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About Suzanne:
Suzanne joined the Lincoln team in 2004 and is currently responsible for property management and operations at Highland Landmark I, a 295,000 RSF office building in Downers Grove/I-88 corridor, a 80,000 RSF call center (I-355/I-55 corridor), as well as a Chicago suburban industrial portfolio consisting of about 1 million square feet. Suzanne has contributed to her properties’ successes through service contract negotiation, tenant retention, financial stability and directing renovation and construction projects. Prior to joining Lincoln, Suzanne managed office properties in downtown Chicago and the suburbs with The John Buck Company for 10 years. Suzanne is licensed by the State of Illinois as a broker and is the President and Executive Committee Chair on the Board of Directors for BOMA/Suburban Chicago. Suzanne is a graduate of DePauw University with a BA in English Literature. Interested in learning more? Check out her LinkedIn!
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
Most people do not know I can wiggle my ears, simultaneously or individually.
What are you reading/watching lately that you would recommend to others?
Materials I tend to re-read because they are meaningful to me and would therefore recommend: “Gift Of The Magi”, a short story by O. Henry; The Snow Goose: A Story of Dunkirk, a novella by Paul Gallico; and Becket or The Honour of God, a French play written by Jean Anouilh.
What’s the best advice you were ever given?
Not advice, but a favored acronym: L cubed = listen, learn, lead.
What’s your favorite part of being a member of BOMA?
I am proud to be a BOMA/Suburban Chicago member - the success of our association is due to volunteer commitment and sponsorship support from its members. Members and Staff make this organization “a trusted partner and indispensable resource”!
Furry friends! Meet Suzannes dogs Peanut (left) and Blue (right)
Patti is an Asset Manager with 27 years of multi-building portfolio experience, previously in industrial sector and currently in Class A Office market. Current assignment includes 5 buildings totaling over 1 million square feet for four owners with staff of 10 engineers, janitorial and night staff. Responsibilities include all aspects of building/portfolio management including contract management, lease management, tenant relations, budgeting, and financial reporting. Experience includes heavy involvement with construction management, both on large scale tenant buildouts and building renovations, including major structural and building components. At BOMA Suburban Chicago, Patti is currently serving as Vice President. She has served as the Vice Chair and Chair of the Education Committee, Board Liaison to Government Affairs, Education and EXPO committees. Interested in learning more? Check out her LinkedIn! What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re proud of? What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from? What’s your favorite part of being a member of BOMA? Is there anything else you would like to include about yourself?
Patti in Egypt at the Pyramids (left) and in Machu Picchu (left)! |
Jeffrey Wingert is a seasoned property management professional with more than 30 years’ experience in the City of Chicago and surrounding suburban communities with a proven expertise in construction management, capital improvement projects, tenant relations, financial reporting and leasing support. His experience includes a diversified portfolio of properties that include office, industrial and retail shopping centers.
Jeff currently serves as manager to Highland Landmark V, a 251,000 square foot, trophy asset and national headquarter location. During his tenure at the property, he instituted an annual energy plan resulting in the building earning Energy Star certification with a score of 86. In 2017, Jeff alongside his team secured and continues to maintain the prestigious BOMA 360 designation. In 2020 his property was Awarded the Local TOBY Award for Corporate Facilities and In 2022 Achieved LEED Silver Status.
Prior to joining Cushman & Wakefield, Jeff worked as a Real Estate Manager for CBRE managing a 322,000 square foot, institutional quality office building with a prominent Michigan Avenue address in the heart of the Magnificent Mile for a foreign ownership.
Previously, he was responsible for managing a complete building remodel, repositioning and lease up of the City of Naperville’s premier office building – “Metrowest”, an icon building along 1-88 corridor designed by world-renowned architect Helmut Jahn. Interested in learning more? Check out his LinkedIn!
What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re proud of?
