chris has extensive experience developing family and senior housing projects including the adaptive reuse, historic rehabilitation, mixed-income, mixed-use commercial and residential, new construction, occupied rehabilitation and work-out of troubled properties. Through the management of construction financing sources and permanent conversions, Chris has developed relationships with various stakeholders including construction lenders, investors, asset managers, closing coordinators, and members of several local and State organizations including NYSHCR. Since 2012, he has been involved in the closing and conversion for 24 projects, resulting in the production of over 1,919 units of housing. His evolving role has allowed him to participate in all aspects of development.
Chris is currently overseeing the conversion to permanent financing of several projects including Holley Gardens and Mayfield Apartments which completed construction in 2020. He lends his expertise with various State agencies including NYSHCR/HFA to ensure a seamless transition into stabilized occupancy.

Chris Graduated from Brown University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and received an MBA from Brant University. The knowledge and skills gained through his education have provided a strong base for project finances and understanding the development process.

Chris Stern

Partner and President

Christopher Stern became a Partner of Edgemere Development in June of 2020. He currently serves as Edgemere’s President. He brings a vast knowledge of construction management and construction budgeting to the Edgemere team. Chris co-founded Hamilton Stern Construction in 2010 with his business partner and long-time friend, Justin Hamilton. In addition to his construction and supervision responsibilities, Chris manages company-wide financial decisions for Hamilton Stern’s long-term growth and stability.

Working closely with clients and development team members on affordable housing projects fostered Chris’ interest in project development and becoming involved in more than just construction management. Chris and his Partner Justin Hamilton are honored to now be a part of the Edgemere team. Chris is integrating himself in all aspects of affordable housing development. His experience in construction budgeting lends a hand to project underwriting and he has worked closely with team members to provide insight into preliminary project underwriting.
Prior to starting Hamilton Stern construction, Chris worked construction for years in larger firms who specialized in affordable housing projects. Hamilton Sterns first affordable housing project was the M+M Rochester project with the Urban League of Rochester Economic Development Corporation, with Edgemere as consulting developer. Chris has been involved in the renovation of Blossom Village Apartments (24 units of affordable housing in Rochester, NY); FLACRA Scattered Site Renovations in Waterloo, Geneva, Penn Yan and Newark, New York. To date, Hamilton Stern Construction has been involved in more than 17 affordable housing projects.

Chris graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2003 with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering Technology, and later returned to earn his Executive MBA in 2009. Chris is an active member of the local Rochester, New York community and participates as a Member of the Board of Trustees for the Seneca Park Zoo Society.

Dr. Hao Zhang

Development Associate

Dr. Zhang is responsible for research funding and grant writing for a variety of financing sources including NYS Homes & Community Renewal, NYS Housing Finance Agency, NYS Homeless Housing Assistance Program, Federal Home Loan Bank, Empire State Development, and the Environmental Protection Fund. Utilizing his extensive statistical and analytical skills, he assists the development team in preparing applications for government loans and grants, conventional mortgages, and other financing opportunities as well as working with housing authorities and development partners.

Prior to joining Edgemere in 2023, Dr. Zhang worked in urban planning, public health and affordable housing development. As Vice President of the Urban League of Rochester Economic Development Corporation (ULREDC), he oversaw property management partners, identified and pursued new development opportunities, assisted with board governance, and advocated for ULREDC’s mission. He has published several peer reviewed articles, as well as presented his research in multiple conferences across the United States, China, and Germany. He earned his Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning from the University at Buffalo as well as a Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Design.

Maureen Robinson

Office Manager

Maureen Robinson is the Office Manager for Edgemere Development and joined the team in July 2018. She provides high level administrative and office support to the entire staff and is the first point of contact for clients and outside vendors. Maureen brings over 10 years of administrative experience and knowledge to the team. She is passionate about her work at Edgemere; knowing the company provides a diverse population of individuals and families access to stable, quality, affordable housing.

Sarah Katerle

Development & Support Services Associate

Ms. Katerle joined the Edgemere team in January 2022, providing support on funding applications, project coordination, and financial closings/conversions. She grew up in Westchester County, NY and has lived in Rochester since 2009. She received her BSBA from Boston University, and an MBA in Marketing from CUNY Baruch College, where she became a lifetime member of the Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honors Society.

Sarah began her career in Rochester with a leading construction company, working directly with the company President. She then became a Regional Development Manager for a national non-profit Health organization before joining a Supportive Housing Development start-up in 2017. As one of four employees, she was deeply involved in all aspects of the development process, from identifying potential sites, to drafting multi-million-dollar proposals, coordinating due diligence, and planning ribbon cuttings for completed projects. She was responsible for the creation of the company’s logo, website, and all educational content. Sarah brings a unique skill set to Edgemere, drawing on her experience in marketing, non-profit management, construction, and development.

Syrena Travis

Development Associate

Syrena Travis is originally from Brooklyn, NY but went to 10 different schools and lived in 4 different states throughout her childhood. She went to Appalachian State University for her undergraduate degree where she received a B.S in Political Science and minored in Communication. During her sophomore year, she studied abroad in Seville, Spain for a semester. She visited 20 different cities in 10 different countries within Europe and North Africa. After finishing her undergraduate degree, she decided to go to graduate school for her Masters in Public Administration at UNC-Chapel Hill. She is looking forward to positively impacting NYS communities and residents through Edgemere Development's work.

Stephanie Benson

Advisor

Stephanie served as Edgemere’s COO and Partner from 2003 – 2020. She now works part-time, mentoring younger staff and servicing clients, making good use of her 40+ years’ experience in housing, community development, and social services. Prior to joining Edgemere, she worked extensively in the public and non-profit sectors. As Coordinator of the Roanoke Neighborhood Partnership, she served as liaison to 28 neighborhood and business associations to develop and implement community revitalization plans. As Deputy Director of the YWCA, she supervised all programs including emergency and long-term housing, childcare, drug and alcohol clinic and supportive living, Women’s Resource Center/employment and training support services, and teen pregnancy and prevention services. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from West Virginia University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

John Oster, Founder

1950-2025

John Oster founded Edgemere Development in 2000. He was shortly joined by his long-term friend, colleague, and business partner, Stephanie Benson, and together they helped build Edgemere into the successful company it is today. John made significant contributions in the real estate and housing development industry across New Yorn State including directing various local government and non-profit agencies and serving as the Assistant Commissioner and Director of Operations for the New York State Division of Housing. John assisted in developing and implementing the Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program and served as the state's principal on numerous publicly assisted housing projects.

John's work at Edgemere Development was notable. Under his leadership and creativity, Edgemere financed more than 3,000 family, senior, and special-needs housing units totaling over $600 million in project costs and earning the organization numerous awards and accolades.

Beyond his professional achievements, John was an active member of the community. He held various service positions with nonprofit organizations including the Urban League of Rochester. He established the Choroideremia Research Foundation, co-founded Housing Advantage, and founded the Carbon Forestry Trust. John was passionate about bringing people from all backgrounds together to solve problems.

John will be remembered for the impact he made within the housing community and beyond. His legacy continues to guide us, honoring the value and commitment he instilled through his work, advocacy, and passions.

About Us Since 2000, Edgemere has developed 58 projects, 100,000 sq. ft. of Commercial Space, and $1 Billion in Public and Private Investment.

Meet the Team

John Oster, Founder

1950-2025

About Us
Since 2000, Edgemere has developed 58 projects, 100,000 sq. ft. of
Commercial Space, and $1 Billion in Public and Private Investment.