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 Community & External Relations
Assistant Director of Finance

Mike Bailey

Assistant Site Manager

Tom Balestra

Site Manager

Joseph F. Campanino

Director Of Project Operations

Kim Candela

Accounts Receivable & Payable
Lease Administrative Specialist

Ryan Cawley

Construction Manager

Cheryl Clemons

Property Manager

Nate Cushing

Landscape Crew

Jim Fordham

Assistant Site Manager

Chris Gault

Maintenance Technician

Mary Girard

Property Administrator

Anthony Gouty

Maintenance Technician

Carlie Hanson

Director of Architecture and Design

Dennis J. Hennessy

Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

Catherine Keib Johnson

Chief Executive Officer

Kelly Kristec

Residential Leasing Manager

Merissa R. Lynch

Interior Designer
Graphic Designer
Marketing Manager

Richard MacDowell

Chief Estimator

Project Coordinator

Brian F. Maher

Vice President of Leasing

Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

Kerry A. Mannion

Licensed Real Estate Broker

Jack Murphy

Site Manager

Jacqueline Paparelli

Maintenance Technician

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Steve Pahuta

Assistant Site Manager

Megan Peebles

Accounts Payable Specialist

Mark Pelletier

Property Services Site Supervisor

Paul Pelletier

Vice President, COR Property Services

Scott Pickard

General Manager

Anthony A. Pugliese

Financial Consultant

Luis Reyes

Site Manager

Joshua Rusaw

Electrician

Site Manager

Sarah Schepis-Howell

Legal Assistant

Barbara Sessler

Office Manager
Executive Assistant

Adam M. Szymanski

Chief Operating Officer

Ernest Werzinger

Maintenance Technician

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Steven L. Aiello

Assistant Director of Finance

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

As Assistant 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

Assistant Site Manager at Towne Center at Webster

Mike Bailey started working for COR Property Services at The Webster Towne Center in the fall of 2013. Mike helps maintain the building and grounds at the Webster Towne Center, and he also helps with equipment repairs, as needed. Mike also assists the Site Manager with managing the numerous contractors when they are on-site.

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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Joseph F. Campanino

Director Of Project Operations

Joe started with the Company in 2011 as a project manager. He has over 20 years of experience overseeing all phases of construction. As Director of Project Operations, he oversees all current construction projects. During his career he has completed many multi – million-dollar construction projects. He is responsible for total project management including controlling budgets, providing day to day communication with project teams and ensuring construction remains on schedule and within budget. He has an excellent track record acting as liaison between owners, architects, engineers, sub-contractors and tenants resulting in successful construction projects.

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Kim Candela

Accounts Receivable

Payable & Lease Administrative 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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Ryan Cawley

Construction Manager

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 Construction Manager.

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 looking forward to working on the next big project for COR’s Construction Team.

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Cheryl Clemons

Property Manager at Beaver Meadow Apartments

Cheryl is a graduate of Jefferson Community College, graduate of Southern New Hampshire College with an Associate’s Degree in Business Management. She is also a Notary Public. Cheryl oversees all facets of the day-to-day operation of Beaver Meadow Apartments, a 300-unit complex in Watertown, New York. Cheryl has previous property management experience in the Watertown area and is a certified Tax Credit Specialist. She gives back to the community as a volunteer with “Operation Shower,” an organization providing baby showers to spouses of deployed military personnel.

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Nate Cushing

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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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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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

Property Administrator

Mary joined the COR Property Services team in June of 2002. As Property Administrator, Mary prepares and reviews all of the Service Contracts for snow plowing, maintenance of parking lots, landscaping and building operation for all COR Centers throughout New York State. Mary also reviews the common area charges for the retail centers and oversees security management across the entire COR portfolio.

Mary has volunteered with the Make-A-Wish foundation by hosting Vettes at Towne Center each year from 2006 through 2012.

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Anthony Gouty

Maintenance Technician at Beaver Meadow Apartments

Anthony recently joined our team in Watertown providing support to both the commercial shopping center and the Beaver Meadows apartments. He brings to COR a strong background in residential building maintenance having worked in that field for many years. His attention to detail and willingness to pitch in makes him a valuable asset to the team. His days are all different and he can be found anywhere working on building maintenance or turning over apartments for new tenants. Whatever he is working on, his great attitude shows through.

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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]

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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!

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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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Brian F. Maher

Vice President Of Leasing

Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

Brian started his career with COR in 2015 with COR CNY Brokerage Company, LLC. Being a Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker he works as a Tenant and Buyers Representative as well as a Listing Agent for various commercial office, industrial, retail and land transactions. With this experience and extensive background in the construction industry summarized below COR Development Company, LLC hired Brian in January of 2019 as Vice President of Leasing to manage COR’s real estate portfolio to help local and national tenants find strong performing retail locations within the New York area. He is responsible for providing strategic real estate services to the most discerning owners and tenants.

Brian’s background includes a career in Commercial Real Estate as a Construction Manager in 1990 with Edgewater Companies building various commercial retail and industrial projects. In 1994, he joined the Pioneer Companies, as a Senior Project Manager administrating the design and development of numerous senior living facilities as well as commercial retail and hotel projects. In 2008, Brian joined CBD Companies as a Senior Project Manager working with tenants and building owners on a multitude of retail, medical and office facilities in the Greater Syracuse Market. In 2010, Brian switched to the Brokerage side of the business.

