Leadership

As Chairman of FirstService Residential New York, Dan Wurtzel is responsible for developing strategic initiatives that drive growth and engagement for clients and associates. Dan’s tenure with the company spans nearly four decades and he is recognized as an industry expert by condo and co-op boards, building owners, and developers.

Dan formerly served as president of FirstService Residential New York from 2010 to 2023. Since 2014, Dan has served as a board member of the Realty Advisory Board on Labor Relations (RAB) and is a member of the organization's Labor Negotiations Committee, which represents the unique interests of building owners. Dan also serves as vice president of the board of directors for Community Access, a non-profit organization that helps unhoused New Yorkers with mental health conditions recover from trauma and discrimination, gain access to supportive services, and transition to independent living.

Dan received his degree from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland.

Stephen Dunmore is President of FirstService Residential New York, where he is responsible for a portfolio of more than 800 managed properties across the five boroughs, Long Island, Westchester, and Connecticut. With over three decades of leadership experience at several of the largest professional service companies, his executive oversight drives innovation and elevates the level of service provided to condo and co-op boards, building owners, residents, and developers in the New York metropolitan area.
 
As a people leader, he is responsible for creating policies and programs that simplify operations, improve productivity, and support a Great Place To Work ® for more than 500 property management and “heart of house” professionals.
 
Before joining FirstService, Stephen most recently served as CEO of Schools, North America, at Sodexo, a global food services and facilities management company. Prior appointments include executive leadership roles at Ameritech, Ford Motor Company, Aramark, and Johnson Controls.
 
Stephen holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BS in Economics from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. 

Ben Kirschenbaum serves as Vice President and General Counsel of FirstService Residential New York. An attorney with over three decades of experience in the multifamily residential sector, Ben oversees all legal matters related to the company and its subsidiaries, which include FirstService Energy, and FirstService Project Management.

Ben also supervises integral Heart of House departments, including the Closing Department and the litigation/claims management team. He is also Of Counsel to Goldberg Weprin Finkel Goldstein LLP, where he assists real estate tax protest filings for FirstService-managed condominiums and cooperatives engaging the firm.

Prior to joining the company, Ben served as Head of Management Operations and as General Counsel for property management and residential brokerage firms. With support from The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), he was instrumental in demonstrating the flaws in the federal regulations on lead-based paint as applied to cooperatives and condominiums to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Modifications in the regulations made it possible for owners and boards to comply with the federal mandates.

Ben is admitted to practice in both New York and Connecticut and is a licensed real estate broker in both states. He sits on the Residential Management Council of REBNY, serving as chair from 1998 – 2000 and from 2011 to 2014. He is also a member of the Cooperative and Condominium Committee of the Association of the Bar of New York City.

Ben received an undergraduate degree from Brown University and a J.D. from Duke University Law School. An avid golfer, he is a director and former president of both the MGA Caddie Scholarship Fund and the Westchester Senior Golf Association.

Christina Forbes is President of FirstService Residential's Manhattan Condo/Co-op Division. With more than two decades of experience in asset and property management, Christina’s strategic vision and hands-on approach have driven significant growth and operational efficiency across the division.

For condominium and cooperative boards, Christina has demonstrated the highest levels of expertise in financial management, identifying cost-saving solutions, simplifying board business, and elevating the resident experience. As division president, she supervises a team of portfolio property managers who specialize in the unique operational and financial requirements of high-end condominiums and cooperatives.

Christina is recognized for her exceptional support and strong leadership abilities, ranging from everyday requests to special projects.

As a Senior Vice President of the Manhattan Condo/Co-op Division, David has executive oversight of several teams that specialize in the management of luxury condominium and cooperative properties.  The division’s property portfolio is diverse in its composition and includes pre-war cooperatives, newly constructed buildings, ultra luxury condominiums, large high-rise complexes, as well as small buildings. 

After joining the company in 2007 as an Assistant Property Manager for The Plaza Condominium & Residences, the residential portion of the iconic Plaza Hotel, David was tasked to manage some of the city’s highest-end properties. His cumulative success in building operations, hospitality coaching for building staff, and capital planning earned him a promotion to Vice President in 2016 and, more recently, to Senior Vice President in 2023. 

David earned a J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and an undergraduate degree from Pomona College. Having practiced real estate law earlier in his career, he is a retired member of the New York State Bar Association.

Mark Pepe is a Senior Vice President of FirstService Residential's Manhattan Condo/Co-op Division. With two decades of experience in asset and property management, Mark is recognized as a trusted adviser to board members, and a respected leader by his team of property managers.

