Our Team

Executives

Founder & President

Sydne Garchik

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Sydne Garchik is a highly accomplished and driven real estate professional with a proven track record in property investment, development, and management. Sydne has demonstrated expertise in affordable housing preservation, multi-family real estate acquisitions, and community-focused initiatives. Sydne is adept at fostering strategic partnerships and delivering exceptional results.

In 2015 Sydne established MRK Partners, a prominent real estate investment and management firm specializing in the acquisition, repositioning, preservation, and creation of affordable multi-family properties across the nation.

Sydne presently oversees a substantial portfolio comprising approximately 4,000 units and 23 properties, 406 of which are new units under construction or in predevelopment.

Chief Operating Officer

Cathy Coler

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Cathy Coler serves as the Chief Operating Officer at MRK Partners. With over a decade of finance leadership, she is responsible for overseeing tax credit financing, renovations, overall portfolio management, and strategic planning for the company.

As COO, Cathy streamlines daily operations and improves procedures for optimal efficiency. Additionally, she collaborates with executives to develop long-term goals, identify growth opportunities, and implement business-expanding strategies.

Cathy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles, and resides in Los Angeles with her husband and three children.

Chief Revenue Officer

Meredith Esarey

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Meredith Esarey serves as the Chief Revenue Officer at MRK Partners, where she oversees the asset management and finance teams. Additionally, she leads the human resources division and plays a key role in shaping the company’s organizational strategy, vision, and team development.

Meredith is an accomplished executive with over nineteen years of experience and leadership in the financial sector. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Management from the University of Kentucky.

Meredith currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three children.

Administrative

Office Administrator

Susan Pallais

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Susan Pallais is the Office Administrator at MRK Partners, where she expertly orchestrates office administration and procedures, ensuring smooth operations and cultivating a vibrant atmosphere for our Los Angeles Office.

Susan manages all facets of office administration, including developing intra-office communication protocols, streamlining administrative procedures, maintaining office policies, managing relationships with vendors, and providing crucial support to our leadership team.

Beyond her administrative duties, Susan is dedicated to nurturing employee development and engagement, actively shaping our company culture, and fostering team cohesion. Susan holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from American Intercontinental University.

Outside of the office, Susan enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.

Accounting

Acquisitions

Director of Acquisitions

Hai Nguyen

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Hai Nguyen serves as Director of Acquisitions at MRK Partners. He leads the acquisitions efforts, leveraging over seventeen years of experience and expertise.

Hai Nguyen has a proven track record and has assisted in acquiring over half a billion dollars worth of Affordable Real Estate. He is responsible for identifying new investment opportunities, specializing in securing both debt and tax credit equity.

Hai Nguyen holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Accounting and Finance from Oregon State University.

Outside of work, Hai Nguyen prioritizes quality time with his friends and family.

Acquisitions Associate

Daniel Sechtin

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Daniel Sechtin serves as an Acquisitions Associate at MRK Partners, leveraging his background in credit underwriting and journalism to aid in financial analysis, relationship building, and deal sourcing.

Prior to MRK, Daniel worked in multifamily underwriting for Freddie Mac where he oversaw more than $1 billion in multifamily debt financing transactions. During his time in broadcast journalism, Daniel earned Emmy, Edward R. Murrow, and Associated Press awards for his writing and presenting.

Daniel graduated summa cum laude from Wake Forest University. He also earned a master’s degree in Commercial Real Estate from Georgetown University with a focus in development and finance.

Based in Washington D.C., Daniel enjoys exploring hikes, restaurants, and breweries. He’s proud to work for MRK because of the company’s mission of making a difference in the communities we serve.

Resident Services

Director of Resident Services

Carlee Chiate

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Carlee Chiate serves as Director of Resident Services. In collaboration with the asset management team and property management staff, she works to find creative ways to meet the needs of more than 11,000 residents.

