Leadership
Harlem Irving Companies continues to reflect a spirit of innovation, excellence and efficiency that helped it start strong and grow stronger. Development, leasing, management and marketing experts comprise the talented Harlem Irving Companies’ team of professionals who are driven to succeed. Their combined experience and commitment to high standards create the best possible results for tenants, partners and shoppers.
Our Team
Michael A. Marchese
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
In his 50 years of dedication to Harlem Irving Companies, Inc., Michael Marchese has been instrumental in formulating and implementing the company’s growth and holdings. His current responsibilities as CEO include supervision of all financial, leasing, development, marketing, and operation efforts. His involvement in various projects has been vital to the company’s success.
Background
Michael served as President of Harlem Irving Companies, Inc., for more than 30 years. Today, he is Chairman of the Board. His leadership and direction were key in the successful delivery of several retail, mixed-use, and residential projects. Among these are 18 notable retail developments totaling over four million square feet. This includes Harlem Irving Companies’ flagship shopping center Harlem Irving Plaza (HIP), which has a celebrated history of more than 62 years in the heart of Chicago’s northwest side.
Michael oversaw the construction of mixed-use developments that include Halsted Flats, The Scott, and 811 Uptown, all in the city of Chicago. He was instrumental in the development of The Link, a mixed-use property in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In addition, Michael was a pivotal figure in the South Campus Development (University Village). The University Village project was a $500 million award-winning redevelopment of the legendary Maxwell Street Market and neighborhood in Chicago. The renovation project developed a mixture of residential (855 homes), retail, and institutional properties adjacent to the University of Illinois at Chicago campus.
Additionally, Michael led the development of several residential properties in Chicago, including Merrimac Square, River’s Edge, Glenlake, Enclave, Jackson & Throop, Madison & Throop, the environmentally friendly The Emerald, and The Cascades in Norridge, Illinois. Michael and Harlem Irving Companies have also established a strong relationship with The Home Depot and have become the company’s preferred developer in the Chicago area. For over 25 years, Michael oversaw the expansion of The Home Depot in the Chicagoland area and parts of the Midwest.
Today, Harlem Irving Companies is extending the geographic scope of its holdings with mixed-use and residential developments in Minnesota and a hospitality presence in South Carolina through its ownership of an oceanfront Holiday Inn.
Education & Accreditation
Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Benedictine University in Illinois.
Affiliations
International Council of Shopping Centers
Richard D. Filler
President & Chief Operating Officer
As President and COO for Harlem Irving Companies, Inc., Richard “Rick” Filler oversees the entire development process. His responsibilities include land purchase, entitlements, negotiations of anchor tenant leases, financing, and construction. Rick draws on a broad range of expertise to ensure each project’s success.
Background
Rick’s solid real estate background comes from his involvement in wide-ranging aspects of development, which includes office space, enclosed retail centers, strip shopping centers, and high-end residential developments.
Over the past 24 years at Harlem Irving Companies, Rick has been instrumental in developing over three million square feet of retail space. His portfolio includes Northlake Commons, Twin Ponds Marketplace, Deerfield Depot, Washington Square, Willowbrook Town Center, and The Emerald, as well as projects throughout the Midwest that include over 1,000 residential condominiums and for-sale houses. Additionally, his strong technical background in construction and management assisted him in securing more than $200 million in public financing.
Rick spearheaded the development of 25 Home Depots and developed/leased more than eight million square feet of retail, office, and mixed-use space. He is currently involved in exciting projects in Minnesota that include over 850 multifamily residential units. A highly regarded leader and expert in the retail real estate industry, Rick is often invited to serve as a conference speaker on development.
Education & Accreditation
Rick holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Montana State University in Bozeman.
Affiliations
International Council of Shopping Centers
Gregory E. Fix
Executive Vice President & General Counsel
As Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Harlem Irving Companies, Inc., Gregory “Greg” Fix is responsible for all legal matters regarding land acquisition, big-box site development, commercial real estate financing, and lease negotiations. He is also a member of the Senior Management Committee, which sets policies and procedures for the company.
Background
In his role with Harlem Irving Companies, Greg has closed many refinancing transactions and secured construction and permanent loans with an aggregate value exceeding $1 billion. Additionally, he has drafted and negotiated over 500 leases and lease amendments for the company.
Prior to joining the company, Greg was Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Anicom, Inc., and Vice President and General Counsel for Sportmart, Inc., both publicly traded companies. In addition to general corporate law matters in the U.S. and Canada, he was responsible for a wide variety of real estate matters, which included the leasing of retail stores and distribution centers. Greg also oversaw legal matters related to several asset purchase and corporate merger transactions, including the successful merger of Sportmart and Gart Sports. Prior to joining Sportmart, Greg practiced real estate and corporate law, representing developers and lending institutions in connection with real estate development matters. He also litigated zoning disputes at both the trial and appellate levels.