Mark joined FirstService Residential in 2005 and has demonstrated the highest levels of financial, organizational, and administrative skills for his management portfolio. In his tenure, he has helped hundreds of board members evaluate their expenses, streamline operations, significantly reduce costs, and elevate the curb appeal of their properties.

Mark is well-versed in contract negotiation and construction management, having previously worked for a residential developer in Westchester County. He leverages this experience to guide his clients through complex capital improvement projects and maintain tight control over project cost and scope.

Over the years, Mark and his team have maintained high client retention, and he continues to succeed as a committed team leader.

Mark earned a Bachelor of Business Management from Iona College.

Sal Schiano, a Certified Property Manager (CPM) and Vice President at FirstService Residential New York, brings a high level of commitment and 25-plus years of experience to his portfolio of high-end luxury cooperatives and condominiums in Manhattan.
 
Sal’s expertise in navigating the three main management disciplines – financial, operations and administration – and his ability to successfully manage capital projects, are an asset to the company and its clients. Importantly, he's earned respect from his boards and demonstrates the confidence and integrity required to be an effective leader.
 
Sal was a Management Executive with Goodstein Management for 12 years prior to the company’s merger with FirstService Residential in 2010. In this position he was responsible for the physical, financial and day-to-day management of a residential property portfolio.
 
For the 17 years prior, Sal was a Senior Vice President at Helmsley-Spear/Parkchester Management where he was a key player on a team that managed 171 apartment buildings with over 12,000 units, 50,000 residents, 150 retail stores, five parking garages and annual business volume of approximately $100 million.
 
Sal is a New York State certified real estate instructor, a licensed real estate broker and is a past recipient of the Realtor of the Year award from the Bronx Board of Realtors. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business from St. Frances College.

With more than 25 years of experience managing multifamily properties, Mary is recognized as an industry expert and a dedicated division leader. As Vice President, she oversees a diverse team of property management professionals and a portfolio comprising more than 1,200 condominium and cooperative apartments.
 
From financial management and building operations, to project management, procurement, staff training and development, Mary has established herself as a subject matter expert. Recognizing her unique experience, FirstService Residential appointed her to lead the development of an extensive operations manual for the company’s property management divisions. The all-encompassing guide illustrates the fundamentals of successful property management and offers a roadmap to providing exceptional service and solutions.
 
Mary joined FirstService Residential in 2005 and takes pride in the strong relationships she has built with board members, residents and staff alike by communicating in a timely, effective and professional manner.

Vito Mangini is a Vice President in FirstService Residential’s Manhattan Condo/Co-op Division. In this role, Vito oversees a team of dedicated property managers who specialize in building operations for cooperatives and condominiums in the New York region.
 
With nearly three decades of experience in residential property management, Vito provides exceptional leadership and support to his team and the division. He also has extensive experience managing complex, multi-phase capital improvement projects from concept to completion through a myriad of local law and compliance requirements. This includes facade restoration projects, roof replacements, elevator modernization projects, HVAC and boiler replacements, and lobby renovations among other major projects.
 
Vito’s dual experience managing day-to-day building operations and complex construction projects affords him the insight to negotiate vendor contracts on behalf of his clients, reduce project costs, predict and mitigate project delays, minimize resident disruption, and maximize returns on investment.
  
Vito received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from St. Francis College and joined Tudor Realty Services in 1994. Under the mentorship of Tudor’s founding partners, he excelled in his role as Property Manager, eventually rising to the position of Senior Vice President. In 2022, Tudor was acquired by FirstService Residential, where Vito continues to serve boards, owners, shareholders, and residents across the New York region.

Keith Werny is President of FirstService Residential New York’s CityLine Division, a segment of the company that provides professional property management services to condominium and cooperative properties in Upper Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Long Island. As division president, Keith works closely with team leaders, property managers, and boards to identify cost-saving solutions, sustainable revenue streams, and opportunities to enhance property values and resident satisfaction.

Keith began his career in 1997 as an associate property manager and quickly ascended through the ranks as a property manager, vice president, and senior vice president. He has served as CityLine Division president since 2011, which now comprises more than 150 properties and 25,000 apartments.

Keith uses his team building skills to motivate his staff and building personnel. His leadership skills have been instrumental in the successful turn-around of numerous properties, from improving staff performance and resident-board relations, to multi-million-dollar renovation and repair projects. As an integral member of the senior leadership team, he identifies opportunities to enhance the services offered to boards and residents across the organization.

Keith holds a degree in psychology and management from Dowling College, maintains a Registered Apartment Manager (RAM) accreditation, and was named “RAM of the Year” by the Associated Builders and Owners of Greater New York. He is also a past recipient of Habitat magazine’s “Management Achievement Gold Award.”

