FPL Advisory Group is a global firm specializing in providing executive recruitment and leadership, compensation, and management consulting solutions.

Consulting

FPL Global

Renee Millette

Meera Pandya is a Vice President in Ferguson Partners’ Toronto office. Meera has over 15 years of experience in financial services and accounting, and 8 years of experience in executive search working cross-functionally across real estate & real asset practices.

Meera has successfully completed searches in a variety of sectors within real estate and financial services. Her functional expertise includes senior real estate and infrastructure executives in public and private firms, senior HR professionals, institutional investment management, finance & regulatory reporting, risk and credit management, compliance & treasury, investor relations, CX/UX leaders, product managers and legal counsel.

Prior to joining Ferguson Partners, Meera was a Senior Consultant on a Financial Services & Real Estate team; as well as a Managing Associate for a North American Financial Services & Real Estate practice with two global executive search firms.

Meera earned an Honors B.A. from the University of Toronto, with a major in sociology and double minors in anthropology & history.

Meera Pandya

Catelin Hotz is an Associate in the Public Compensation Consulting group at Ferguson Partners, based in the firm’s Chicago office. She conducts compensation benchmarking and analyzes data to help design incentive programs for clients in the public real estate industry.

Prior to joining Ferguson Partners, Catelin served as a Consumer and Wealth Management Compliance Associate at Goldman Sachs. She also worked as a Risk and Compliance Consultant at Protiviti earlier in her career.

Catelin attended Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana where she received a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the Kelley School of Business. In her free time, she enjoys workout classes, traveling, and trying new restaurants.

Catelin Hotz

Emily Brown

Martin is Senior Advisor at Ferguson Partners, based in the firm’s London office and working internationally.

With an extensive career across global real estate sectors serving the highest levels of developers, investors and occupiers, Martin has specialized in investment, development, and real estate finance.

One of the industry’s most established professionals, he joins Ferguson Partners from CBRE, the world’s largest commercial real estate services company, where he served in EMEA CEO and President roles, building and driving a range of highly successful business and investment initiatives for CBRE’s international clients.

Samworth received a Bachelor of Science in Estate Management and is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.  He is also a Member of The Association of Real Property and Infrastructure. Outside work, Martin enjoys travel, keeping fit, tennis and the theatre.

Martin Samworth

JD Baptiste is a Senior Associate based in Ferguson Partners’ New York office, specializing in sourcing for real estate assignments throughout North America and globally.

Before joining Ferguson Partners, JD was an executive recruiter for a boutique alternative assets search firm where he focused on a wide array of real estate private equity and structured credit searches throughout North America, and a consultant for a global financial services recruitment firm where he focused on placing credit risk management professionals across the counterparty, commercial, retail and quantitative analytics disciplines for banks and other sell-side financial institutions.

JD received his bachelor’s degree from Franklin & Marshall College where he studied economics with a minor in French, was a member of the men’s varsity track & field team, and the president of the Franklin & Marshall Investment Group. While not working on searches, JD enjoys traveling, working out, listening to music, playing basketball, and spending time with friends and family.



JD Baptiste

Zoe Griffin is an Executive Assistant at Ferguson Partners, based in the London office.

Her career began in conference and events organization at The International Convention Centre before moving to London and joining CBRE, where she supported the Managing Director, UK for nearly a decade.  Following this, Zoe moved to McArthurGlen Group, Europe’s leading developer and manager of Designer Outlet Shopping centres, supporting the Managing Director for over 10 years.

Zoe has two young sons who keep her busy.  When she does have a spare moment, she enjoys reformer pilates, visiting the theatre and dining out with friends.



Zoe Griffin

Frances is a Director on Ferguson Partners’ Executive Search team and is based in firm’s Tokyo office. Her focus is on sourcing and executing real estate assignments throughout Japan and Asia.

Prior to joining Ferguson Partners, she co-founded Grand Harbour Investment Management based in Tokyo, where she was responsible for the firm’s business development efforts and provided investment advisory services on cross-border real estate, infrastructure and energy opportunities. Previously, Frances was with Tishman Speyer for 9 years, working across business development, relationship management, corporate planning, leadership development roles in Asia and Europe. She has previous executive search experience in China/Asia. Frances started her career as an international lawyer practicing in the corporate and commercial, banking and finance and real estate sectors in China and Australia.

Frances earned her Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws double degree from Australia’s Monash University.

In her spare time, Frances enjoys music and art. She also practices yoga, tango and ballet.



Frances Sun

Stephanie Wong is a Vice President on the Executive Search team and is located in the Sydney office.

With over ten years experience in recruitment specializing in real estate and recruiting key positions across Asia Pacific, Stephanie’s expertise includes executing assignments on behalf of property developers, funds and consultancy firms.

Stephanie grew up in Hong Kong and studied in the UK, where she earned a BSc in Management Science from Warwick Business School.

She is an avid enthusiast of stand up paddling, travel, cooking and jewelry design.



Stephanie Wong

Richard Federico is a Vice President in the Compensation Consulting group at Ferguson Partners, based in the Charlotte office. Mr. Federico’s responsibilities include evaluating current financial market data, conducting competitive benchmarking analyses, and constructing go forward compensation programs in the public sector; specifically with a strong focus on pay-for-performance.

Prior to joining Ferguson Partners, Richard served as a Finance Manager at Honeywell supporting their corporate business analysis and planning team where he managed Honeywell’s executive compensation workstream. In this role, his responsibilities included modeling internal incentive program targets, analyzing company financial performance across various thresholds, and constructing deliverables to present findings to the executive management team. He also was a key contributor to the forecasting and analysis process for the organization while driving continuous digital transformation and automation.

Mr. Federico holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from James Madison University. In his free time, he enjoys being outdoors, watching sports and listening to music.



Richard Federico

Ieva Sten-Gilady is an Associate on the Compensation team based in the firm’s New York Office. Ieva’s primary focus is assisting on both private and public real estate projects, concerning strategic and compensation-related matters including benchmarking, and data-driven analyses, research of various compensation elements including short-term and long-term incentive plans, financial modeling, employment and severance agreement reviews.

Prior to joining FPC, Ieva was a consultant at Ernst & Young where she worked on various governmental projects, including enabling seamless electronic commerce and customs between the European Union, its Member states and Eastern Partner countries. Ieva also worked at various international organizations including the United Nations and UNESCO, where she concentrated on advancing and strengthening priorities of the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry.

Ieva holds a Bachelor Degree in Political Sciences and a Master Degree in International Security from Sciences Po University in Paris, France.



Ieva Sten-Gilady

Danielle Garavaglia is an Associate based in the firm’s San Francisco office, where she is involved in the research and execution of searches, providing support on a variety of mandates.

Prior to joining Ferguson Partners, Danielle served as a Corporate Event Coordinator & Senior Executive Assistant at both Matthews Asia and Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants.

Danielle earned her Bachelor’s degree from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles.

Danielle Garavaglia

Katie Kinkead is responsible for overseeing office operations and management, vendor management, and maintaining a positive and pleasant employee experience. Katie is passionate about people and cultivating a great place to work.

Prior to joining Ferguson Partners, Katie was an Executive Assistant at Aisle Rocket, a marketing agency located in Chicago. She brings experience in executive support, recruiting, event planning, business operations, and benefits administration.

Katie received her Bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University in Communications.

Katie Kinkead

Johanna is a Project Manager in Ferguson Partners’ London Office. She supports the Senior Managing Director, Head of Europe and the team across a broad range of activities within the firm’s Real Estate practice, from projects and operations management to the research and execution of searches.

Prior to joining Ferguson Partners, Johanna worked as an operations manager for a boutique recruitment company. She then joined an executive search firm as a consultant within the financial services practice where she was responsible for the research and delivery of various C-suite and Board level assignments for private equity firms and their portfolio companies.