Affiliations

International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)

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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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Jacqueline Paparelli

Maintenance Technician at Iron Pier Apartments

Jacqueline joined our team in 2019 providing support to both the commercial and residential spaces at Iron Pier. She is a graduate of Onondaga Community College and recently continued on with her education and graduated in 2014 at Bryant & Stratton College. Her attention to detail and willingness to pitch in makes her a valuable asset to the team. Her days are all different and she can be found anywhere working on building maintenance or turning over apartments for new tenants. Whatever she is working on, her great attitude shows through. She enjoys getting to know the Iron Pier tenants and their pets! Jacqueline is a Notary Public and in her free time she can be found painting, selling Pamper Chef, or even completing DIY Projects.

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Steve Pahuta

Assistant Site Manager at Towne Center at Batavia

Assistant Site Manager at Towne Center at Canandaigua

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Megan Peebles

Accounts Payable Specialist

Megan joined COR Development Company, LLC, as Construction Administrator in 2008. As a result of her desire to grow within the company she continued her education and earned her Associate’s degree in Business. Megan now oversees the Accounts Payable department at COR and is responsible for vendor/supplier relations, managing day-to-day performance of her group which handles all check disbursements and cash management. Megan has increased the department accuracy and efficiency and provides strong leadership to our Accounts Payable department.

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Mark Pelletier

Property Services Site Supervisor

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Paul Pelletier

Vice President of COR Property Services

Paul began his career with COR in 2007 as a site manager of the Towne Center at Watertown. In this role, he was responsible for all day-to-day operations of the center. He later worked as the site manager for the Clay Center in Clay NY. In 2010, Paul was chosen to lead the COR Property Services management team, overseeing all departments and over 3.5 million square feet of Real Estate.

In his free time, Paul enjoys fishing, gardening, time in the Adirondacks and spending time with his family.

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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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Anthony A. Pugliese

Financial Consultant

Tony is an independent Financial Consultant and Commercial Real Estate Mortgage Broker who has been with COR Companies since it’s inception in 1998. He has been responsible for coordinating all project financing during his tenure COR.

During his 40-year career in Commercial Real Estate, Tony has been involved in the financing of office, retail, apartment and industrial properties throughout the United States. To date, he has closed over $2 billion of commercial real estate transactions.

Tony’s career began in 1979 with the Pyramid Companies in Syracuse, New York. During his eight years at Pyramid, Tony advanced from an entry level position to Director of Finance, responsible for the origination, negotiation, and placement of all the permanent financing of the regional shopping centers developed by Pyramid. In 1988, he moved on from Pyramid and accepted a position as a Principal with the Widewaters Group, headquartered in Dewitt, New York. During his six-year tenure at Widewaters, Tony was the Partner responsible for the overall placement of all construction and permanent financing of the commercial properties developed. His extensive background in financing, plus his knowledge of the Upstate New York region, brought an offer in 1994 from Dorman & Wilson, Inc., one of the premiere mortgage banking firms in the northeastern United States, to open a regional office in Syracuse, New York.

Tony is a licensed New York State Real Estate Broker. He received Bachelor of Science degree (with honors) in Finance and Economics from the University of Albany. He received his Master of Business Administration from Chapman College in Orange County, California. He is also a graduate of the Christian Brothers Academy High School in Syracuse, New York.

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Luis Reyes

Site Manager at Latham Center

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Joshua Rusaw

Electrician

Site Manager

Josh started with COR Property Services in the spring of 2011 as an electrical assistant. Within a few months he was appointed head of COR’s electrical division. Given this new opportunity he attended Onondaga County BOCES to expand his knowledge in refrigeration and air-conditioning. He acquired his universal license in refrigeration. This has enabled him to service COR’s HVAC equipment on their various properties. Josh possesses a multitude of other skills he preforms for COR including carpentry, sheetrock, welding, painting, and plumbing. In the spring of 2019 he was promoted to Site Manager of Towne Center at Watertown where he took over the daily maintenance of caring for the grounds, buildings, and tenants. Also, he has taken on the roll as the director of maintenance at Beaver Meadows Apartments where he coordinates projects, upkeep, and unit turn overs.

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Sarah Schepis-Howell

Leasing Assistant

Sarah Schepis-Howell joined COR in 2017 as a Legal Assistant. She provides support to the both the Legal and Retail Leasing departments through lease preparation and review. Her strong background in Administrative Management provides her with the skills necessary to complete high volume detailed work in a time sensitive environment. Sarah is involved from the pre-construction phase right through turnover to tenants. As the COR footprint expands to different types of development, she will continue to provide her support to both internal and external clients.

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Barbara Sessler

Office Manager

Executive Assistant

Barbara has been with COR Development Company, LLC since 2004. As Office Manager Barbara oversees all administrative functions in the office and ensures the daily operations of the Company run smoothly. You may direct any administrative issues you have to Barbara and she will be happy to help you. Barbara is also the administrative assistant to COR’s CEO, Kate Johnson.

Barbara first became acquainted with the principals of COR Development during the planning and construction of the Fayetteville Town Center while working at a local law firm as a Legal Assistant. She has lived in the Fayetteville-Manlius area most of her life.

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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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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.