Education & Accreditation
Greg holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Iowa College of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Affiliations
American Bar Association
International Council of Shopping Centers
Vincent G. Forgione, CPA
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Designated Managing Broker
Vincent “Vince” Forgione serves as the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Harlem Irving Companies, Inc. His responsibilities include real estate and corporate finance, corporate credit lines, financial analysis and reporting, and oversight of the company’s asset management of multi-family operations. In addition to his fiscal duties, Vince is a member of the Senior Management Committee, which sets policies and procedures for the company.
Background
Before being selected as the company’s CFO, Vince served as Vice President of Finance for Harlem Irving Companies, Inc., where he was asset manager for the company’s residential mixed-use developments and its hotel property. He also provided operational management during all phases of for-sale housing developments. He also oversaw preparation and analysis of development budgets and income projections, assisting the CFO in obtaining both construction and permanent financing, as well as managing staff performing construction accounting and reporting.
Prior to joining the company, Vince obtained a diverse knowledge of real estate during his 29 years at New Frontier Companies. During his final 15 years there, he served as President of the Development Division. Vince was primarily responsible for the development of the residential area of University Village located in the South Campus area of the University of Illinois at Chicago.
University Village consists of 900 private residences developed in a formerly blighted area. Vince’s involvement began with planning the entire South Campus area. New Frontier Companies and Harlem Irving Companies were partners in this major redevelopment.
Education & Accreditation
Vince holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from DePaul University. He is also a certified public accountant (CPA) and a licensed real estate managing broker. He has served on various homeowner and condominium association boards, as well as on community youth organization and school boards.
Affiliations
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Illinois CPA Society
ZELKA GASICH
Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer
As Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer for Harlem Irving Companies, Inc., Zelka Gasich is responsible for all accounting functions and financial reporting of the company’s retail and residential portfolios. Zelka oversees HIC’s banking and treasury management and also plays an integral role in the budget process for the retail properties. She serves as the primary point of contact with CPA firms for tax preparation and reporting. Zelka also assists in Risk Management programs including broker negotiations and program design.
Background
Zelka has worked for HIC for 24 years, during which she’s held different positions and roles. She began as a Senior Accountant before being promoted to Vice President & Controller, and then finally to her current role as Vice President & Chief Accounting Officer. In addition to her role, she is also a member of HIC’s Senior Management Team.
Prior to joining the company, Zelka worked as a Staff Accountant at Coldwell Banker Commercial in Los Angeles. After moving back to Chicago, she devoted five years to working at Equity Properties and Development as a Senior Accountant. Zelka’s entire career has been in the real estate industry, which makes her an integral part of the HIC Leadership Team.
Education & Accreditation
Zelka holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Indiana University.
Lawrence A. Gerlach, MBA, CPA
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Lawrence “Larry” Gerlach serves as the Vice President and CFO of Harlem Irving Companies, Inc. His responsibilities include real estate finance, corporate credit lines, accounting and financial reporting, as well as project proformas and lease analyses. In addition to his fiscal duties, Larry is a member of the Senior Management Committee, which sets policies and procedures for the company.
Background
Prior to joining Harlem Irving Companies, Larry served as CFO for the Atlanta Development Authority (ADA). The ADA is a quasi-governmental authority that serves as the development arm for the City of Atlanta. There, Larry was responsible for all financial matters pertaining to the ADA and its 30 component units, plus their Real Estate Asset Management Group.
Prior to the ADA, Larry served as CEO of Shared Services for Lend Lease U.S., where he was responsible for the design and implementation of the U.S. Shared Services Group. The group’s focus was to provide a flexible support structure for functions that cross Lend Lease entity lines in North America supporting in excess of 5,000 employees.
Previously, Larry served as Senior Vice President/Director of Client Accounting Services for Jones Lang LaSalle. Larry was responsible for all property financial reporting in North America, including 600 office properties, 50 regional malls, and more than 3,000 facility assignments.
Prior to Jones Lang LaSalle, Larry was CFO for The Yarmouth Property Management Group, another Lend Lease Company.
Education & Accreditation
Larry holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Management degree from The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He is also a certified public accountant (CPA) and in 2003 he served as Chairman of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) National Real Estate Conference. He also served as President of the National Association of Real Estate Companies from 1998 to 2000.
Affiliations
International Council of Shopping Centers
Board Member of the New Horizons Center for the Developmentally Disabled
Nathan W. Adams
Director of Construction, LEED AP
As Director of Construction for Harlem Irving Companies, Inc., Nathan “Nate” Adams is involved in all facets of design and construction from early project design thru occupancy and initial building operations. As the primary project point of contact for Harlem Irving Companies, Nate plays pivotal roles in the company’s construction projects from early design, budgeting, permitting, construction, occupancy, and initial building operations. Nate has been an instrumental figure in several notable HIC Chicagoland properties including Willowbrook Town Center redevelopment, 811 Uptown, Ravenswood & Lawrence, 10 North Main in Mt. Prospect, as well as 4th Street Lofts and 270 Hennepin (located in Minneapolis, MN).