Johanna earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management at the University of Nice, Côte d’Azur. In her spare time, Johanna is an outdoors enthusiast – enjoying cycling, swimming, skiing and when the weather allows it, paragliding!

Johanna Vasse

Julia Sweeney is the Managing Director, Leadership Consulting at [FPL Global](/org/fpl-global). Julia has over twenty years of experience working with global organizations across industries through both internal leadership roles and external consulting. Julia has a proven track record in designing and delivering talent initiatives that enable strategy alignment, leadership development and realization of business goals. 

Prior to joining [FPL Global](/org/fpl-global), Julia was the SVP, Talent Development Solution Director at [Lee Hecht Harrison](/org/lee-hecht-harrison) from January 2019 to May 2022. In this role, they partnered with clients to design and deliver talent initiatives that enable strategy alignment, leadership development and realization of business goals. 

Before [Lee Hecht Harrison](/org/lee-hecht-harrison), Julia was with [Korn Ferry](/org/korn-ferry) as an Associate Client Partner from February 2014 to January 2019. In this role, they listened to clients, uncovered solutions and developed leadership competencies to respond to changing markets. Julia also created engaging experiences using interactive technologies as tools, simulations, and blended learning. 

From January 2013 to December 2014, Julia was a Senior Partner at Upper Diamond where they brought innovative approaches to small- and medium-sized companies while continuing to serve global organizations. 

Julia started their career in learning and development at [Kaiser Permanente](/org/kaiser-permanente) where they were the Director, Learning & Development Hawaii Region from February 2010 to May 2011.

Julia Sweeney received their BA in Communications from [Purdue University](/org/purdue-university) and their MS in Organization Development from [Loyola University Chicago](/org/loyola-university-chicago).

They are on a team with and Amanda Bell - Vice President, Leadership Consulting. Julia Sweeney reports to Dominic Cottone, Senior Managing Director, Leadership Consulting.

Julia Sweeney

Esther Sosa is an Analyst in Executive/Board Search Practice and is based in Ferguson Partners’ Chicago office. Esther is most excited to holistically learn the industry from a dedicated team of professionals and leaders in the space, as well as have the opportunity in the future to help implement the firm’s analyst program across the firm.

Prior to joining Ferguson Partners, Esther worked for Grant Thornton LLP as a service line rotating intern. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Policy from the School of Environmental Sustainability Loyola University, as well as an Associate’s degree in Business Administration.

In her free time, Esther enjoys expanding her knowledge through reading, practicing the martial art of Aikido and traveling. She does not shy away from new experiences and hopes to lead a life of introspection, selflessness, and joy.

Esther Sosa

Carmen is an Analyst in Ferguson Partners’ Executive/Board Search Practice and is based in the firm’s New York office. She works closely with the team in supporting client assignments.

Prior to joining Ferguson Partners, Carmen worked as a research assistant for the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, a leading think tank studying diversity and inclusion in entertainment. During her time there, she developed critical research skills and fostered an interest in DEI and strategy. She is excited to begin her career in search and help drive DEI goals at Ferguson Partners.

Carmen recently graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and a minor in Law and Public Policy. Carmen is an avid fan of tv, film and pop culture. She also loves traveling, going to concerts, and being outdoors.

Carmen Abuzid

Sara Dolins is an Analyst for Ferguson Partners’ Executive/Board Search Practice and is based in the Chicago office. Sara is responsible for assisting the search team on client assignments. As a new member of Ferguson Partners, Sara is excited to learn and acclimate to the recruiting industry.

Sara studied at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, specializing in Interpersonal and Organizational Communications. Sara has a strong theatre background and is a professional choreographer. She is excited to apply her creative spirit to a business setting.

Sara’s interests include musical theatre, finding good restaurants and traveling. In her free time, Sara loves to sing, dance, and spend time with her friends and family.

Sara Dolins

Sean is an Analyst in Ferguson Partners’ Executive/Board Search practice, based in the firm’s Chicago office. Sean supports the team on various projects.

Prior to joining Ferguson Partners, Sean worked as a real estate assistant. He is a licensed Realtor within the state of Indiana. He supported his real estate team lead with CRM maintenance, client management, real estate research, and contract application. Prior to graduation, Sean worked within the Office of Admissions, Office of Scholarships, and the Hamilton Lugar School at Indiana University; he supported all three organizations through recruitment of both staff and students. He is excited to combine these passions in the Analyst position at Ferguson Partners.

Sean received his Bachelor of Science degree in International Studies from Indiana University’s Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies. He also received a certificate from the Liberal Arts and Management Program (LAMP). Outside of work, Sean enjoys keeping up with current real estate trends, genealogy, and travel. He is a volunteer at the Polish Genealogical Society of America (PGSA).

Sean Meyer

Michele Goldstein is a Director based in Ferguson Partners’ Chicago office with a focus on Board and CEO succession-related client assignments. With an extensive technology background, Michele will also bring her expertise to the firm’s technology-related mandates.

With more than 25 years of experience in talent acquisition and human resource roles, Michele was most recently the Director of Recruiting for Sagence, Inc., a data-focused consulting firm. She is passionate about building and maintaining strong relationships and delivering high-quality results.

In her free time, Michele enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, exploring the beaches of Lake Michigan, and taking walks with her dog Zoey.

Michele Goldstein

Amy is a Director at Ferguson Partners Europe, based in the firm’s London Office. She is actively involved with the execution of searches and provides client management support for a variety of mandates. She participates in the firm’s Real Estate Practice and manages searches for a spectrum of real estate disciplines and subsectors, with an emphasis on the capital formation arena.

Amy started working at Ferguson Partners in 2014. Her work to date includes completed assignments for investment managers, private equity firms, developers and hospitality companies. Prior to launching her career in search, Amy worked at Marks & Spencer, where she helped to develop the retailer’s marketing strategy.

Amy obtained a Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Sociology and Criminology from City University London. In her free time, Amy enjoys horseback riding, swimming and traveling.

Amy Mcgee

Taylor is a Vice President at Ferguson Partners. Based in Chicago, Taylor supports the firm’s executive and Board recruitment across the commercial real estate industry. Taylor’s goal-oriented and consultative approach characterizes her dedication for aligning clients with the best possible match for each organization.

Prior to joining Ferguson Partners, Taylor worked as an executive recruiter and account manager at North Bridge Staffing Group. Taylor was responsible for the full life cycle recruiting process on behalf of clients in the financial services, management consulting, marketing/advertising, information technology and legal sectors.

Taylor earned her Bachelor’s degree from The University of Missouri in Business Administration. In her free time, Taylor enjoys cycling, cooking, and spending time with her two pups – Louie the Pug and Mabel, a yellow Lab.

Taylor Schwartz

John Wasley is a Senior Managing Director and Head of U.S. Search at Ferguson Partners. During the 23 years of his executive search work, John has served an extensive number of clients in the real estate and financial services sectors. John focuses on C-level positions, Board recruitment, and succession planning, and has represented a wide range of private, public, and private equity-backed companies.

Prior to joining Ferguson Partners, John worked for global executive search firms Spencer Stuart and Heidrick & Struggles within their real estate and financial services practices. John began his career in real estate at Wedgewood Investment Corporation, a Los Angeles-based real estate opportunity fund, and served as its chief financial officer. He entered the banking industry as part of restructuring team to recapitalize and re-charter a $8B California-based thrift, where he led the special assets, loan origination and real estate groups.

John has a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California, Los Angeles. He serves on the corporate board of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco and is an active member of the Urban Land Institute.

John Wasley

Cara Bianchini is a Director based in Ferguson Partners’ New York office. She brings to the firm over ten years of experience in executive search and asset management.

