Meet Our Team

Exceptional People. Extraordinary Results.

We take great pride in the relationships we build. Meet the COR team. There are many faces of COR who contribute to our success on a day-to-day basis and we are proud to share theses dedicated professionals with you.

Steven L. Aiello

Director of Finance

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Mike Bailey

Site Manager

Tom Balestra

Site Manager

Cecilia Barreto

Administrative Assistant

Tom Biondolillo

Maintenance Technician

Kim Candela

Accounting & Lease Administration Specialist

Mary Carbery

Legal Assistant

Ryan Cawley

Maintenance Technician

Nate Cushing

Site Manager

Landscape Crew

Mary E. DeLaurier

Corporate Controller

Jim Fordham

Assistant Site Manager

James Garnsey

Maintenance Technician

James E. Garnsey III

Maintenance Technician

Bryton Garnsey

Maintenance Technician

Akasha Gaige

Community Leasing Manager

Xander Gaige

Leasing Agent

Chris Gault

Maintenance Technician

Mary Girard

Vice President of Property Management

Carlie Hanson

Director of Architecture and Design

Dennis J. Hennessy

Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

Allan Jacco

Maintenance Technician

Catherine Keib Johnson

Chief Executive Officer

Kelly Kristec

Residential Leasing Manager

Steve Kristec

Maintenance Technician

Merissa R. Lynch

Interior Designer
Graphic Designer
Marketing Manager

Richard MacDowell

Chief Estimator

Project Coordinator

Kerry A. Mannion

Licensed Real Estate Broker

Jack Murphy

Site Manager

Mark Pelletier

Property Services Site Supervisor

Scott Pickard

General Manager

Sydney Richardson

Tenant Coordinator

Estimator

Adam M. Szymanski

Chief Operating Officer

Michael Vavonese

Director of Leasing

Ernest Werzinger

Maintenance Technician

Aaron Willauer

Maintenance Technician

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Steven L. Aiello

Director of Finance

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Steven L. Aiello serves as Director of Finance at COR Development.

As Director of Finance, Steven is responsible for budgeting, financial analysis and market research, as well as managing relationships with financial lending and investment institutions. Steven assists with the origination, negotiation, debt and equity placement on existing assets and new development projects.

Prior to joining COR, Steven served in the public sector as Policy Advisor in the New York State Executive Chamber working on a variety of state and federal policy issues. Prior to that role, he held a position in economic development at New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR).

Steven is a graduate of Arizona State University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics with a minor in Urban Planning. He holds a Master of Public Administration, with a concentration in Management and Finance, from the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University and is currently matriculated in the Master of Business Administration program at the Madden School of Business at Le Moyne College.

Activities & Affiliations

International Council of Shopping Centers, Member
Urban Land Institute, Full Member
Council of Development Finance Agencies, Member

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Mike Bailey

Site Manager at Towne Center at Webster

Mike Bailey started working for COR Property Services at Towne Center at Webster in the fall of 2013. He oversees the daily maintenance/operations of the buildings and grounds at the Webster Towne Center. Helping with equipment repairs, and managing the numerous contractors when they are on-site Mike’s attention to detail and willingness to pitch in makes him a valuable asset to the COR team.

Mike and his wife live in Webster, New York.

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Tom Balestra

Site Manager at Towne Center at Batavia

Site Manager at Towne Center at Canandaigua

A graduate of Onondaga Community College, Tom has been with COR since 2008. Born and raised in Syracuse, Tom ran his own business maintaining residential and commercial aquariums. It is through this business venture where he came to know members of the COR family. Knowing Tom had ties to Batavia, he was hired in 2008 to manage the new Towne Center at Batavia. In 2011, Tom acquired a second property to manage– The Towne Center at Canandaigua. Tom lives in Batavia and enjoys spending time with his fiancé Jacquie and their Miniature schnauzer Fonzarelli Vincenzo.

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Cecilia Barreto

Administrative Assistant

Cecilia has been with COR Development Company, LLC since 2024. As COR’s front desk receptionist, her smiling face and warm greeting will elicit your first impression of COR as you enter our office. Cecilia is there to welcome you and answer questions as clients, employers, and community members enter our office. Although she fulfills the tasks of a receptionist, her official role at COR is Administrative Assistant. In this capacity, she oversees all administrative functions in the office, ensuring the smooth daily operations of the company. With her keen attention to detail and friendly personality, Cecilia manages correspondence, schedules and calendar events, maintains databases and records, and handles office management tasks such as ordering supplies and managing budgets. Additionally, she arranges travel itineraries, prepares and proofreads documents, assists with meeting preparations, and provides excellent customer service to clients and visitors. Her responsibilities also include filing and organization, administrative support for managers and staff members, and coordination of various projects.