Randy Sulzer is a Vice President of FirstService Residential’s CityLine Division and brings three decades of experience managing cooperatives and condominiums. As a team leader, she provides oversight, support, and leadership to a dedicated team of management professionals.

As a trusted advisor, Randy provides her team and board members with effective strategies to manage complex capital improvement projects, annual budgets, staffing, local law compliance, and daily operations. She has extensive experience with elevator modernization projects, lobby renovations, Local Law 11 inspections and repairs, and roof and boiler replacements.

Prior to joining the company, Randy was a co-founder of Live Right Management, a successful, Brooklyn-based residential property management company. The company merged with FirstService Residential in 2011 after 16 years of operation. She takes pride in the strong relationships she has built with her boards, residents, and building staff.

Randy is a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson and earned a BA in economics from CUNY Brooklyn College.

Farik Badalov is a vice president in FirstService Residential’s CityLine Division, which comprises the company’s portfolio of managed condominiums and cooperatives in Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Upper Manhattan. In this role, Farik oversees a dedicated team of property managers who specialize in the unique financial and operational needs of New York City boards, unit owners, and shareholders.

Farik joined FirstService Residential in 2004 as an Assistant Property Manager at Seward Park Housing Cooperative in Brooklyn. He rose steadily up the management ranks to positions of increasing responsibility, serving most recently as a Managing Director in the CityLine Division.

Farik was among the first associates to participate in the company’s Emerging Leaders Program, a rigorous program for select management professionals who demonstrate strong leadership potential. Aligned with one of the company’s core values to “Aim High,” the program is designed to foster professional development by increasing participants’ effectiveness as leaders in their current roles, strengthening their ability to contribute to organizational priorities and preparing them for tomorrow’s leadership.

Farik’s commitment to service, his goal-oriented nature, and his proficient financial acumen have enriched his team of property managers and the board members they serve.

Jennifer Ogman is a Vice President of FirstService Residential’s CityLine Division, a segment of the company that provides professional property management services to condominium and cooperative properties in Upper Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Long Island. As a vice president, Jennifer has executive oversight of a team of property managers and a portfolio of more than 5,000 apartments.

Jennifer began her career in hospitality before joining FirstService Residential in 1996 as a property manager. She has played an integral role in the division’s growth by tapping into her hospitality background. For her team, she is keenly focused on instilling core principles in customer service and excels at earning the trust of the condo and co-op boards in her portfolio.

Stephen LaBarbara is a Vice President of FirstService Residential’s CityLine Division, a segment of the company that provides professional property management services to condominium and cooperative properties in Upper Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Long Island. As a Vice President, Stephen oversees a team of dedicated property managers and a portfolio of more than 6,000 apartments.

With nearly two decades of industry experience, Stephen has overseen complex capital improvement projects, contractor negotiations, local law compliance, and account reconciliation. He is also recognized by his clients and peers for his superior leadership skills and a deep understanding of building operations.

Stephen is a lifelong Brooklyn resident and obtained his bachelor’s degree from Kingsborough Community College.

Marc Kotler is President of the New Development Group at FirstService Residential, the largest residential property management company New York and North America. Marc has spent three decades as a real estate professional specializing in luxury high-rise property management, new development construction, project management, and asset management.
 
Since 2015, the New Development Group has consulted on more than 160 multifamily residential developments – both ground-up and conversion projects – representing nearly $45 billion in construction costs. Marc’s work specifically involves helping developers define their brand, enhance value and marketability, and elevate the resident experience. He also leads a team of 50-plus professionals who specialize in developer consulting and management of new and young properties.
 
Marc’s consulting and management expertise have proven vital to the opening and long-term success of signature luxury developments across New York City including 432 Park Avenue, 53 West 53, The Brooklyn Tower, One Wall Street, One United Nations Plaza, New York by Gehry at 8 Spruce Street, 11 Hoyt, Front & York, Tangram Tower, and many other iconic addresses. He has also advised developers of ultra-luxury hotel-condominium properties including The Plaza Hotel & Residences, The Beekman Hotel & Residences, Baccarat Hotel & Residences, and the ongoing hotel-to-condominium conversion of The Waldorf Astoria New York Hotel.
 
Beyond planning and design review, his expertise includes amenity programming, financial and budget recommendations, staff recruitment and training, and initial building opening. Upon completion, 95 percent of clients retain FirstService Residential as their property manager.
 
Marc has extensive experience working with young condominiums and the challenges associated with seamlessly transitioning from sponsor to residential control. This often involves a delicate balance of protecting the interests of a new residential board, the building sponsor, and incoming residents.
 