Prior to joining Ferguson, Cara founded Highlands Partners, a retained executive search firm focused on the asset management industry. Prior to that, she worked at Jensen Partners, a boutique ﬁrm dedicated to recruiting strategic capital raisers for alternative asset managers. Cara has dedicated her entire career in search to helping leading alternative asset management firms hire the right talent to raise and retain capital.

Cara has been instrumental in building client coverage teams at prominent real estate, infrastructure, private equity, private credit, venture capital, hedge fund and private fund placement firms. She has cultivated a broad and deep network through her passion for sharing her knowledge and perspective on market activity and company and professional development.

Cara studied Social Sciences with a concentration in Psychology at New York University. In her free time, Cara enjoys making her toddler son laugh and dancing.

Cara Bianchini

Sarah Wexler is the VP, Executive Search at [FPL Global](/org/fpl-global). Sarah has over 10 years of experience in human resources and recruitment. Sarah has a degree in human resources from the University of Toronto.

Sarah Wexler would have a degree in Classical and Ancient Studies from [Western University](/org/western-university), followed by a degree in the same field from [York University](/org/york-university).



Sarah Wexler

With 20 years of experience managing key appointments in real estate and infrastructure, Matt will establish and lead the Ferguson Partners Australia office. His clients include a broad range of real estate fund managers and investment groups including REITS, investment banks, private equity, advisory groups, superannuation funds and sovereign funds.

Before joining Ferguson Partners, Matt was a founder and Managing Partner of a leading real estate and infrastructure-focused executive search and consultancy business. Prior to his time in executive search, Matt has had extensive experience at a senior level in direct real estate, equities and funds management over 25 years.  He has worked as a valuer and consultant in direct property in the UK and Australia for global groups Richard Ellis and Jones Lang Wootton, and also as a senior REIT analyst for Hambros Equities, and as Director, Head of Property Investments for Barclays Global Investors where he managed all real estate funds in Australia.  He was General Manager to the listed Capital Property Trust (CPT), presiding over the only three-way stapling of property entities (MPG, MPT and CPT) for CPT investors, and Head of Investments and Developments for Mirvac Funds Management where he drove strategy and new business development.  After leaving the executive of Mirvac he was a Non- Executive Director of Mirvac Funds Limited until 2013 and is currently Chairman of Centuria Healthcare Asset Management and a Non-Executive Director of Centuria Property Funds Limited, an Australian based Fund Manager with approximately $10 billion of funds under management.

Matt has a degree in Urban Estate Surveying from Nottingham Trent University and is a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Matthew Hardy

Nicole Dupras serves as the Head of Knowledge Management, North America, based in the firm’s New York office. In her role at Ferguson Partners, Nicole is responsible for knowledge management for the North American executive search practice and joins the firm with a comprehensive background in information and knowledge management, in-house research services management, and research services consulting.

Prior to joining Ferguson Partners, Nicole served as the Director of Knowledge Management at David Barrett Partners, an international retained executive search focusing exclusively on buy-side placements, where she managed the firm’s research and knowledge management function and helped with search execution, marketing and business development efforts, and data analytics. Nicole’s previous appointments have been with spend management consultant Chase Cost Management’s legal research division, where she was responsible for helping large law firms review and optimize their legal information resource spend through data analysis and strategy development, and with financial communications advisory firm Brunswick Group, where she was a member of the firm’s Analysis and Research Center.

Nicole holds a BFA from Syracuse University and an MLIS from St. John’s University.

Nicole Dupras

Paul Dunlevy is the Director of Executive Search at [FPL Global](/org/fpl-global). Paul has over 18 years of experience in the financial industry. 

Paul started their career at S&P Dow Jones Indices in 2004 as a Financial Operations Associate. Paul then moved to [BNY Mellon](/org/bny-mellon) in 2010, where they worked in Custody Financial Operations. In 2012, Paul transitioned to executive recruiting with Parker and Lynch. Paul then moved to [Randstad](/org/randstad) in 2013, where they continued their work as an Executive Recruiter specializing in finance and accounting. 

In 2014, Paul joined [The Bachrach Group](/org/the-bachrach-group) as the Director of their Real Estate Division. Paul then transitioned to [Rhodes Associates](/org/rhodes-associates) in 2018, where they worked as a Partner until 2022. 

Paul has been with [FPL Global](/org/fpl-global) since March of 2022.

Paul Dunlevy has a Bachelor's degree from [Rider University](/org/rider-university) and a Real Estate degree from NYU School of Professional Studies. Paul also went to West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South.

Paul Dunlevy

Scott McIntosh is a Vice President in the Management Consulting group at FPL Associates, based in the firm’s Chicago office. During his time at FPL, Scott has worked with clients across the real estate industry on various organizational, strategic, and financial consulting engagements. Scott has experience advising clients on organizational structure and financial performance, valuation considerations, governance structures and best practices, succession planning, compensation practices, and strategic planning.

Prior to joining FPL, Scott worked for the global advisory firms Mercer and Navigant Economics. Over the past five years, Scott also held various leadership positions on the Auxiliary Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, a Chicago-based organization that funds innovative research at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Scott graduated from [Indiana University](/org/indiana-university) (Bloomington) with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and earned an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Outside of work, Scott enjoys golfing, skiing, and spending time with his wife and daughter.

Scott McIntosh

Katie Gaynor is a Senior Managing Director in the Compensation Consulting group at FPL Associates and is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ms. Gaynor is responsible for co-managing the Compensation Consulting division of FPL and has over 15 years of experience advising real estate companies on strategic and compensation-related matters. Ms. Gaynor specializes in compensation planning and structuring for public and private companies; drafting compensation disclosures to comply with requirements set forth by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); conducting corporate governance reviews; compensation planning for initial public offerings and for mergers and acquisitions; and developing industry-related compensation surveys. Ms. Gaynor has also worked on several REIT transactions, including IPO structuring and internalizations, as well as deal negotiations, earn-out structuring and the preparation of shareholder communications.

Prior to joining FPL, Ms. Gaynor co-led FTI Consulting’s Executive Compensation and Corporate Governance Solutions team, where she advised both public and private companies on a wide array of compensation, governance and strategic matters. Earlier, Ms. Gaynor worked in the Internal Compensation Department for [Cox Enterprises](/org/cox-enterprises), a large-cap, diversified communications and automotive services company with more than 50,000 employees worldwide.

Ms. Gaynor holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Policy and Development from [Georgia State University](/org/georgia-state-university) and is a Certified Equity Professional and Certified Compensation Professional. She is also a member of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, National Association of Stock Plan Professionals and WorldatWork. In her free time, Ms. Gaynor enjoys traveling with her husband and three daughters and reading historical fiction.

Katie Gaynor

Michelle Rutledge is a Director at Ferguson Partners based in the Toronto office. Her focus is on sourcing and executing Real Estate assignments throughout North America and on a global basis. She serves as a leader of the firm’s Diversity Practice and Hospitality Practice, and she also participates in the Infrastructure Practice.

Prior to joining Ferguson Partners, Michelle worked as a Consultant with a Hospitality search firm. She gained extensive international exposure by executing hotel, gaming and restaurant searches throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. At Ferguson Partners, Michelle conducts regional and corporate-level searches across functions – including development, investments and operations – and places candidates in positions up to the C-Suite within the Real Estate, Infrastructure and Hospitality practices. She has spent time in FPL’s New York and Toronto offices.

Michelle holds a Bachelor’s degree from The University of Western Ontario with a specialization in Psychology. When she’s not working on searches, Michelle enjoys spending time traveling and visiting her cottage north of Toronto.

Michelle Rutledge

Jeff Hauswirth serves as Vice Chairman of Ferguson Partners and is based in the firm’s Toronto office. He focuses on expanding the firm’s Canadian platform and global footprint by partnering with the firm’s management team to refine and implement new business strategies and service offerings. Mr. Hauswirth also leads the firm’s CEO Succession Practice and participates in both the Board Recruitment & Advisory Practice and the PE/REIM Practice.