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Tom Biondolillo

Maintenance Technician at Beaver Meadow Apartments

Tom is a graduate of Indian River and started working for COR Property Services in the spring of 2022 bringing more than 10 years of experience in his role as Maintenance Technician for the residential tenants at Beaver Meadow Apartments. While he primarily works as a professional painter, he also performs many other functions such as assisting in building maintenance, or turning over apartments for new tenants. Whatever Tom is working on, his great attitude shows through.

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Kim Candela

Accounting & Lease Administration Specialist

Kim works in the Accounting Department at COR and coordinates activities associated with the calculation, processing, posting, verifying and reconciling vendor invoices. She collaborates with vendors and internal teams to facilitate timely reconciliation and payment of invoices. Kim is also responsible for overseeing and tracking the leases of rental properties in COR’s portfolio. She ensures that billings are handled in a timely manner and informs necessary personnel of any missing or late payments.

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Mary Carbery

Legal Assistant

Mary Carbery joined COR in 2023 as our Administrative Assistant/Receptionist. In 2024, she was promoted to the role of Legal Assistant, a reflection of her highly motivated, organized, and passionate approach to her work. Mary adeptly supports both the Legal and Retail Leasing departments, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail in lease preparation and review. Her extensive background in Administrative Management equips her with the skills to handle high-volume, detailed work in a time-sensitive environment with precision and professionalism. Mary plays a pivotal role from the pre-construction phase through to tenant turnover, ensuring seamless processes and client satisfaction. As COR continues to expand into various types of development, Mary will undoubtedly continue to provide invaluable support to both internal and external clients, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to excellence.

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Ryan Cawley

Maintenance Technician

Ryan was born and raised in Syracuse New York, attended Clary Middle School and graduated from Corcoran High School. He began his career with Hardy Construction as a carpenter. Thereafter he worked for Greyledge Enterprises, Le Chase and PPC, prior to joining COR Development as a Maintenance Technician.

Since joining the COR team, Ryan has assisted in building many wonderful properties including Beaver Meadow Apartments in Watertown, the Aloft Hotel at Syracuse’s Inner Harbor, and most recently, the Iron Pier Apartments also at Syracuse’s Inner Harbor. He is always looking forward to working on the next big project for COR.

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Nate Cushing

Site Manager

Landscape Crew

Nate has been a valuable member of the COR Property Services team since October 2017. He enjoys working outside and can be found at any number of the COR properties keeping them looking their best no matter the weather!

From mowing, trimming and planting to keeping the sidewalks clear, Nate is always on the job. Nate is a graduate of Onondaga Central and he enjoys skiing, music and outdoor activities.

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Mary E. DeLaurier

Corporate Controller

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Jim Fordham

Assistant Site Manager at Towne Center at Webster

Jim Fordham has been with COR Property Services since Sept. 2012. At COR’s Webster Towne Center, Jim assists in maintaining the building and grounds and helps with equipment repairs, as needed. Jim and his wife have raised their three children in Webster, New York. Jim has been a volunteer coach on numerous youth sport teams. In his spare time, Jim enjoys fishing and spending time with his grandchildren.

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James Garnsey

Maintenance Technician at Towne Center at Watertown

Maintenance Technician at Beaver Meadow Apartments

James brings more than 28 years of experience in his role as Maintenance Technician for the commercial and residential tenants at both Towne Center at Watertown and Beaver Meadow Apartments. Joining our COR Property Services team in 2022, James is certified in small engine repair and as a former site supervisor for a residential property for over 10 years and a professional painter for the past 11 years, his knowledge of property management skills and maintenance makes him well qualified for his role on site at this fast-leasing apartment complex. James lives in Lafargeville, NY and when not at the complex, he enjoys exploring the outdoors, and spending time with his wife and three kids.