Background
Prior to joining Harlem Irving Companies, Nate acted in several project operational roles for Chicagoland General Contractors, ultimately becoming Senior Project Manager at Power Construction Company, LLC, and later Senior Project Manager at The Boldt Company. For nearly 20 years, Nate has filled vital project leadership roles on several major institutional construction projects including The Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center at Northwestern University, Rush University Medical Center East Tower, Advocate Christ Medical Center East Tower, and the Advocate Medical Group Ambulatory Program.
Education & Accreditation
Nate holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Building Construction Management from Purdue University. In addition, Nate obtained his LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Professional Accreditation and has a private pilot’s license.
Joseph M. Krolopp
Senior Director of Construction, LEED AP
Joseph “Joe” Krolopp serves as the primary director of construction management operations and activities. As the Senior Director of Construction, he is the focal purchasing agent responsible for bid document development, contractor prequalification, contractor selection, and contract execution. His work is pivotal in construction preplanning. It includes reviewing constructability, engineering, safety, scheduling, and field coordination site logistics of Harlem Irving Companies’ various properties.
Background
For over 23 years, Joe has gained construction expertise through his leadership in many notable renovation and expansion projects. Prior to Harlem Irving Companies, he served as the Senior Superintendent and Project Manager for Helios Design Build in Chicago. There, he worked on noteworthy projects that included the development of medical, retail, commercial, and industrial properties throughout Chicagoland. He also worked on the renovation/expansion of the University of Chicago at 55th and Woodlawn, and the expansion of Revolution Beer—the largest independent brewery in Illinois.
Prior to that, Joe held multiple general contractor roles for Power Construction Company. His work included engineering, project management, contracting, and superintendence of complex projects with an aggregate value of $149 million. The projects included a $118 million, 47-story Parkview Condominium building, a four-story subterranean parking structure, and a $12 million expansion for Rush University Medical Center.
Before that, Joe worked at Turner Construction Company where he spearheaded nearly $100 million in renovations for prominent locations including Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate Field. Additionally, Joe worked with CWE Engineering performing environmental assessment and remedial activities for urban and industrial development sites.
Education & Accreditation
Joe holds a Master of Public Health degree in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences from the University of Illinois at Chicago, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce from DePaul University. Joe is a certified LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Accredited Professionals).
Wayne Marks
Vice President of Leasing
As Vice President of Leasing for Harlem Irving Companies, Inc., Wayne Marks is a seasoned leasing professional responsible for all permanent leasing at Harlem Irving Plaza (HIP), as well as for Harlem Irving Companies’ other popular shopping centers. Wayne plays a major role in HIP’s current exciting redevelopment project, where new tenants are now open. Wayne is also involved in bringing fresh retail opportunities to HIC’s multifamily retail residential properties.
Background
For over 26 years, Wayne has been at many notable companies. Prior to joining Harlem Irving Companies, he worked as the Senior Leasing Manager at CBL & Associates for three and a half years, where he leased and redeveloped five regional enclosed malls in the Southeast area, as well as joint venture leasing. Prior to CBL, Wayne worked as a leasing manager and director for 11 years at DDR Corporation, where he managed new and existing construction of lifestyle centers as well as big-box leasing for retail stores. Wayne also has experience in leasing open-air community centers all over the Midwest, as well as brokerage representation for tenants in the Northeast area.
Education & Accreditation
Wayne holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Youngstown State University, where he double-majored in Marketing and Accounting. He is also licensed as a real estate agent in the state of Ohio.
Anne Militante
Senior Director of Specialty Leasing
As Senior Director of Specialty Leasing, Anne Militante is responsible for the short-term leasing and specialty income production for Harlem Irving Companies’ retail properties. This includes in-lines, pop-ups, RMUs/carts, kiosks, beverage and entertainment vending, event and amenity sponsorships, promotional events, advertising, and filming.
Background
For over 25 years, Anne has worked in the shopping center industry in local, regional, and national deal-making roles, representing properties on behalf of investor clients. Anne joined Harlem Irving Companies in 2016 after spending 14 years with two of the top U.S. retail real estate firms, and working as an independent broker and consultant representing both landlords and tenants.
Education & Accreditation
Anne holds a Master of Arts degree in Marketing from Webster University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Management from the University of Dayton. She is licensed as a real estate managing broker in Illinois.
Affiliations
International Council of Shopping Centers
Krishma Punjabi-Gheewala
Manager of Corporate Finance
As Manager of Corporate Finance, Krishma Punjabi-Gheewala is an integral part of Harlem Irving Companies’ finance/accounting team. She is responsible for all cash flow analysis relating to the retail portfolio. Other responsibilities include loan facilitation as well as lender and investor communication.