Prior to joining Ferguson Partners, Mr. Hauswirth led the global real estate practice at [Spencer Stuart](/org/spencer-stuart), where he conducted CEO, C-Suite and Board mandates for 25 years. He completed approximately 250 senior-level recruitment and advisory assignments during his time at the firm and authored thought leadership on topics ranging from executive succession to the value of board service. Mr. Hauswirth began his career by launching his own companies in the retail and distribution sectors, thereby gaining a firsthand understanding of the demands facing CEOs, Boards and C-Suite executives.

Mr. Hauswirth holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the [University of Guelph](/org/university-of-guelph). When not engaged in searches, Mr. Hauswirth enjoys volunteering on the Boards of local charities. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of Second Harvest, a Toronto-based food rescue and distribution organization; and Upopolis, a private social utility that connects young hospital patients to their families, friends and school networks to alleviate stress and isolation while in medical care.

Jeffrey Hauswirth

Serena Althaus is Senior Managing Director at Ferguson Partners, based in the firm’s London office. Her practice serves an extensive number of clients in the real estate sector, and she specializes in assisting those working in the areas of development, investment, structured finance and advisory, across all asset types (offices, logistics, retail, student accommodation, PRS, senior living and data centers). Serena also participates in the Board, CFO and Hospitality Practices.

Serena has overseen or directly executed over 400 mandates over her 20-year career in the search industry from the Board to Director level. Prior to joining Ferguson Partners in 2007, Serena worked at [Spencer Stuart](/org/spencer-stuart), [Norman Broadbent](/org/norman-broadbent) and [Heidrick & Struggles](/org/heidrick-struggles), where she worked across the Consumer, Industrial and Real Estate sectors. She is a regular speaker at industry events and has written numerous industry articles pertaining to diversity in the workplace, among other topics.

Serena received a BA (Hons) in English from [Durham University](/org/durham-university). When she’s not working on searches, Serena enjoys skiing, clay pigeon shooting and scuba diving.

Serena Althaus

Joanna Hinkel is a Vice President in the Compensation Consulting group at FPL Associates L.P., based in the firm’s Chicago office. Ms. Hinkel specializes in providing analytical assistance to the group by conducting competitive benchmarking analyses, examining public filings and designing annual and long‐term incentive programs. Since joining FPL, Ms. Hinkel has completed more than 250 projects focusing on the public real estate industry and has overseen many of the group’s publications, including the Top 100 Public REIT Compensation Analysis.

Prior to joining FPL, Ms. Hinkel served as a Strategic Planning Financial Analyst at Sidley Austin LLP, a general-practice law firm. Her responsibilities included evaluating competitor financial data, participating in industry surveys and measuring the profitability of the firm’s lateral and home-grown partners. She also executed audits, analyzed client accounts and valuated investments for Ernst & Young LLP as an Assurance Senior earlier in her career.

Ms. Hinkel received her Bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Finance and her Master’s degree in Business Administration from [Indiana University](/org/indiana-university) in Bloomington, Indiana. She enjoys traveling, reading and cooking in her free time.

Joanna Hinkel

Jarret Sues is a Managing Director in FPL Associates’ Compensation Consulting group, based in the firm’s New York office. Mr. Sues is responsible for co-managing the compensation consulting division of FPL and advising corporate leaders on executive compensation and corporate governance matters. He oversees all aspects of executive/Director compensation, including competitive benchmarking assessments, short- and long-term incentive plan designs, corporate governance reviews and compensation planning for IPOs, spin-offs and mergers & acquisitions.

Mr. Sues has 15 years of experience advising public and private companies in multiple industries, including banking, distribution, finance, real estate and technology. Prior to joining FPL, Mr. Sues served as the co-lead of [FTI Consulting](/org/fti-consulting)’s Executive Compensation and Corporate Governance Solutions team, where he advised companies on a wide array of compensation, governance and strategic matters. Earlier, Mr. Sues worked as a consultant in the New York City office of FW Cook, a general industry executive compensation consulting firm.

Mr. Sues earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from [Xavier University](/org/xavier-university) in Ohio. He is a member of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT), National Association of Stock Plan Professionals and WorldatWork. When he’s not assisting clients, Mr. Sues enjoys following baseball; he played professionally for the Tampa Bay Rays organization prior to launching his consulting career.



Jarret Sues

Martin Eastgate is a Senior Director at Ferguson Partners, based in the firm’s Tokyo office. His practice focuses on the real estate, infrastructure, private equity and investment management industries, among numerous others. He has successfully completed mid- to senior-level searches across real estate and private equity investment funds, asset managers, loan servicers, corporate real estate and facilities, and operating asset platforms (hospitality, student housing, self-storage, renewables and infrastructure). He also participates in the firm’s Global Hospitality Practice.

Mr. Eastgate has covered financial services executive recruitment in Japan since 2002 with a specific focus on real estate. Prior to joining Ferguson Partners, Mr. Eastgate worked for Hudson Global Resources Japan where he assisted Highland Partners, the group’s international executive search platform, on Japan-based retained searches. For his work with real estate investors, Mr. Eastgate has been voted as one of the Top 10 private equity search consultants in Japan by the Asiamoney Headhunters Poll.

Originally from England, Mr. Eastgate graduated from [The University of Manchester](/org/the-university-of-manchester) with a Bachelor’s degree (Hons) in History. When he’s not working on searches, he enjoys combining his passions of photography and traveling, especially in the Japanese countryside.

Martin Eastgate

Grace Kim is a Vice President in the Compensation Consulting group at FPL Associates and is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ms. Kim’s responsibilities include compensation planning and structuring for both publicly traded and privately held companies and assessing various elements of compensation programs, including employment and severance agreements and compensation disclosures. Ms. Kim’s experience also includes compensation planning related to internalization and restructuring transactions.

Prior to joining FPL, Ms. Kim served as a Senior Consultant on [FTI Consulting](/org/fti-consulting)’s Executive Compensation and Corporate Governance Solutions team, where she assisted both public and private companies on a wide array of compensation and governance matters. Prior to this, Ms. Kim worked as a research assistant for [Harvard Business School](/org/harvard-business-school) analyzing the economics of compensation within private equity firms. She also served as an adjunct lecturer on finance and has over four years of research experience in the area of corporate finance, including in matters related to corporate governance and executive compensation.

Ms. Kim holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from [Boston College](/org/boston-college), a Master’s in Business Administration from Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business, and an M. Phil in Finance from The City University of New York. In her free time, Ms. Kim enjoys cooking, hiking, crossword puzzles and practicing calligraphy.

Grace Kim

Mr. Banoff is Vice Chairman of FPL Associates L.P., based in the firm’s Chicago office. As co-leader of the firm’s Compensation Consulting group, Mr. Banoff designs compensation programs that drive business strategies and create value for shareholders. He partners with Compensation Committees and executive management to implement effective and strategic compensation plans, conducts organizational and broad-based benchmarking, negotiates and structures employment agreements/severance policies, advises on key transactional related matters across IPOs and internalizations, and consults on a variety of corporate governance-related matters. Over the course of his career, Mr. Banoff has completed more than 1,000 client assignments across various compensation matters focused within all facets of the real estate industry.

After joining FPL in 2002, Mr. Banoff built an extensive profile of clients that encompasses both the leading market share of public REITs and, separately, a variety of private real estate companies. He has overseen the firm’s survey team and the two largest real estate compensation surveys that FPL conducts each year, partnering with both NAREIT® and REALPAC. Mr. Banoff frequently provides expert commentary for media outlets and research publications; in the past, he has been cited in [The Wall Street Journal](/org/the-wall-street-journal), Commercial Property Executive, National Real Estate Investor and the [S&P Global](/org/sp-global), among others.

