Meet Our Team
PDSI leverages years of hospitality executive and hotel project management experience to deliver a fresh, balanced approach to each project. With a wide spectrum of talent, including technical expertise and unrivalled hotel project management capabilities, we lead our projects by effectively managing the concerns of the owners, managers and contractors throughout the project’s entirety.
“The key issue for us was to identify a project leader who could handle the authority and responsibility for aggressively pursuing our capital projects. We found that in PDSI. They are second to none in listening to our needs and delivering projects to fit those needs and allowing us to concentrate on our core businesses.” — Michael Rudan, Founder,
Rudan Holdings
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Ralph C. Engelberger / CEO & PRESIDENT
Mr. Engelberger founded Project Development Services, Inc. (PDSI) in 2001 and is responsible for the company’s strategy, management, growth, and profitability. Under his leadership, the company has completed the development or renovation of over 250 hotels representing a total project value in excess of $2.5 billion. read more
Prior to founding PDSI, Mr. Engelberger worked for InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) as Senior Vice President – Technical Services supporting some 3,000 hotels around the world. Mr. Engelberger joined IHG in 1996 after Bass Hotels & Resorts acquisition of the InterContinental Hotels and Resorts and was responsible for the deployment of US$3.0 billion in capital improvements. Prior to joining IHG, Mr. Engelberger spent 10 years with Hyatt Hotels based in Chicago, IL leading the Project Management department for North America. He has also served in such operational positions as Vice-President, Director of Projects, Project Director and Project Engineer.
Mr. Engelberger is a Registered Professional Engineer, a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, U.S. Green Building Council, Habitat for Humanity, North Buckhead Civic Association, Hands on Atlanta, Project Management Institute and the National Society of Professional Engineers. Mr. Engelberger earned his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Alabama with continuing education studies at Harvard University, MIT and DePaul University.
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Angie Fife / CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER – ATLANTA OFFICE
Ms. Fife, the Chief Financial Officer for Project Development Services, Inc., provides financial management expertise for PDSI and its clients. Ms. Fife’s responsibilities focus primarily on defining and implementing the infrastructure/systems needed to support our substantial growth to date and over the next five to 10 years. She continues to build and manage effective and streamlined administrative/financial systems, including financial, accounting, legal, information technology (IT), human resources (HR), and physical infrastructure for the firm. As a member of the senior management team, Ms. Fife leads our efforts in strategic planning, evaluation, and professional development initiatives, as well as planning for PDSI’s continued growth and financial stability. read more
Prior to joining PDSI she worked in the investment banking and restaurant industries. Ms. Fife is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a degree in Finance and Economics. She has actively been involved with the Girl Scouts of America as well as several local community service organizations. Ms. Fife is a member of the Southeastern Regional Council for MedShare International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the efficient recovery and redistribution of medical supplies to underserved healthcare facilities internationally.
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J. Clif Dierking / VICE PRESIDENT – BALTIMORE OFFICE
As Managing Director for the Baltimore office, Mr. Dierking is responsible for owner representation and project management services for hospitality, corporate, and mixed-use projects, as well as tactical responsibility for all key accounts. Mr. Dierking plays a vital role in providing support to clients and onsite management teams in the development of project scope, schedule, budgets and due diligence efforts. read more
Prior to joining PDSI, Mr. Dierking worked as In-house Architect and Development Manager for 180s LLC where he coordinated the relocation efforts for the company’s World Headquarters and Distributions Center in Baltimore and the European Sales Office in Aix en Provence, France. Mr. Dierking served as Senior Project Manager of Technical Services for IHG Hotels, where he managed the execution of major capital investment projects and developed architectural and engineering programs. He was also responsible for driving brand distribution and real estate values for the InterContinental Hotel and Crowne Plaza Hotel brands.
Mr. Dierking’s educational background includes a B.S.B.A. from the University of Hawaii and a Master’s in Architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Mr. Dierking is a registered architect in Maryland and Guam with an impressive background in the hospitality industry, management and architecture disciplines.