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James E. Garnsey III

Maintenance Technician at Towne Center at Watertown

Maintenance Technician at Beaver Meadow Apartments

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Bryton Garnsey

Maintenance Technician at Towne Center at Watertown

Maintenance Technician at Beaver Meadow Apartments

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Akasha Gaige

Community Leasing Manager at Beaver Meadow Apartments

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Xander Gaige

Leasing Agent at Beaver Meadow Apartments

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Chris Gault

Maintenance Technician at Beaver Meadow Apartments

Chris joined COR Property Services in 2015 after a long and successful career in retail with Macy’s Department Store. He is a reliable and detail-oriented employee who can be counted on when he is needed. When not at the complex, he enjoys cooking, decorating and working out.

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Mary Girard

Vice President of Property Management

Mary joined the COR Property Services team in June of 2002. She previously served as Property Administrator before being promoted to Vice President of Property Management in November 2025. In her current role, Mary oversees property operations across all COR Centers throughout New York State. She prepares and reviews service contracts for snow removal, parking lot maintenance, landscaping, and building operations. She also reviews common area charges and manages security services throughout the COR portfolio.

Mary has also volunteered with the Make A Wish Foundation, helping host Vettes at Towne Center each year from 2006 through 2012.

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Carlie Hanson

Director of Architecture and Design

Carlie is a registered Architect in the State of New York. Before joining COR in 2010, she was an associate partner with QPK Design during which time she was the Project Manager and Designer for a majority of COR’s projects since 2002.

During Carlie’s 22 years with QPK she worked on various public projects including schools K-12, child care centers, performing arts, and libraries. While at QPK, she was the Project Manager and designer for an urban revitalization project in Hamilton NY that was honored with an American Institute of Architects Outstanding Design Award for Adaptive Reuse. Also, with QPK, she was the Project Planner for the adaptive reuse of a c.1960’s Woolworth Department Store into a new 70,000 SF Tompkins County Public Library – honored with an American Institute of Architects Outstanding Award for Institutional Design. Carlie is responsible for coordination with design consultants on all phases of projects from initial concept planning, municipal approvals, design development through completion of construction.

Carlie is a 1984 graduate of Albertus Magnus College with a Bachelor of Art in Art History and a 1987 graduate of Syracuse University with a Masters in Architecture

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Dennis J. Hennessy

Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

Dennis Hennessy, SIOR has been a Real Estate Broker for over 32 years. He has been Vice President of COR CNY Brokerage Company, LLC for the past 18 years. Prior to joining COR he spent 14 years with Eagan Real Estate which included his last 5 years as top producer.

In those 32 years as a broker he has sold or leased well over seven million square feet of space. In 1997 Dennis met the stringent requirements to join the Society of Industrial & Office Realtors (SIOR) with an Industrial designation. With only 3,000 members nationwide, this prestigious designation which is earned and never given, places Mr. Hennessy within a group known to “the best of the best.” He has held several leadership roles within the Upstate New York Chapter including Chapter President in 2007-2009.

Dennis was elected SIOR Regional Director for the Northeast and is now on SIOR’s Board of Directors. Additionally, he serves on national committees within SIOR. Past Real Estate Board positions include Board of Governors, and New York State Commercial Association of Realtors (NYSCAR). Dennis resides in Manlius with his wife Carol and their two sons.

Dennis has significant experience in the sale and leasing of industrial properties, warehouse/distribution facilities, investment properties, and vacant land. A highlight of his career would include winning SIOR’s Largest Dollar Volume Transaction Award. Other highlights in his leasing experience would be the 596,200 SF lease of the former Ball Plastics facility in Baldwinsville, NY, along with 255,000 and 117,000 SF leases in Liverpool, NY. Recent sales involvement would include 240,000 SF in Lyons, New York, and Baldwinsville, NY. Also, he has personal involvement as a broker in 800,000 SF in Volney, NY and the 287,000 SF in Fulton, NY.

He has been the guest speaker at several Real Estate conventions along with speaking engagements on Real Estate trends and market conditions for the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce, and the Metropolitan Development Corporation. Additionally, he has been a panelist at several national SIOR conventions specifically pertaining to marketing of warehouse/distribution facilities.

[email protected]

Allen Jacco

Maintenance Technician

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Catherine Keib Johnson

Chief Executive Officer

Catherine has over 30 years of experience as an attorney, specializing in all aspects of Real Estate Development and the Right to Build process and permitting. She practiced law at the Law Firm of Hiscock & Barclay for 17 years where her expertise focused on the area of land use, municipal law and environmental law. For the past 14 years she has represented COR in all aspects of real estate development, starting as Legal Counsel, then becoming General Counsel and finally CEO, in 2017. Catherine is a lifelong resident of the Central New York area.