Mr. Banoff earned his Bachelor’s degree in Finance with honors from the University of Illinois’ Gies College of Business. He is also a member of WorldatWork and the National Association of Stock Plan Professionals (NASPP). In his limited free time, Mr. Banoff enjoys outdoor running, playing drums, coaching baseball, traveling, spending time with his family and, last but not least, a nice glass of Cabernet!

Jeremy I. Banoff

Megan Nurczyk is Assistant General Counsel at [FPL Global](/org/fpl-global), based in the firm’s Chicago office. Megan supports FPL’s legal team by advising on contract negotiations for FPL’s offices worldwide. She also conducts legal research for the firm’s business lines and assists with the development and implementation of the firm’s litigation strategies.

Prior to joining FPL, Megan specialized in analyzing contracts and facilitating negotiations in both the legal and business fields. In her prior role as a Contract Negotiator with a Fortune 500 technology solutions provider, she reviewed, negotiated and finalized international and domestic IT contracts in the corporate sector.

Megan earned her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the Chicago-Kent College of Law at the [Illinois Institute of Technology](/org/illinois-institute-of-technology), and her Bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In her free time, Megan enjoys traveling and reading.

Megan Nurczyk

Amy Townsend

Sarah Cullins Nezamis is a Senior Director at Ferguson Partners, based in the firm’s Chicago office. Her practice focuses on C-Suite and Board recruitment across the commercial real estate industry. She leads the firm’s Retail Real Estate Practice and General Counsel Practice, and she also participates in the REIT Practice.

Ms. Cullins Nezamis specializes in client and engagement management, candidate development and evaluation, and the presentation of qualified candidates to clients. A licensed Attorney in the State of Illinois, she excels in sourcing candidates through comprehensive research and broad analytical evaluation. Prior to joining Ferguson Partners in 2015, she worked as an Assistant Vice President and Division Director at Robert Half Legal, where she specialized in recruiting highly skilled legal professionals for law firms and corporate legal departments.

Ms. Cullins Nezamis holds a Juris Doctor degree from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from [Michigan State University](/org/michigan-state-university). In her free time, she enjoys traveling and reading Jane Austen novels.

Sarah Cullins Nezamis

Max d’Ambrumenil leads the Asia Pacific region at Ferguson Partners. He has worked in Asia for over 13 years and managed numerous appointments in the real estate, private equity, infrastructure and hospitality industries across APAC. His clients include public and private investment managers, lenders, retailers and hotel management companies.

Max joined Ferguson Partners in 2011 to establish the firm’s Hong Kong office. Prior to then, he led the Asia investment and funds management practice for a real estate-focused recruitment business. He launched his search career in London, where he specialized in real estate before relocating to Asia in 2006. Earlier, he built and sold an online retail business and was a founding trustee of the Mark Evison Foundation.

Max holds a Bachelor’s degree (Hons) in Real Estate from [Oxford Brookes University](/org/oxford-brookes-university). When he’s not busy working on a search, he is a keen skier (snow and water) and has been a Newcastle United fan/optimist for 30 years.

Max d’Ambrumenil

Thaddeus Rada-Bayne is a Vice President in the Survey Practice group at Ferguson Partners, based in the firm’s Chicago office. He focuses on the design, execution, and reporting of surveys in the real estate and related industries, covering a range of topics, including compensation and benefits data, perceptions of support for diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and assessments of company culture.

Prior to joining Ferguson Partners, Thaddeus worked in both applied and academic capacities as an organizational psychologist. His consulting experience covers a variety of areas, including projects measuring employee sentiment in auto sales roles, designing hiring systems in the entertainment industry, and revising and delivering promotional assessments in the public service sector. His academic work has focused primarily on teaching courses and mentoring students at the undergraduate level in liberal arts settings.

Thaddeus has a Ph.D. in industrial-organizational psychology from [Bowling Green State University](/org/bowling-green-state-university).

Thaddeus Rada-Bayne

Ramona  Lora

Lindsay Wilhusen is a Director at FPL Associates and Head of the firm’s Survey Practice, based in Chicago, IL.  Ms. Wilhusen leads and oversees the day-to-day operations of the survey team, which produces 20 to 30 surveys annually within the real estate and related industries. Ms. Wilhusen collaborates with many prominent real estate trade associations and companies on the development and execution of surveys that address a variety of topics including compensation, benefits, hiring and staffing, Board of Director composition and compensation, and organizational practices, among others.

During her time at FPL, the survey group has expanded the number of surveys conducted annually, as well as the subject matter and asset focus and participation in the surveys overall. The group also grew international representation in the surveys by opening participation to Mexico, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Prior to joining FPL, Ms. Wilhusen worked as a Senior Technology Analyst at [Willis Towers Watson](/org/willis-towers-watson) in the company’s Employee Engagement Survey Practice.

Ms. Wilhusen holds a Bachelor’s degree from [Miami University](/org/miami-university) in Oxford, Ohio, and a Master’s degree in Information Systems with a focus on Business Intelligence from [DePaul University](/org/depaul-university). When she’s not working, Ms. Wilhusen enjoys traveling around the world.

Lindsay Wilhusen

Chris Goodrich is a Director based at the Ferguson Partners headquarters in Chicago. His main focus is to drive the overall execution of executive search assignments across the United States.

Chris has a unique blend of experiences that encompass executive recruiting, professional search and large corporate talent acquisition leadership. As a former Divisional Vice President for a Fortune 500 company, Chris focused on advising senior leadership on all aspects related to talent acquisition strategy as well as recruiting senior executives who could drive a successful transformation. He also spent seven years in the contingent and retained professional search industry focusing on delivering best-in-class talent to downstream oil, gas and manufacturing companies.

Chris holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from [Roosevelt University](/org/roosevelt-university). In his free time, Chris enjoys boating, sport fishing, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Chris Goodrich

Mr. Carey is responsible for overseeing the financial and accounting operations of FPL. He works with the company’s senior executives to budget, track and analyze the company’s financial performance.  He has substantial experience in corporate budgeting, finance, analysis and performance measurement.

Prior to joining FPL, Mr. Carey served as a Manager of Financial Reporting at Trizec Properties, Inc. and as a Supervising Senior Auditor with the Real Estate practice at [KPMG](/org/kpmg), LLP.  At Trizec, Mr. Carey oversaw the accounting and reporting for the company’s Washington D.C. portfolio, comprised of office buildings totaling 4.9 million square feet.  At [KPMG](/org/kpmg), Mr. Carey orchestrated and oversaw the audits of various real estate clients including General Growth Properties, Urban Shopping Centers, Cadillac Fairview U.S., and JMB Realty Corporation.  In addition to audits, Mr. Carey has had experience in the areas of acquisitions, dispositions, liquidations, development and construction project reviews, process reviews, due diligence, defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, and health and welfare plans.

Mr. Carey received a B.S. in Accounting from [Indiana University](/org/indiana-university).  He is also a Certified Public Accountant and member of the Illinois CPA Society. In his free time, Mr. Carey enjoys concerts, cooking, camping and spending time with friends and family.

Paul E. Carey

Amanda (Mandi) Bell is a Vice President in the Ferguson Partners Leadership Consulting group. Prior to joining the team, her work focused on assessing mid-level managers and senior executives, verifying assessment centers to select leaders in the energy sector, and designing culture initiatives for companies across various industries including energy, government, manufacturing and IT. Mandi’s approach to consulting combines cutting-edge organizational and social psychological research with an intimate understanding of business performance and economic principles. In her current role, she supports the team by advising organizations on succession planning; executive coaching; leadership training; organizational culture change; team effectiveness training; and executive assessments.