Competing in and Winning the 2020 Local BOMA/Suburban Chicago TOBY.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
In my youth I was invited to a closed tryout with the Chicago Cubs.
What are you reading/watching lately that you would recommend to others?
Same thing everybody else is watching - “Yellowstone."
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
When I was starting my career, my father advised me that I better find something I like to do because I would be doing it for the next 40 years. He also told me that advice came with good and bad news. The bad news being that I was just starting and the good news that he was half way done!
What’s your favorite part of being a member of BOMA?
The invaluable information and quality contractor resources it connects you with.
Jeff Wingert (fourth from left) and team as winners of the 2020 Local TOBY awards for their building Highland Landmark V, Downers Grove
The winning building: Highland Landmark.
Kim DeFily brings more than 30 years of experience in property management to her role as Portfolio/General Manager at American Landmark Properties. In her recent assignments, Kim has functioned as the General Manager for Schaumburg Towers, an 882,000 square foot commercial office complex, and Portfolio Manager for several additional suburban office and industrial buildings. She supervises an on-site staff of fourteen American Landmark employees that support her buildings.
Prior to American Landmark Properties, Kim held a similar Portfolio/Senior Real Estate Manager position for CBRE, managing Mid America Plaza, Highland Landmark II and Westwood of Lisle. In her career, Kim has won six Local TOBY Awards through BOMA Suburban Chicago, as well as six North Central Regional TOBY Awards. The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) sponsor the Office Building of the Year (TOBY) Awards.
She has worked with several institutional clients including LPC Realty Advisors I, Ltd., KBS Realty Advisors, CB Richard Ellis Investors, Deka Immobilien Investment GmbH, Invesco, SSR Realty Advisors and MONY Life Insurance Company. Before CBRE, Kim held a similar Portfolio/ Senior Property Management position for ARES, overseeing a portfolio of suburban office buildings. Kim has also managed office buildings for Rubloff, prior to joining ARES. Interested in learning more? Check out her LinkedIn!
What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re proud of?
I cannot just pick one accomplishment that I am proud of. I am proud to have been BOMA/Suburban Chicago’s President during the most unprecedented time in our history. We went through a 3 year pandemic and pivoted how we ran the association for the better of our members. I am also proud of the buildings I have managed throughout my career, and my teams that have assisted in the management of those buildings.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
Most people know that I am a die-hard White Sox fan, but I am also a Blackhawks fan and a Bears fan (even though they didn’t do so well this season). Also, most people know that my husband and I eventually would like to retire in Nashville, and we could become Titans fans, but definitely not Predator fans.
What are you reading/watching lately that you would recommend to others?
We are currently watching “Yellowstone”, which has become one of my all-time favorite shows. The scenery is beautiful, running a ranch like that takes a lot more than what I thought and is very similar to property management, and the cast is outstanding. Maybe we should have a rancher speak at one of our bi-monthly lunches.
What’s your favorite part of being a member of BOMA?
I have many favorites about being a member of BOMA. I enjoy the camaraderie of all the members, and have made friendships that will last forever. The educational opportunities are incredible, and one of my favorite set of classes were the RPA classes. I took the RPA classes early on in my career, and they were very helpful in molding me as a property manager. I also like the Foundations classes of today, because they are great for people just entering real estate as a career.
Is there anything else you would like to include about yourself?
Many people know that I survived breast cancer in 2015. I have chosen to take the negatives and turn it into a positive influence on my life. I only look to the positives, and try to eliminate the negatives in my life; I work harder; I appreciate everything that people do; I treasure my family and friends; and I love stronger.
Kim Defily pictured here with her family at Christmas
Thomas Civitanova serves as Vice President of Operations for First Industrial Realty Trust, where he oversees operations, property management, construction and capital expenditures for a 25 million square foot portfolio. He has more than 25 years of commercial real estate experience.