Education

SUNY at Buffalo Law School (J.D.) 1987

Cornell University, B. S. 1983

Affiliations

CenterState CEO Board Member

Dewitt Food Pantry Board Member, Treasurer

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Kelly Kristec

Residential Leasing Manager at Iron Pier Apartments

Kelly Kristec joined our team in 2020 as a Residential Leasing Manager at Iron Pier Apartments. Her knowledge of contracts, leasing, and property management skills make her well qualified for her role on site at this fast-leasing luxury apartment complex. Kelly brings more than four years of experience in her role as Leasing Manager, is a licensed New York State Real Estate salesperson, and obtained a degree from Onondaga Community College in Hospitality Management. In her free time Kelly currently teaches a cake decorating class at Onondaga Community College for their culinary department. Prior to property management Kelly was a pastry chef for five years and currently owns her own side business baking and decorating different cakes and baked goods! Kelly continually strives to ensure the best possible tenant experience for tenants and is always willing to help lend a helping hand when needed. She is highly motivated, organized and reliable. If you are looking for an apartment in the Syracuse area, stop in at the Iron Pier Apartments at the Syracuse Inner Harbor and Kelly will gladly assist you!

Steve Kristec

Maintenance Technician at Iron Pier Apartment

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Merissa R. Lynch

Interior Designer

Graphic Designer

Marketing Manager

Merissa is a 2013 graduate of Endicott College located in Beverly, MA, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design. With a strong passion for art, design, and helping others to find and express their creative visions, Merissa returned home to the Fayetteville–Manlius area after college and started working for COR Development in 2015. As an Interior Designer, Merissa uses design software such as AutoCAD Architecture, Sketch-UP, and Revit to design 2D and 3D spaces for multiple firm projects. She is always prepared to contribute to all phases of a project. She is also proficient in Graphic Design and in the use of all aspects of social media. In 2017 Merissa was promoted to COR’s in house Graphic Designer and Marketing Manager and assists in all design projects using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and additional software. Highly creative, capable, and energetic Merissa is responsible for managing, creating, and implementing marketing/advertising strategies for COR Development. Her goal is to inspire confidence and satisfaction in COR’s clients.

Affiliations
International Council of Shopping Centers, Member

Volunteer Work
Inter Faith Works | Annual Duck Race to End Racism at The Syracuse Inner Harbor – 2016, 2017, 2018

It’s about Childhood & Family | Inner Harbor 5K

Consider Cousin Ken Aloft Drive | National Bone Marrow Donor Program Registry

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Richard MacDowell

Chief Estimator

Project Coordinator

Rich made the decision to leave his position as Executive Vice President of Hardy Construction Services in 2005 to join the COR Development Company, LLC Team. Rich possesses a lifetime of experience in the Construction Industry. Rich is responsible for preparing preliminary budgets and cost estimates, developing bid forms, review of Tenant work exhibits, review and approval of Tenant and Landlord drawings, coordinating project turnovers with the Construction Department. Additionally, Rich is also involved in the design of the projects.

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Kerry A. Mannion

Licensed Real Estate Broker

Kerry Mannion, SIOR, Director of Office Leasing, has been active in the commercial real estate market since he received his real estate license in 1987.

Over the years he has acted as representative for many tenants such as Time Warner Inc., Brighthouse Networks, Shore Group, Robert Half, Columbian Life Insurance and many others.

As exclusive representative for many downtown and suburban office buildings such as One Lincoln Center, One Financial Plaza, The Empire Building, and Collamer Crossings Business Park, to name a few, the skill set to give landlords and tenants sage advice is always present.

Kerry has the SIOR designation which is only earned by those office brokers around the world who surpass the strict transaction volume and ethical guidelines required to obtain this elite designation.

[email protected]

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Jack Murphy

Site Manager at Clay COR Center

Jack began working for COR in 2010 at the Fayetteville Towne Center. There he assisted with daily maintenance, landscaping, & winter snow issues. He is a team player always willing to help where needed. In the spring of 2015 Jack was asked to become the site manager of Clay Cor Center. He oversees daily maintenance operations helping to solve any issues. He loves the change of seasons, helping with planting flowers in the spring and working with the snow plow contractors in the winter. Jack loves his job and it shows! Jack lives in the Syracuse University area with his wife Quinn and their daughters.