Mandi’s perspective on organizational dynamics is informed by nine years of research experience, emphasizing the trickle-down effects of leaders’ behavior on teams and organizations, as well as employee health and recovery from stress. She complements this research background with teaching experience at the collegiate level. She brings both academic content and practical skills when training leaders at various levels in their development.

Mandi completed her Master’s degree and PhD in I/O Psychology with a specialization in Quantitative Methods at [Northern Illinois University](/org/northern-illinois-university). She holds her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from [North Central College](/org/north-central-college). When she’s not advising clients, Mandi enjoys traveling, competing in the equestrian discipline Dressage and creating new vegetarian dishes for her family.

Amanda Bell

Dominic is Senior Managing Director of the Leadership Consulting group at Ferguson Partners, based in the firm’s Chicago office. His primary functional emphasis is CEO Advisory, and he currently works with numerous CEOs and Board Chairs on issues related to leadership development; talent strategy; executive team effectiveness; organizational design; and culture and diversity. He is also involved in the CHRO, Hospitality/Gaming and PE/REIM Practices at Ferguson Partners.

Dominic’s approach to leadership development is underpinned by his experience managing Fortune clients, operating in multiple industries with C-Suite executives and developing internal and external talent. He has assessed over 1,000 senior leaders and coached more than 200 executives around the world. In addition to his executive development experience, Dominic has led internal learning and development programs for corporations and professional services firms, founded academic and leadership programs for institutions of higher education and lectured on crisis management and executive communication.

Prior to co-founding the Leadership Consulting group at Ferguson Partners, Dominic worked as a Managing Consultant in a global, boutique consulting firm, and before then he founded a leadership consultancy specializing in strategic thinking; group decision-making; ethical leadership; inclusion and diversity; and presentation and persuasion. He earned his Master’s degree in Organizational Communication, Learning and Design and his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Legal Studies from [Ithaca College](/org/ithaca-college), which recognized him as one of its “Most Outstanding Alumni.” Dominic also earned the Illinois Board of Higher Education’s “Administrator of the Year” honor and has been publicly acknowledged by the CEOs he has coached for his contributions to their firms.



Dominic Cottone

Mr. Rackowe has been an integral part of setting up and growing the international operations for Ferguson Partners since establishing the Asia business upon joining in 2008. Mr. Rackowe has 25 years of industry experience directing and executing search assignments across the Asia-Pacific region. Adept at forming broad networks of industry connections, he secures the ideal candidates for clients by accessing talent from both local and global talent pools.

Prior to joining Ferguson Partners, Mr. Rackowe held leadership roles at [Spencer Stuart](/org/spencer-stuart) and [Korn Ferry](/org/korn-ferry). There, he developed extensive experience providing executive search solutions in the broad alternatives space. He specialized in the private equity fund industry and has conducted leadership mandates across the asset class suite, including buyout; credit; real estate; infrastructure and broader financial services sectors; investment banking; and capital markets.

Mr. Rackowe holds a Master’s degree in Oriental Studies from Cambridge University. When he’s not working on international searches, Mr. Rackowe likes to travel and play tennis. He is also an avid part-time musician.

Peter Rackowe

Charlie Barton is a Senior Director at Ferguson Partners, based in the firm’s London office. His practice specializes in real estate and real assets assignments at the Board and senior management levels, and his client profile includes listed REITs, private equity firms, private landlords, investment banks and advisory firms operating across the equity and debt spaces. Charlie is also an active member of the firm’s Hospitality practice and works with hotel and alternative asset owners, operators and investors in direct assets, as well as NPLs. Charlie is also experienced at CFO/FD appointments.

Prior to joining Ferguson Partners in 2019, Charlie managed his own real estate executive search firm, where he specialized in C-Suite and senior management assignments for clients in the European real estate and real assets sectors. Earlier in his career, Charlie led [Spencer Stuart](/org/spencer-stuart)’s UK Real Estate Practice and served as a member of the company’s European Chief Financial Officer Practice. He gained valuable experience working with quoted and private equity-supported clients across all industry sectors.

Charlie studied Valuation and Estate Management at the [University of the West of England](/org/university-of-the-west-of-england). When he’s not busy working on assignments, Charlie enjoys watching rugby; playing tennis and golf; country pursuits; oil painting; and spending time with his young family.

Charlie Barton

Mike Gooley is a Managing Director based in the Ferguson Partners Toronto office. Mr. Gooley specializes in placing C-Suite executives and filling functional leadership positions as a member of the firm’s executive search practice. He has more than 15 years of experience providing retained executive search services to companies in a plethora of industries, including financial services, technology, business and IT and professional services.

Mr. Gooley began his search career by leading the financial services and executive search practices at a large global recruiting firm. He also launched his own company, ClearView Executive Search, and worked as a partner with a Top 10 North American executive search firm prior to joining Ferguson Partners. Recognized as a top search professional by multiple media outlets, Mr. Gooley has provided expert commentary for broadcast stations including Canada AM, BNN Bloomberg, CTV, Citytv Toronto, CP24 & CHCH TV.

Mr. Gooley earned his Bachelor’s degree in Management Economics from the [University of Guelph](/org/university-of-guelph). He also holds chartered professional accountant and chartered accountant designations. When he’s not working on search assignments, Mr. Gooley likes volunteering for organizations that aim to end youth homelessness, going helicopter and cat skiing and enjoying good food, wine and conversation with his family and friends.

Mike Gooley

Megan Blankemeyer is a Director in the Compensation Consulting group at FPL Associates and is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ms. Blankemeyer is responsible for providing research and strategic advice to Boards of Directors and executive management teams at both publicly traded and privately held companies. Ms. Blankemeyer has over 10 years of experience in broad-based and executive compensation consulting and administration, including strategy development, program evaluation and design, salary administration, and incentive plan management.

Prior to joining FPL, Ms. Blankemeyer served as a Director on [FTI Consulting](/org/fti-consulting)’s Executive Compensation and Corporate Governance Solutions team. She assisted both private and public companies on a wide array of compensation, governance and strategic matters. In her previous roles, Ms. Blankemeyer served as the compensation subject matter expert for Sunbelt Rentals, a heavy equipment rental company with over 10,000 employees in North America, and Collins Aerospace, where she managed programs for 14 business lines and more than 40,000 employees worldwide.

Ms. Blankemeyer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from [Queens University of Charlotte](/org/queens-university-of-charlotte). She is a Certified Compensation Professional and a member of WorldatWork, and she also serves on the Board for the local network affiliate, Charlotte Area Compensation Council. In her free time, Ms. Blankemeyer enjoys baking, hiking and traveling.

Megan Blankemeyer

Will is a Vice President at Ferguson Partners Europe, based in the firm’s London office. Will specializes in project and people management, supporting the firm’s Executive Search Team in verifying information and sourcing candidates for prominent corporate positions. He is actively involved with the execution of searches and provides client management support for a wide range of mandates. His work to date includes coverage of assignments with public and private property companies, investment managers, private equity firms, developers and advisory firms in the UK, Continental Europe and the Middle East. His dedication to conducting meticulous research and updating client and candidate information advances the closure of the firm’s mandates.

Will began his career with Ferguson Partners in 2017, serving as a Search Coordinator and then Head of Research before earning a promotion to Vice President. As Head of Research, Will oversaw the European research function and trained new employees to compile accurate information for reports. Will also assisted with Executive Search by placing candidates in mid to senior-level investment, development and finance positions.

Will earned his Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Chemistry from the University of Manchester. In his free time, Will enjoys cooking and playing and watching sports, especially cricket, rugby, football and sailing.

Will Parker

Jay Venzon is responsible for overseeing the legal affairs of [FPL Global](/org/fpl-global), including contract negotiation, strategic counseling, litigation management, corporate policy creation and all forms of legal risk management. Mr. Venzon also manages human resources, information technology, corporate insurance and employee benefits matters for the firm.