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Donald Leonard / VICE PRESIDENT – ATLANTA OFFICE
Mr. Leonard brings more than 30 years of design, project management and construction experience to his role at PDSI. As Vice President of Operations he leads the Atlanta-based PDSI team’s efforts to serve our clients in the planning and execution of their projects in order to achieve their development and redevelopment goals. read more
Prior to joining PDSI, Mr. Leonard served as Vice President Technical Services of InterContinental Hotels Group for more than nine years. His responsibilities with IHG included design and construction of new-build hotels, capital planning, and execution of major renovation projects for all company-owned, leased and managed hotels in the Eastern U.S., Canada and the Caribbean.
An architect by profession, Mr. Leonard held previous positions as Associate Partner in the New York City office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, LLP and Project Director with the John Hardy Group in Atlanta. He is a licensed architect and received his B.S. of Architecture from The Ohio State University. Mr. Leonard has also moderated and participated on panels at the Hotel Design Expo & Conference, the International Hotel / Motel & Restaurant Conference, and the Americas Lodging and Investment Summit.
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Brian K. Mashburn / VICE PRESIDENT – ORLANDO OFFICE
As Vice President of PDSI and managing director of the Orlando office, Mr. Mashburn acts as our Project Executive advocating our client’s position on hospitality projects throughout the United States. Mr. Mashburn manages corporate, hospitality, and mixed-use projects, as well as handles tactical oversight for all key accounts. He also coordinates project management efforts including all architecture and engineering consultants, general contractors and FF&E procurement agents. read more
Before joining PDSI, Mr. Mashburn was Senior Project Manager for CNL Hotels & Resorts, Inc. During his tenure at CNL, he was responsible for design and construction management efforts for both renovation and new construction projects. Prior to Hotels & Resorts, Mr. Mashburn was with CNL Corporate Properties, managing new office building development and tenant build-out within the Central Florida region. Mr. Mashburn started his project management career as a Project Engineer for Lincoln Property Company of Florida, Inc. where he was instrumental in the successful rollout of the AutoNation USA concept.
Mr. Mashburn’s education includes an MBA from the University of Central Florida and a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of South Florida, where he was a member of the civil engineering honor society, Chi Epsilon.
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Brian McCarren / DIECTOR OF PROJECT ACCOUNTING - ATLANTA OFFICE
As Director of Project Accounting for PDSI, Mr. McCarren provides leadership and vision that is crucial to the success of each project. To assure all goals are met, Mr. McCarren uses his skills and knowledge in financial planning, cost evaluation and resource management. Working closely with the CFO, he is responsible for quality control and acts as an independent project auditor from the start to the completion of a project. Mr. McCarren also oversees day-to-day management of projects while continually tracking budgets, maintaining project insurance and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and federal and state regulations. read more
His previous experience includes several years in the retail and non-profit sector where his responsibilities included team management, budgets and publications. With a bachelor’s degree and graduate studies in Music Composition. Mr. McCarren brings a wide array of talents to the PDSI team.
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Kelly Rosborough / PROJECT ACCOUNTANT – ATLANTA OFFICE
Ms. Rosborough plays an integral role in the formation, development and administration of all accounting support functions for PDSI’s team of Project Managers and Project Directors. This includes assisting in the coordination and control of the budgeting process for development of project budgets and the translation of those budgets into project cost reports. read more
As Project Accountant, Ms. Rosborough provides PDSI clients with the added assurance that all project accounting is accurate, timely and in line with best practices in the business. By constantly updating each project’s cost report to track all commitments and payments made throughout the life of the project, she is able to apprise clients of the exact status of their budgets at any given moment. She also processes all vendor payments and saves clients valuable time by acting as a direct link to the Project Manager for any questions relating to invoicing.
Prior to joining PDSI in 2007, Ms. Rosborough graduated from Appalachian State University in 2005 with a B.S.B.A concentration in Marketing. Upon graduation she worked with Aspen Marketing Services, Inc. for one year. During her time at PDSI she has learned to embrace the “black and white of accounting” and discovered a newfound passion for solving accounting issues.