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Mark Pelletier

Property Services Site Supervisor

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Scott Pickard

General Manager – COR Property Services

Scott joined CPS in the Spring of 2005 as a landscape foreman. Scott brings extensive experience in all aspects of landscaping and property management. He oversees landscape and ground maintenance for all COR properties. In addition to his regular duties, Scott is often called upon for special projects at various locations as well as planning for and assisting with snow emergencies. Scott enjoys a variety of outdoor hobbies including snowmobile riding and motocross racing.

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Sydney Richardson

Tenant Coordinator

Estimator

Sydney Richardson is a seasoned construction project manager and estimator with over a decade of experience in commercial construction. Growing up in a family-owned commercial and residential contracting business, she gained firsthand expertise in designing and executing a diverse range of new construction and renovation projects.

As Tenant Coordinator/Estimator at COR, Sydney oversees tenant turnovers and development estimating initiatives.

Prior to joining COR, Sydney was a Construction Project Manager/Estimator at The Effect Group, a full-service specialty commercial flooring company. There, she led the estimating process, managing all aspects of public and private projects from inception to final closeout and invoicing. Sydney modernized estimating procedures by implementing digital takeoffs, doubling annual job estimates, introducing bid transfers, and consistently increasing sales by 50% annually. She also fostered repeat client relationships and facilitated two GC transfers at Hamilton College, securing preferred contractor status.

Before her tenure at TEG, Sydney worked at VIP Structures, where she served as Project Manager and primary Estimator for Phase 1 of the $25M design-build adaptive reuse of the former Syracuse Post Standard building. She also held roles as a Construction Project Manager at Allen Specialty Contracting, a Mechanical/Industrial Engineer at JMA Wireless, and a Process Engineer at Dielectric Laboratories (now Knowles).

Sydney earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Syracuse University’s LC Smith College of Engineering.

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Adam M. Szymanksi

Chief Operating Officer at COR Property Services

Adam secured a position in construction management at COR Development in 2004. Having managed a wide variety of successful construction projects allows Adam to bring a unique perspective to his current leadership role in management of operations at COR Property Services.

Adam holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Le Moyne College.

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Michael Vavonese

Director of Leasing

Michael Vavonese serves as Director of Leasing for COR Development Company L.L.C., a multi-disciplinary real estate development and management firm. In this role, Vavonese will be responsible for overseeing transactions within the entire real estate portfolio of retail, office, industrial and multifamily assets with a focus on expanding business in the leasing and development platforms.

Vavonese, a licensed real estate broker, began his real estate career in 2016 with Pyramid Management Group as a Leasing Representative. He has 8+ years of experience working for some of the largest shopping center developers in the world. Vavonese is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, the City of Syracuse Board of Assessment Review, and a graduate of Canisius College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Urban Studies, where he also was a student-athlete of the Division 1 Men’s Lacrosse Team.

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Ernest Werzinger

Maintenance Technician at Towne Center at Webster

Ernest joined our COR Property Services team in 2021 providing support to the commercial tenants at Towne Center at Webster. He assists in maintaining the building and grounds and helps with equipment repairs, as needed. His attention to detail and willingness to pitch in makes him a valuable asset to the team. From also mowing, trimming and planting to keeping the sidewalks clear, Ernest is always on the job. Whatever he is working on, his great attitude shows through. Outside of work he enjoys mountain biking in Rochester area.

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Aaron Willauer

Maintenance Technician at Iron Pier Apartments

Aaron joined COR Property Services in 2022 providing support to both the commercial and residential spaces at Iron Pier. After a successful 14 year career as a maintenance technician for a 13-building apartment complex in Wisconsin, he moved to central New York bringing extensive experience in all aspects of building maintenance. He is a “Jack of all trades” and always trying to learn new skills. Aaron’s attention to detail and willingness to pitch in makes him a valuable asset to the team. He can be found working outside at the Syracuse Inner Harbor property assisting in mowing, trimming, planting, keeping the sidewalks clear in the winter to working inside on building maintenance or turning over apartments for new tenants at Iron Pier. Outside of work Aaron enjoys camping, hiking, and hunting with his wife and their dog.