Prior to joining FPL, Mr. Venzon was a partner in the Real Estate Department of the Chicago office of Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, where he counseled clients on a wide range of real estate transactions including acquisitions, dispositions, financings and joint ventures.

Mr. Venzon received his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from [Northwestern University](/org/northwestern-university)’s Pritzker School of Law, and his Bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude, in Economics from Harvard University. In his free time, he enjoys doing The New York Times crossword puzzle, baking and playing the cello.

Joseph A. Venzon

Elizabeth has more than 20 years of HR, recruiting, executive coaching and career management consulting experience. She leads the firm’s recruitment of Chief Human Resource Officers (CHROs), their direct reports and other critical HR leadership functions, including diversity and inclusion, talent management, talent acquisition and compensation. In addition to her leadership search work, she partners with the firm’s Leadership, Management and Compensation Consulting Practices to offer companies a full range of human capital service offerings. A major focus of her work is to identify and place CHROs on company Boards across the globe and emphasize the importance of skilled human resources executives on inclusive leadership teams within the real estate; hospitality and leisure; infrastructure; engineering and construction; and innovation and technology industries. She also oversees all operations of the firm’s New York office.

Prior to Ferguson Partners, Elizabeth served as a Managing Director and Global Head of Human Resources for [Jefferies](/org/jefferies) LLC, where she led the global human resource strategy and activities for Investment Banking and Capital Markets. Before [Jefferies](/org/jefferies), she worked as a Director and Regional Head of Human Resources for [Credit Suisse](/org/credit-suisse) in both New York and London. Additionally, Elizabeth spent several years as an Executive Coach and built a boutique search business focusing on Human Resources and Finance.

Elizabeth holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, both from [Fordham University](/org/fordham-university). In her free time, she sits on the Board of The HOPE Program, an organization that empowers New Yorkers to build sustainable futures by providing comprehensive job training, advancement programs and career support.

Elizabeth Gaffney

Gemma Burgess has over 15 years of executive and non-executive search experience and leads Ferguson Partners’ search business within the US. She spends the majority of her time working with Private Equity, Investment Management, Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), Structured Finance, Hedge Fund and Investment Banking clients. In addition, Gemma is actively involved in Ferguson Partners’ Board practice.

A huge advocate for diversity across the industry, Gemma has consistently placed gender-diverse candidates at a rate of 50 percent – no easy task within an industry that was slow to take on the initiative! A regular speaker and writer on the topic, she is now turning her attentions to the ethnic diversity challenge.

Relocated from the London oﬃce more than six years ago, Gemma possesses a deep understanding of the international markets and the global flow of both institutional and non-institutional capital in the real estate industry. Prior to joining Ferguson Partners in 2007, Gemma spent two years at Hanson Green working on non-executive appointments and two years at Ramsey Hall working as a generalist within executive search. When she’s not working with clients, Gemma enjoys traveling and watching her son play soccer.



Gemma Burgess

Carleigh Price is a Director at Ferguson Partners, based in the firm’s San Francisco office. Carleigh leads and executes executive search assignments across the United States on behalf of real estate owners, operators and developers, real estate investment managers, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and private equity funds. She co-leads the firm’s Multifamily Practice and participates in its Hospitality and Innovation and Technology practices.

Prior to joining Ferguson Partners in 2015, Carleigh worked in multifamily investment sales at [Marcus & Millichap](/org/marcus-millichap) in San Francisco. She began her career in communications serving as the Speechwriter for the 11th Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Washington D.C. and then Senior Writer on Meg Whitman’s 2010 Campaign for Governor of California.

Carleigh graduated from [Syracuse University](/org/syracuse-university) with three Bachelor’s degrees in Television-Radio-Film, Policy Studies and Political Science. When she is not working, Carleigh enjoys spending weekends at Lake Tahoe and traveling.

Carleigh Price

David Thalhamer is a Senior Managing Director at Ferguson Partners. His focus is executive search within all areas of real assets including development, investment, construction and infrastructure. His clients across the globe include private equity investors, sponsors, developers and financial institutions. David also serves as leader of the firm’s Development and Data Centers Practices and participates in its Infrastructure Practice.

Prior to joining Ferguson Partners, David worked as a Partner in a large global search firm and in a New York-based boutique search firm that specialized in the real estate and financial services industries. David began his executive search career at [Russell Reynolds Associates](/org/russell-reynolds-associates) in 1997, where he focused on the real estate and construction industries and co-led the company’s global real estate practice for four years. He also served as a member of the firm’s financial officers’ recruiting practice.

David holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering from Pennsylvania State University; an MBA from [Fordham University](/org/fordham-university)’s Graduate School of Business Administration, beta gamma sigma; and a Master’s degree in Real Estate Finance and Investment from [New York University](/org/nyu). He likes to stay active with his family and friends in his spare time and they especially enjoy an outdoor lifestyle, be it skiing, hiking or golf.

David Thalhamer

Lucy Bertsch is a Vice President at FPL Associates, based in the firm’s Chicago office. Aligned with the Compensation Consulting practice, Lucy focuses on helping privately-owned real estate companies ensure that their compensation programs support organizational goals and reflect competitive market practices. With a broader background in strategic human capital management, she advises companies on how compensation fits into the overall employee experience.

Prior to joining FPL, Lucy worked at [Deloitte](/org/deloitte) for eight years, with her most recent role being on their Talent Operations Transformation team. In this role, she led firmwide initiatives spanning a variety of areas including organizational design, change management, strategic planning, technology implementation, and employee engagement.

Lucy earned her Bachelor’s degrees in Human & Organizational Development and Spanish from [Vanderbilt University](/org/vanderbilt-university) and her Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from [Georgetown University](/org/georgetown-university). When she’s not working on assignments, Lucy enjoys exploring the Chicago restaurant scene and spending time on Lake Michigan during the summer.

Lucy Bertsch

Fabrizio De Candia is a Managing Director and Head of the Infrastructure Practice at Ferguson Partners Europe. He specializes in energy and key areas of infrastructure including digital infrastructure, transport and engineering & construction. His clients include infrastructure investment management firms, private equity investors, developers, utilities, construction companies and related industries.

Fabrizio has more than 30 years of experience serving in senior corporate roles in the energy and infrastructure industries. Prior to joining Ferguson Partners, he managed a consulting business that provided advisory services to global investors, engineering and construction firms, utilities and developers. Fabrizio gained extensive knowledge of the energy sector earlier in his career when he held leadership positions at companies including Circor International, Alstom Power, InterGen and [Entergy](/org/entergy).

Fabrizio holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He has also attended the INSEAD Advanced Management Programme in both Fontainebleau and Singapore.​​​​​ In his free time, Fabrizio enjoys playing tennis, skiing and traveling.



Fabrizio De Candia

Mark Momongan is a Managing Director based in Ferguson Partners’ Chicago office, where he focuses on senior management recruitment within the public and private real estate sectors. Mark has been instrumental in strengthening the firm’s global hospitality client base across the major hotel brands, REITs, private equity owners, management companies and developers. He is also active in the multifamily and industrial sectors and leads the firm’s Hospitality/Gaming Practice and Office/Industrial Practice.

Before joining Ferguson Partners, Mark worked as a Vice President at Flint Creek Partners, where he gained institutional real estate experience raising capital for discretionary funds and programmatic/entity-level joint ventures. His responsibilities included all facets of transaction execution, fund marketing and investor relations. Prior to joining Flint Creek, Mark served as an Associate at Prudential Securities’ Investment Banking Group and in the Chicago office of [Houlihan Lokey](/org/houlihan-lokey).

Mark earned his Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from [Georgetown University](/org/georgetown-university) and his MBA in Finance and Real Estate from Columbia Business School. When the weekend rolls around, Mark likes to spend his time taking his children fishing, attending their hockey games and playing ice hockey himself on two recreational teams.