Since joining First Industrial in 1999, Mr. Civitanova has held leadership positions in property management, leasing and operations in various markets. Initially, his career began in the property management and leasing of First Industrial’s Detroit and Cleveland portfolios. He later became the Operations Director for Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Louis and Nashville. At this time, he oversees Operations for Chicago, Dallas and Houston.
Prior to joining First Industrial, Mr. Civitanova was a property manager with McKinley, Inc. in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he was responsible for managing and leasing industrial and office properties.
Mr. Civitanova earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Boston College and his Master’s Degree in Facility Management from the University of Michigan. He secured his CPM designation in 2008 and his CCIM designation in 2017. He serves on the BOMA Industrial Committee in Chicago and participates in the BOMA mentoring program. Interested in learning more? Check out his LinkedIn!
What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re proud of?
After spending 15 years of my First Industrial career in Detroit, I relocated to Chicago for better opportunities within First Industrial. It was both challenging, exciting and rewarding to learn a new market and cultivate new business relationships in the third largest industrial market in the US.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
In graduate school, I drove the Zamboni during University of Michigan hockey games.
What are you reading/watching lately that you would recommend to others?
Yellowstone; it’s like the Godfather out West.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
Ignore the distractions and focus on what’s important. My father.
What’s your favorite part of being a member of BOMA?
Great people and passion for the business. It’s really impressive the effort and passion that so many people give to the organization.
Is there anything else you would like to include about yourself?
I am slightly colorblind so my wife makes sure my clothes match.
Jonathan Swindle is the founder of Waveland Property Group. After attending Wheaton College, Jonathan attended Pepperdine Law School. A year later, he took a professor’s advice and went into commercial real estate, not law. Initially working for Scribcor in the Wrigley Building, Jonathan focused on medical transactions. In 2005,Waveland was founded with a commitment to managing and leasing medical and financial building. Waveland has moved from Chicago to Oak Brook and now to Wheaton, where they occupy a 123 year old Sears house in the city-center.) Interested in learning more? Check out his LinkedIn!
What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re proud of?
I founded Waveland over 17 years ago. I am proud of the team that I have assembled and the number of problems we have solved for our clients. We are committed to tenant relationships.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
My father worked for an international company and I was born in South Africa. We moved to Glen Ellyn when I was 7.
What’s the best advice you were ever given?
Your resume and life story only appear to be a straight-line when you look back on them.
What’s your favorite part of being a member of BOMA? BOMA has broadened my horizons. It is easy to think of your career with ‘blinders’ on. BOMA makes you aware that you are part of an eco-system that is essential to healthcare, logistics, commerce, and technology.
Is there anything else you would like to include about yourself?
When we are not engaged in property management and leasing I can be found on the water. I love boating and time spent with friends and family.
Dan Flores has 18 years of HVAC industry experience, a Bachelor’s degree in HVAC Engineering Technology, and was awarded the LEED Accredited Professional designation
Other field experience includes commercial sheet metal fabrication, pipefitting, and controls. Understanding systems from an engineering, service and controls aspect allows me to develop tailored HVAC solutions to each building based on the needs and issues at hand. Honesty and integrity forms the backbone of what drives me. My focus is never on getting the “one sale,” instead I look to build and maintain career long relationships by consistently providing exceptional solutions and superior customer service
He provides HVAC solutions & services to commercial/industrial/multi-family buildings throughout Chicagoland. Interested in learning more?
What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re proud of?
I knew what I wanted to do for a living at young age and started in the HVAC industry when I was 17 year old! Starting my career with HVAC trade school, to a Bachelors in HVAC Engineering at Ferris State University (Go Bulldogs), working in the field in various HVAC capacities, and now assisting buildings with HVAC services and solutions. It’s been a fun ride so far, and it never gets old!
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I am the best in BOMA at animal impressions! I never knew this skillset would become so useful until my 2 kids were born (both under 2 years old)! If they are crying, I can make a horse noise that will make them forget about whatever upset them! I never counted, but I bet I have 20+ animal sounds ready to go at a moment’s notice. I welcome all challengers if you think you can beat me!