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Keith Baker / PROJECT DIRECTOR – BALTIMORE OFFICE
Mr. Baker joined the PDSI team in 2006 and works closely with Mr. Dierking out of our Baltimore office. As Project Director, he is responsible for all aspects of PDSI’s performance on the projects assigned to his care, owner representation for hotel renovations and a multitude of new building projects. In addition, Mr. Baker develops scope of work documents and conceptual project budgets based on property needs. He also negotiates and secures services for all A&E team members, consultants and construction. Mr. Baker’s daily responsibilities include all coordination activities and the tracking and reporting of project budgets and progress. read more
Mr. Baker brings a background in construction management to PDSI after working at Southway Builders Inc. as Construction Superintendent. At Southway Builders, Mr. Baker organized and directed scheduling, subcontractors, and utility companies while acting as primary liaison to architects, designers, owners and developers on both residential and commercial projects. Educated at Georgetown University, Mr. Baker earned his degree in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing.
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Chris Cortellini / PROJECT MANAGER – ORLANDO OFFICE
Mr. Cortellini brings 30 years of construction experience across a wide range of projects to PDSI. His depth of expertise ensures that PDSI clients can focus on the “big picture” knowing they can implement single or multiple projects with ease and entrust the details to a professional partner who can manage all of the processes involved. From design scope development and coordination, design review and approval, and bid solicitation and evaluation to contract development and administration, purchasing coordination of FF&E, quality control and much more, Mr. Cortellini has demonstrated his full capabilities in a variety of PDSI managed projects. read more
Prior to joining PDSI, Mr. Cortellini served as Project Manager for Sunstone Hotels. Before that he held several construction and project management related positions including Operations Manager and Senior Projects Manager for WELBRO Building Corp. and Project Manager for Federal Construction Co. / Trafalgar Construction. While at WELBRO, Mr. Cortellini was part of the team that constructed the RDV Sportsplex, a multi-use health and sports facility that includes the Orlando Magic training facility, physicians’ offices, ice skating rinks and a health club.
Mr. Cortellini received a BS in Building Construction from The University of Florida as well as an AA in Building Construction from St. Petersburg Junior College. He has also taken Supervisory Leadership classes from Rollins College and holds a Class A General Contractor license.
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Chloe Cunningham / SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER – SEATTLE OFFICE
Her background in real estate development and interior design underscores Ms. Cunningham’s ability to manage the design and construction process of renovations for PDSI’s client assets. In this capacity she has developed and led major projects including multiple Courtyard Marriott Reinventions for Inland American Lodging Advisors as well as numerous renovations for Host Hotels & Resorts. read more
In 2011, Ms. Cunningham led the opening of the PDSI Seattle office in the waterfront district of downtown Seattle and relocated. Prior to joining PDSI in 2008, Ms. Cunningham established her own design and real estate consulting business in Baltimore, MD. Combining her business qualifications with an eye for uniquely designed projects, she pursued real estate development opportunities with local developers who needed outside expertise in managing their development projects. The experience of running her own business and consulting on numerous development projects has given Ms. Cunningham valuable insights into what is required to manage projects efficiently and profitably.
Ms. Cunningham received a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from The College of William and Mary in 1999. She furthered her education in her current field with additional studies in Architecture and Design at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA).
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Michael Oyervides / PROJECT MANAGER – ATLANTA OFFICE
With more than three decades of hotel renovations experience, Mr. Oyervides brings a high degree of expertise and professionalism to his role, including over 16 years of project management. His primary responsibilities include assisting owners in verifying, developing and budgeting the scope of work; creating, researching and securing quotes from qualified sub-contractors; and making recommendations for the selection of all project team members. Mr. Oyervides also coordinates and oversees all relevant phases of the project to ensure all work is completed within budget and that quality control measures are maintained. In addition, he serves as liaison between project team members and owners including onsite property management. read more
Before joining PDSI, Mr. Oyervides worked for a general contractor specializing in hotel renovations. Starting as a project superintendent, he assumed a project management position after two years, handling multiple projects concurrently. Prior to that, Mr. Oyervides was a consultant to the hospitality industry, serving as an owner’s representative to oversee projects as well as contracting to handle drapery installation plus FF&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) coordination and installation.