Mark J. Momongan

Jennifer is the Chief Operating Officer of Ferguson Partners, based in the firm’s Chicago office. As COO, Jen is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the global firm, leading operations, finance, accounting, legal, IT, marketing, human resources, and research and data analytics.

Problem solving, analytics, and relationship management are the common thread between Jennifer’s past roles and her current position. Jen has a background in management consulting from Deloitte, where she delivered strategy and operations engagements to clients in the financial services industry. She has held prior roles in corporate strategy and in leading large service operations. Most recently, she was a Vice President of Client Services at Gallagher Bassett, a global third-party claims administrator, responsible for managing a flagship client and its associated service operations.

Jennifer has a Bachelor of Science in Economics from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She is active in Chicago’s arts community, serving on the Board of Directors of Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) and fully embracing GDC’s mission to enrich lives through dance.

Jennifer Kastenholz

Veronica Pastor has been leading executive-level searches in the real estate industry since 2004. A Managing Director in the firm’s Toronto office, Veronica’s client portfolio spans integrated real estate organizations, private builders/developers, institutional investors, public REITS, real estate brokerage firms and governmental/quasi-governmental organizations involved in all asset classes of real estate including office, industrial, retail, condo, mixed-use, multi-residential, seniors housing, hotels and land. Her mandates have senior roles across development, construction, acquisitions/investment, finance and accounting, legal, asset management, investment management, portfolio management, property management, marketing and sales, human resources and leasing as well as regional business leads, divisional presidents and C-suite leaders including CFOs and COOs.

Veronica is also a long-standing Board Member of The Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto and former chair of its governance and nominating committee; she has twice chaired the search committee for their CEO. Veronica also holds a seat on the Real Estate Committee and the Finance and Investment Committee of the CCAS Foundation as well as a board directorship.

Veronica holds an International MBA degree from the Schulich School of Business as well as an Honors BA from the University of Western Ontario.

Veronica Pastor

Ceci Chavez is a Project Manager in Ferguson Partners’ Chicago office and a member of the Leadership Consulting team. Her role is focused on ensuring project timelines run smoothly and she is the liaison for Leadership Consulting.

Ceci joined our team with experience as an executive assistant, supporting a C-level executive at a global design and architecture firm. She has over 10 years of administrative experience across various fields such as e-commerce and creative consulting.

A graduate of [DePaul University](/org/depaul-university), Ceci holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications, specializing in public relations. In her time off, Ceci enjoys road trips, spending time in nature, and exploring vintage shops.

Ceci Chavez

Priya Mehra

Ben is a Director in the Management Consulting group at Ferguson Partners, based in the firm’s Singapore office. Ben is responsible for client engagements in Asia, as well as supporting the team’s activities outside the region. Having previously been a limited partner, he enjoys advising clients from the ‘investor perspective,’ with a particular interest in corporate governance, product design, and investor engagement and organizational issues.

Prior to joining Ferguson Partners, Ben worked at Aberdeen Standard Investments, in the Real Estate Multi-Manager group, as a senior investment manager and member of the investment committee. He has lived and worked in three continents and invested in private equity real estate structures across geographies, sectors, and the capital stack.

Ben holds a Master’s degree in Real Estate Investment and Finance from the University of Reading, and a Bachelor’s degree in Information Management from University College London. Outside work, Ben enjoys art, reading, and spending time with his wife and daughter.

Ben Brandon-King

Ben King

Jessica Casey is a Director based in Ferguson Partners’ New York office. Jessica leads and executes real estate search assignments across the United States. She also participates in the firm’s Diversity, PE/REIM and Multifamily Practices.

Jessica specializes in project and client management, candidate development and evaluation and the presentation of qualified candidates to clients. She has conducted searches across multiple management levels for national real estate owners, operators and developers, as well as private equity and investment management platforms. Prior to joining Ferguson Partners, Jessica honed her search management and research skills by working at [Rhodes Associates](/org/rhodes-associates), a New York-based real estate executive search firm, and gained experience in commercial real estate by serving on [CBRE](/org/cbre)’s New York City research team.

Jessica earned her Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Environmental Planning with a minor in Architecture from The University of Virginia. In her free time, Jessica enjoys taking excursions to the beach and spending time with her friends and family.

Jessica Casey

Andrew McCormack is a Vice President at Ferguson Partners, based in the firm’s New York office. Andrew specializes in recruiting candidates for executive and management positions in the LP and debt sectors. Skilled at forming and retaining industry connections, Andrew accesses local and national talent pools to identify potential candidates for active searches.

Andrew launched his search career in the investment and wealth management space. Prior to joining Ferguson Partners, he worked as an Associate at David Barrett Partners, where he assisted in sourcing candidates and determining appropriate target companies for clients. He honed his knowledge of the wealth management sector earlier in his career when he interned at [First Republic Bank](/org/first-republic-bank).

Andrew earned his Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology & Society from [Stanford University](/org/stanford). After graduating from Stanford, he played for the MLB Minor Leagues and created content for [Chat Sports](/org/chat-sports), a digital sports media company. He still enjoys playing and following sports in his free time, especially baseball, basketball and team handball.

Andrew McCormack

Erin is a Vice President in the Compensation Consulting Group at Ferguson Partners, based in the firm’s Chicago office. Erin supports her team in developing new compensation structures for high-profile clients, including executive leaders and businesses filing for Initial Public Offerings. A skilled researcher, she specializes in conducting benchmark studies and analyzing current trends in compensation data for public companies.

Prior to joining Ferguson Partners, Erin served clients and reviewed and processed financial data in the public accounting and consulting industry. She worked as a member of the Federal Tax Staff at Crowe LLP before being promoted to the company’s Federal Tax Senior Staff. In addition to serving as the primary contact for clients on engagements, she prepared Federal and State tax returns and worked with the company’s partners to review corporate, individual and partnership tax returns.

Erin earned her Bachelor’s degree in Science in Accountancy and her Master’s degree in Accounting Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She enjoys skiing, baking and traveling in her free time.

Erin Duber

Patrick Balfour is a Director at Ferguson Partners based in Hong Kong, where he executes searches across the real estate and infrastructure sectors in the Asia-Pacific region. Mr. Balfour specializes in sourcing and placing candidates for high-ranking leadership positions, including C-Suite, Board and management roles.

Mr. Balfour completed a multitude of mandates across three continents throughout his search career. Prior to joining Ferguson Partners in 2015, he served as Regional Head of Real Estate for a leading global recruitment firm, where he specialized in placing mid- to senior-level professionals across property developers, funds and real estate services firms. He previously specialized in recruiting finance professionals across the commercial and professional services sectors when he worked for two international FSTE-listed recruitment firms in Sydney and London.

Mr. Balfour was educated in the UK and holds a Bachelor’s degree (Hons) in Geography from [Newcastle University](/org/newcastle-university). When he’s not working on a search, he enjoys golfing, playing rugby and, “like all good Scottish men,” playing the bagpipes.

Patrick Balfour

William J. Ferguson serves as Chairman and CEO of Ferguson Partners. Mr. Ferguson conducts senior management recruiting assignments, with a specialization in president/Chief Executive Officer searches and recruiting assignments for Boards of Trustees/Directors. He also conducts CEO succession planning assignments and facilitates public company Board assessments and senior management assessments.

Before founding Ferguson Partners, Mr. Ferguson was a Managing Director with one of the leading international executive recruiting consultants. There, he co-managed the firm’s national real estate practice. Prior to focusing on real estate, Mr. Ferguson worked for General Mills, Inc. in Minneapolis in strategic marketing.

Mr. Ferguson holds a Bachelor’s degree from [Harvard University](/org/harvard), where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and an MBA in marketing from the Wharton Graduate School of Business.

William J. Ferguson

FPL Global's Leadership Team includes Serena Althaus and 11 others.

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