Background
Krishma has various technical proficiencies ranging from analytical coding in SAS, Weka, and R to real estate software platforms of ARGUS and MRI Version X. She started her career in accounting as an Assurance Process Specialist at a reputable accounting firm. After that she transitioned into real estate at a niche commercial real estate start up as a Commercial Real Estate Consultant through 2018 when she joined Harlem Irving Companies.
Education & Accreditation
Krishma holds a Master of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of South Florida where she also obtained two Bachelor of Science degrees in Finance and Business Economics.
Thomas J. Randall, CRRP, CRX, CSM
Vice President & General Manager
As Vice President and General Manager for Harlem Irving Companies, Inc., Thomas “T.J.” Randall is responsible for the day-to-day leadership of the company’s retail portfolio, which includes Property Management, Specialty Leasing, Marketing, Security, and Operations. T.J. also oversees the corporate insurance, human resources, and information technology initiatives.
Background
Prior to joining the company, T.J. was Senior Manager, Property Management with Macerich, where he was responsible for some of the most successful assets in the company’s portfolio. He directed leasing and development teams in strategic, long-term planning of assets in Washington, California, Arizona, and Oregon. He also spearheaded the CSM continuing education initiative that resulted in over 75 property managers attaining the ICSC’s (International Council of Shopping Centers) CSM designation. Prior to Macerich, T.J. served as General Manager with the Richard E. Jacobs Group, where he managed assets in Illinois, Washington, and Wisconsin. T.J. is active in ICSC’s continuing education programs and has instructed at various ICSC programs over the past 17 years.
Education & Accreditation
T.J. holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in industrial safety from the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater. He has also earned the Certified Retail Executive (CRX), Certified Shopping Center Manager (CSM), and Certified Retail Real Estate Professional (CRRP) designations from the International Council of Shopping Centers.
Affiliations
International Council of Shopping Centers
Colleen N. Rolloff
Vice President of Leasing
Colleen Rolloff is involved with the entire leasing process for Harlem Irving Companies’ retail portfolio. Her responsibilities include marketing to prospective tenants, merchandising analysis, and lease negotiations. Colleen has been instrumental in leasing projects that include Willowbrook Town Center, Washington Square, Kendall Marketplace, Quarry Plaza, Hickory Creek Marketplace, and The Emerald.
Background
Prior to joining Harlem Irving Companies, Colleen served as Assistant Vice President of Retail Leasing and Brokerage with M&J Wilkow, Ltd. For nearly 10 years, she worked on various retail projects that included new developments, marketing existing shopping centers, retail and institutional tenant representation, and the redevelopment and enhancement of mature centers.
Education & Accreditation
Colleen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Indiana University and is a licensed real estate broker in Illinois.
Affiliations
International Council of Shopping Centers
Mara C. Russiaky, CRRP
Senior Director of Corporate Marketing
As Senior Director of Corporate Marketing for Harlem Irving Companies, Inc., Mara Russiaky oversees the popular marketing promotions, events, advertising, and gift card program for the company’s flagship Harlem Irving Plaza (HIP), a vibrant shopping center with 140 retailers. As part of this, Mara often appears on local news segments to promote the center’s events, programs, and fashion. She is also responsible for marketing and promoting the recent major redevelopment at the center.
Additionally, Mara manages all facets of Harlem Irving Companies’ corporate marketing. Her responsibilities include creating marketing and leasing materials and other digital marketing assets. She orchestrates the development of materials for marketing purposes, including property site plans and informational videos. Mara also oversees advertising programs for other dynamic mixed-used centers owned by Harlem Irving Companies.
Background
Mara has been in the shopping center industry for over 28 years. Prior to joining Harlem Irving Companies, she worked for seven years as a Senior Marketing Director and AVP with Retail Properties of America, Inc. (RPAI). There, she managed all consumer-related marketing including social media initiatives, programs, events, and promotions for various RPAI shopping centers. She also oversaw income-generation opportunities, the gift card program, and was an integral part of charity-focused company initiatives and fundraisers. Prior to RPAI, Mara was a Marketing Director with Simon Property Group for 11 years, where she worked for several of Simon’s premier shopping centers located throughout the Chicagoland area.
Education & Accreditation
Mara holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she double-majored in English and Communications.
Mara has received four International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) U.S. Silver MAXI Awards beginning in 2010 through present. She is an active member of ICSC and has served as a judge for several years for the U.S. MAXI Awards. In addition, she taught a class at the ICSC RECon Academy, and for several years has assisted on various committees for ICSC.
In December 2018, Mara was honored to receive the formal accreditation of Certified Retail Real Estate Professional (CRRP) from ICSC.
Affiliations
International Council of Shopping Centers