Marc is a Licensed Real Estate Broker and earned a B.A. degree in government from Clark University.

Click here to learn more about FirstService Residential's New Development Services.

Jeff Poirot is a Vice President of FirstService Residential's New Development Group. With more than 20 years of experience in luxury property management, sales, and owner relations, Jeff is instrumental in the execution of effective strategies that increase property value and client satisfaction and enhance the resident experience.

As vice president, Jeff uses his leadership, strategic planning, and analytical expertise to establish efficient property operations in complex, mixed-use residential buildings that include luxury hotel and retail components. He currently oversees the property management teams at some of the most prestigious properties in FirstService Residential’s managed portfolio, including The Beekman Hotel and Residences, The Plaza Hotel and Residences, 53 West 53, 432 Park Avenue, One Wall Street, 212 Fifth Avenue, The Brooklyn Tower, Front & York, and 11 Hoyt.

Jeff also provided pre-development consulting services for 430 East 58th Street, 260 Fifth Avenue, 540 Fifth Avenue, and One Wall Street, one of the largest office-to-condominium conversions in New York City history. His past consulting projects include the condominium conversion of The Parker Hotel and the rebirth of The Waldorf-Astoria, a project that is expected to yield 380 condominiums and high-end retail space.

His previous experience includes senior executive and sales positions at AKA Central Park, The Sofitel, The New York Palace Hotel, and The Plaza Hotel. Jeff earned a degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management from Pennsylvania State University.

Calynne Oyolokor is Senior Vice President of FirstService Residential’s Multifamily Rental Division. With two decades of property management experience, Calynne oversees the entire division and leads a team of management professionals who handle day-to-day operations of the multifamily portfolio. She also has executive oversight of the division’s lease administration, onsite leasing and marketing team, affordable housing specialists, and other critical Heart of House departments that streamline and improve internal processes.

Calynne has extensive experience managing high-end rental and affordable housing properties, luxury cooperatives and condominiums, and REITs in both asset and property management. Before joining FirstService Residential, she served as Vice President of Property Management at a premier prop-tech start-up that designs, leases, and manages multifamily assets. In this role, she led operations teams for new acquisitions through stabilization, and gleaned experience working with public and private investors, individual owners, and third-party investment managers.

Beyond property management, Calynne also provides consulting services to owners, institutions, and developers looking to break ground on new multifamily assets and determine the viability of new acquisitions. The process includes identifying trends among competing steady-state assets, strategies to maximize or diversify income generated from the property, and potential amenity or lifestyle programming to enhance quality of life among tenants.

Jaime Sanmiguel is a Vice President of FirstService Residential’s Multifamily Rental Division. In this role, Jaime has executive oversight of a team of dedicated property managers and a portfolio exceeding 3,700 apartments. His team specializes in multifamily rental management, risk mitigation, and compliance with new and complex legislation affecting New York City residential properties.

Jaime has extensive experience managing luxury multifamily buildings in New York City, and previously oversaw management and operations for New York by Gehry at 8 Spruce Street, an iconic architectural masterpiece in Downtown Manhattan with more than 900 apartments. Since joining FirstService, Jaime has consistently demonstrated his ability to manage and significantly improve some of the city's most prominent multifamily rental properties. He has also established himself as a respected leader and plays a key role in providing support to the entire division.

Jaime has built a reputation for cultivating strong relationships with the building owners and tenants he serves through his commitment to customer service and responsive communication. He is a native of Miami, Florida, with previous experience in high-end retail and hospitality, and relocated to New York City to further his career in real estate and property management.

Yolanda Amparo is Vice President of Lease Administration for FirstService Residential’s Multifamily Rental Division. As director, Yolanda oversees a team of specialists responsible for the management and administration of leases and related agreements across the company’s multifamily rental management portfolio.

With more than 20 years of experience, Yolanda maintains executive oversight for critical operational services affecting more than 12,000 rental units in the New York City region. This includes managing and tracking lease status, payables and receivables, rent rolls and landlord/tenant relations.

Yolanda joined FirstService Residential in 2000 and has risen through the ranks with appointments of increasing responsibility. She is the recipient of a FirstService Residential Star Award for her exemplary leadership skills, accountability and intimate knowledge of the needs and expectations of the multifamily building owners we serve.

Click here to learn more about FirstService Residential's Multifamily Rental Division.

As Vice President of Human Resources, Meredith Pollard is responsible for leading the company’s people initiatives. This includes talent planning and recruitment, associate development and engagement, compensation, and benefits for more than 500 New York associates.