What are you reading/watching lately that you would recommend to others?
I just started watching Yellowstone. I was born and raised in Michigan, and there will always be a country side to me! I love to get away for fishing, bon fires and open land.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
Surround yourself with positive people - unknown. This is rather simple, but it is amazing what a positive mindset can do for you, and the outcomes that you can achieve by surrounding yourself with like people. BOMA is full of positive inspirational people, and I love the energy that flows through this Association!
What’s your favorite part of being a member of BOMA?
Relationships. I moved to Chicagoland in 2010, as a 22 year old fresh out of college who didn’t know a single person in this area. BOMA has given me many true friendships that will last a lifetime. BOMA has also helped me grow in my career. Not just from growing HVAC business, but working with many intelligent members who I’ve learned so much from. With everyone I’ve met in BOMA, we could solve just about every building issue that could possibly arise! The wealth of knowledge that our membership has is truly one of a kind!
Is there anything else you would like to include about yourself?
My daughter’s name is Vida, and son is Enrique. My daughter is in the 99% percentile in height and my son is in the 99% of head circumference (yep, he has a big bobble head!). If you are wondering what I do in my free time, let me reiterate that I have two kids under two.
Dan Flores pictured here with his family (left) and on a fishing trip to Costa Rica (right).
Anne Persaud has over 25 years of experience in property management and leasing. She came to Millbrook in September of 2012 to manage 5215 Old Orchard Road, a 12 story 210,000 multi-tenant Class A office building. During her time at 5215 she oversaw a common area renovation, increased occupancy from 72% to 98%, and successfully competed in BOMA Suburban Chicago’s The Office Building of the Year (TOBY) Awards in 2015 and 2016. In August 2017 Anne moved to the Millbrook Business Center managing a combined 645,000 sf of space in 2 multi-tenant office buildings and 4 flex/industrial buildings. In 2019 she oversaw the lobby renovation and addition of the Four Hundreds Buildings’ amenities including a Café, Tenant Lounges, Patio, a Training and Conference Center and Fitness Center. In March 2021 she returned to 5215 splitting her time with the Millbrook Business Center as General Manager overseeing both locations. Anne prides herself in building and maintaining positive client, tenant and team relationships.
Prior to joining Millbrook Properties Anne worked for NAI Hiffman Asset Management for over 11 years. Throughout her career Anne has successfully managed 7 office buildings meeting the needs of a variety of Tenants including government offices, Northwestern University institutes and research labs, entrepreneurs both large and small as well as more traditional office users. She effectively managed tenant improvements, capital projects and energy efficiency projects earning the buildings Energy Star designations. In addition to Anne’s management duties, she was the on-site broker on the leasing team for four years at the Northwestern University/Evanston Research Park.
Anne received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Classics from Lawrence University. She is a licensed real estate broker, holds Real Property Administrator (RPA) designation, is an active member of BOMA Suburban Chicago serving on the membership committee for 9 years and then as Chairperson of the Awards and Recognition Committee for several years. She enjoys spending time with her family especially her grandchildren! Interested in learning more? Check out her LinkedIn!
What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re proud of?
When Millbrook purchased 5215 Old Orchard we did a major renovation (it was definitely a team effort) – almost 10 years later it still looks current and welcoming. I feel good whenever I walk into the building.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I am a lifelong Northwestern Wildcat football fan – and was at their only win in 2022 – in Dublin!
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
“Trust your gut” From my Dad – this can be applied to every facet of life – he was a smart guy!
What’s your favorite part of being a member of BOMA?
The people – cliché answer I know – I have met smart, active, funny, capable and warm people over the years that are willing to share their expertise and experience which has helped me time and again in my career.
Is there anything else you would like to include about yourself?
I am a VERY proud grandmother of 3 (and a 4th is due next week) amazing little ones. They add sparkle to my world!!
Anne and her family
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