Carlee has devoted the past 19 years of her career being of service to communities in need through working in the field of social work. Prior to joining MRK, she served as a clinical social worker in a variety of settings. Carlee provided clinical psychiatric treatment to children, adolescents, families, and groups in community mental health clinics, homes and schools. She also designed and implemented programs and activities, identified appropriate community resources, and collaborated with other agencies to best support her clients. Additionally, Carlee contributed to strategic business development through fundraising and program design.

Carlee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state California. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arizona, with a focus in Family Studies and her Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California, with a concentration in Families and Children.

In her words: I remember my first day at MRK like it was yesterday. I started on a day where there was a quarterly meeting. I recall Sydne starting that meeting by requesting full participation from everyone. She emphasized what a smart and innovative team we had. When Cathy spoke, she opened up her discussion expressing the importance of collaboration and communication. I quickly picked up on the emphasis of inclusiveness and value they had on everyone’s voice and ideas being heard. Another staff member led a full blown discussion with many team members sharing their ideas and reflecting on a beautiful learning opportunity. There was laughter and clear authenticity as people took responsibility for their choices, decisions and actions. I was smiling and crying on the inside knowing that I just joined a dynamic, adaptable, supportive and family-oriented team.

Program Services Coordinator

Desiree Coles

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Desiree Coles is the Program Services Coordinator at MRK Partners, where she leads the Resident Services Department’s implementation of various programs, services, and events across the MRK portfolio.

Desiree started her early career leaving her mark in the fashion industry. She has since accumulated five years of experience as a licensed realtor and leasing specialist. With her extensive background in sales, she now finds great fulfillment in positively impacting the lives and communities of MRK’s residents.

She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with Concentration in Marketing from Howard University. She cherishes her decision to go to an HBCU, and Howard in particular, as one of the best of her life.

Outside of her professional role, Desiree enjoys sewing, exploring various workout classes, and attending open houses and estate sales. She also loves spending time on the phone with her goddaughter and gathering with friends.

Marketing

Branding & Investor Relations

Tiffany Gresham

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Tiffany Gresham serves as the Branding & Investor Relations Associate at MRK Partners, where she is dedicated to enhancing the company’s brand image and expanding its visibility. Additionally, Tiffany plays a crucial role in facilitating communication between the executive team and investors.

Tiffany holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of San Francisco, where she developed a strong foundation in business principles. She furthered her education by earning a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, enhancing her skills in marketing and leadership.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Tiffany enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and her dog Penny. She believes in maintaining a balance between work and personal interests to foster creativity and overall well-being.

In her words: I love that we are a group of hard-working and passionate individuals, from different walks of life with a common goal to change the world

Operations

Project Manager

Alex Schwartz

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Alex Schwartz serves as Project Manager at MRK Partners, bringing 10 years of experience and affordable housing expertise to the team.

Prior to MRK, Alex worked as Vice President at R4 Capital focusing on debt and equity investments, that financed the construction, acquisition and rehabilitation of affordable housing throughout the country. Alex also worked for Citibank’s community lending and investing group, Citi Community Capital.

Alex graduated from Syracuse University, earning a bachelor’s degree from the Whitman School of Management with a concentration in finance and real estate.

Outside of work, Alex enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing tennis, and traveling.

Project Manager

Elena Puorro

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Elena Puorro serves as a Project Manager at MRK Partners, where she oversees acquisition and development projects from inception to completion, collaborating with various stakeholders including non-profits, housing authorities, lenders, and tax credit syndicators.

Previously, Elena was a member of the CBRE Investment Properties and Capital Markets team in Boise, Idaho where she specialized in helping clients with placing debt and equity financing for multifamily, office, retail, industrial, and hospitality properties throughout the state. Drawing from her background in commercial lending, Elena brings over 24 years of experience in commercial real estate.

Elena holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her husband and two dogs in Idaho.

Asset and Operations Specialist

Vlad Forero

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Vlad Forero serves as a Construction and Operations Specialist at MRK Partners, where in collaboration with the Construction Director, he oversees the process for New Construction and Rehabilitation projects. Vlad plays a crucial role in communicating and coordinating the construction process between the General Contractors and lenders.