Meredith’s people-first approach has consistently increased employee engagement and retention in global brands. Prior to joining FirstService, she led Human Resources at multiple US divisions of the De Beers Group, the world’s leading diamond company, where she spearheaded dynamic initiatives to improve communication.

Meredith also uses cultural transformation to create lasting solutions aligned with strategic objectives. For Weeks Automotive Corporation, she orchestrated substantial diversification of the leadership team.

Meredith holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Albertus Magnus College.

Joseph Aurilia, a Certified Public Accountant, is Vice President of Client Accounting at FirstService Residential. In this role, Joe has executive oversight of client accounting, including management, reporting, and innovation. His primary focus is on strengthening the company’s financial operations, driving operational efficiencies, and elevating client service offerings.

Joe has an exceptional record of enhancing business performance and delivering transformational results for large, complex organizations. His collaborative leadership style and wealth of experience in financial operations, team leadership, technological innovation, and strategic planning will help contribute to the company’s continued growth and success.

Prior to joining FirstService, Joe served as senior vice president of financial operations at Sompo International, a global provider of property, casualty, and specialty insurance. His experience spans more than four decades and includes positions as corporate controller and chief financial officer.

Joe holds an M.B.A. in taxation from St. John’s University and a B.S. in accounting from Manhattan College.

As Vice President of Residential Closings, Daren Crenshaw has executive oversight for all aspects of co-op and condo unit closings within the FirstService Residential New York portfolio. Highly regarded by real estate attorneys, brokers, and other industry professionals for his commitment to service excellence, Daren joined FirstService in 2002 and is a past recipient of the company’s prestigious Diamond Award, presented each year to the company’s most outstanding associate.

Prior to joining FirstService, Daren worked as a paralegal for nearly two decades at various law firms in New York City. His specialty included real estate transactions, bankruptcy, wills and estates, and civil disputes.

Daren continues to apply his legal experience to support his team of closing agents.

As Vice President of Applications, Tanya Goodwine helps boards, owners, prospective residents, brokers, and attorneys navigate the apartment application process for sales, purchases, leasing, subleasing, and refinancing of condominium and cooperative properties managed by FirstService Residential. She oversees an in-house team of experienced transfer associates and IT professionals who offer decades of experience navigating the ever-expanding web of local laws and regulations that govern the sale, leasing, and transfer of condominium and cooperative units.
 
Tanya joined FirstService in 2010 as director of the department. An expert in property transfers, she has helped boards simplify their application process and requirements, including the shift to fully digitized workflows for the submission and review of applicant documents. FirstService pioneered the automated board package process in 2007 when it introduced an online platform for condo/co-op board applications.

As Vice President of Compliance, Stephanie Cardello leads FirstService Residential’s in-house Compliance Division. The division comprises a dedicated team of associates who help board members, building owners, and property managers navigate New York City’s increasingly complex web of local laws. This includes scheduling on-site inspections, resolving violations, tax abatements, and other complex filing requirements.

Stephanie also oversees the Transitions Department, acting as the primary point of contact for every building that transitions into the New York portfolio.

Since joining the company in 2010, Stephanie has developed internal education programs covering emergent local laws, tax abatements, and critical safety and compliance measures. She played a key role in the successful rollout of FirstService Residential’s partnership with VIVE, a third-party compliance service that screens vendors and contractors for valid trade licenses and current insurance coverage.

Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Science in Professional Communications, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Farmingdale State College, and her MBA in Banking and Finance from Dowling College. She has been a New York State Licensed Real Estate Salesperson since 2005.

As Vice President of Business Development, James N. Bovino is responsible for driving strategic growth, identifying viable market expansion opportunities, and optimizing FirstService Residential’s go-to-market strategy. His executive oversight includes a team of dedicated business development associates in New York City, Long Island, Westchester County, and Illinois.
 
With over 20 years of experience, James has a proven track record of developing and leading top performing divisions and teams. Leveraging his business acuity, he excels in evaluating trends and buyer behaviors, enhancing operations for improved efficiency, and managing strategic campaigns that deliver peak performance, and ensure FirstService maintains its position as the nation’s largest residential management company.
 
Prior to joining FirstService, James worked with some of the most recognizable names in real estate, luxury travel, and lifestyle sectors. He has successfully managed business portfolios with annual revenues exceeding $250M and has overseen regional and national markets comprising more than 100 associates. As a seasoned mentor, he has coached and developed hundreds of professionals to help them realize their aspirations and fullest potential. 

James holds an M.B.A. in management and finance from Fordham University and an M.S. in real estate development from New York University.