Vlad holds an accounting degree from LaSalle University, as well as an AM&P Technical degree from West Los Angeles College. Vlad’s extensive experience in compliance, audit, quality assurance, and organizational skills has proven instrumental in facilitating MRK’s construction processes.

In his words: At MRK I am encouraged to visualize where I can go and how I can grow. The continuous training and coaching are helping me to develop new skills and setting up new goals. Our team is assembled from a variety of talents that when integrated, create an amazing place to work.

Asset Management

Asset Manager

Bryan Russell

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Bryan Russell is the Asset Manager for MRK Partners. His responsibilities include: overseeing all financial performance and operations of the MRK portfolio, analyzing current financials and business plans for each property, working directly with the property management team to maximize quality of service, monitoring activity reports, operational trends, and compliance-related matters.

Prior to MRK Partners, Bryan spent four years in corporate sales and account management for Hertz Global Holdings where he was responsible for managing a multi-million dollar territory.

Bryan received his Bachelors of Science in Financial Management from Salve Regina University.

Asset Manager

Michelle Coler

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Michelle Coler is an Asset Manager for MRK Partners. Her responsibilities include: overseeing operations, financial performance and maintaining business plans for each property in her portfolio. Michelle works directly with the property management team to maximize quality of service, monitoring activity reports, operation trends and compliance related matters.

Michelle also has a background in art so she is able to assist in logo design, finish selections and interior design opportunities within the MRK portfolio as they arise.

Prior to MRK Partners, Michelle lived in San Diego where she received a Bachelors of Arts in Graphic Design at San Diego State University.

Asset Manager

Michael Willard

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Michael Willard serves as an Asset Manager for MRK Partners, where he plays a crucial role in steering the operations and financial success of the portfolio. He is responsible for optimizing asset performance, keeping a pulse on day-to-day functions, and maintaining stringent adherence to compliance and regulatory standards, ensuring the portfolio not only meets but exceeds industry benchmarks.

Michael holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and has a diversified background in the start-up space where he cofounded a diagnostic company, as well as extensive experience in real estate where he gained experience in both property and asset management.

In his words: I am fully invested in the mission of MRK Partners, and I feel incredibly fortunate to collaborate with a team as diverse, brilliant, and compassionate as ours. Every day, I am driven by our relentless pursuit to craft impactful housing solutions for our communities, both present and future. It’s a shared journey towards making a significant difference in the world.

Jr. Asset Manager

Zach Roth

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Zach Roth serves as a Jr. Asset Manager at MRK Partners, assisting with operational and financial oversight of the company’s diverse portfolio. Zach collaborates closely with senior management to optimize the performance of assets within the portfolio—focused on the Southeast region.

Zach has a proven track record of innovative problem-solving and strategic thinking in the affordable housing industry. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate from Virginia Tech, as well as a Master of Real Estate Development & Urbanism from the University of Miami, providing him with a strong foundation in multifamily development.

Outside of his professional endeavors, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, cooking, and staying active in the local community.

Portfolio Analyst

Josh Blankstein

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Josh Blankstein serves as a Portfolio Analyst at MRK Partners. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise from his previous roles in acquisitions and asset management.

His journey in the real estate sector is marked by a proven track record of leveraging a keen analytical lens and strategic decision-making to evaluate asset value, particularly within the affordable housing market.

Josh holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Arizona. Outside of work, Josh enjoys basketball, golf, hiking, surfing, and spending time with his friends and family.

Portfolio Analyst

Matthew Dixon

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Matthew Dixon serves as a Portfolio Analyst at MRK Partners, primarily supporting the asset management team. Matthew collaborates closely with senior management to optimize the performance of assets within the portfolio—focusing on the West Coast region.

Prior to MRK, Matthew worked in real estate valuations, specializing in the analysis of affordable housing portfolios. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics.

Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing/watching sports, and traveling.

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