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Julie Rivera / PROJECT MANAGER – ATLANTA OFFICE
Her firm grasp of the profitability and productivity dynamic underscores Ms. Rivera’s abilities to develop and administer the scope of work, project budgets, scheduling, design, construction, and FF&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) documents and contracts on behalf of PDSI’s clients. She also acts as the coordinator between all project consultants to ensure delivery of the project on schedule and within budget while ensuring all work is completed in accordance with approved plans and specifications. read more
Prior to joining PDSI, Ms. Rivera was an accomplished Retail Planning Manager with more than ten years experience in planning and allocation for Fortune 100 companies including The Coca-Cola Company and The Walt Disney Company. She project managed the rehab of the Coca-Cola Store in Las Vegas, NV and was a key member of the project team that developed and implemented the World of Coca-Cola retail store in Atlanta, GA. Prior to this, Ms. Rivera project managed the $7.5 million multi-phase World of Disney rehab in Orlando, FL and worked closely with Hasbro, Inc. to create the retail location for Disney’s $12.5 million Once Upon a Toy project.
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Joel Tate / PROJECT MANAGER – BALTIMORE OFFICE
Mr. Tate brings over a decade of project management experience to his position at PDSI. His extensive knowledge and background provides clients the ability to forecast project costs to ensure their projects are delivered within internal budgets and schedules. Mr. Tate’s responsibilities include developing and managing project scope, budget and schedules; design and construction coordination and administration; strategic planning; and problem solving unforeseen circumstances – all with cost effective solutions. read more
When he joined PDSI in 2008, Mr. Tate demonstrated the ability to communicate project intent and expectations to all levels, from owner to designer to contractor. He honed his strong organizational skills and his ability to manage multi-faceted projects in his previous position as Project Manager for the Penrose Group, a Virginia developer specializing in Class A office buildings, upscale condominiums and apartment buildings. Prior to this, Mr. Tate served as Office/Field Engineer for Performance Contracting, Inc. where he was directly involved in all aspects of managing commercial, institutional and industrial construction projects.
Mr. Tate earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Michigan State University in 2002. He has been a member of the American Institute of Constructors since 2002.
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Nicole Griffin / ASSISTANT PROJECT MANAGER – ORLANDO OFFICE
During her tenure with PDSI, Ms. Griffin has proven her ability to help deliver projects on schedule and within budget while ensuring the work is completed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications. For this reason, she was promoted from Project Coordinator to Assistant Project Manager in late 2010. Her current responsibilities include the formation, development and administration of the scope of work, project budget, and project schedule. The project’s design, construction, and FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) documents and contracts are additional responsibilities managed on a day-to-day basis. Ms. Griffin also acts as the liaison between the client and all project consultants, including general contractors, architects, interior designers, purchasing agents and operators. read more
Before joining PDSI in 2008, Ms. Griffin worked at the EXPO Design Center, educating customers about their design options and presenting various solutions to the buyer. While at EXPO, she worked closely with the customers and designers to ensure customer satisfaction.
Ms. Griffin’s educational background includes completing an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts/ Life Sciences in 2004 from Harrisburg Area Community College and a Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude, in Interior Design from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2007.
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Abby Weber / PROJECT COORDINATOR – ATLANTA OFFICE
Ms. Weber plays an integral role assisting PDSI’s team of Project Directors, Project Managers and Assistant Project Managers in the administration of documents and contracts for their projects. As Project Coordinator, she provides PDSI clients with a consistent, knowledgeable contact for assistance at any time. In addition to coordinating Consultant Team proposal requests, contract administration and design team management, Ms. Weber acts as liaison between the PDSI project management team and project consultants. She also coordinates FF&E (furniture, fixtures & equipment) design specifications and purchase orders required for projects as well as assists managers and directors with the development of project scope of work, budget and schedule documents. read more
Before joining PDSI, Ms. Weber worked with a broad range of architecture and design firms, contractors and property managers doing business development for all types of market segments, including hospitality. Her most recent positions included Sale Representative for Bentley Prince Street, a commercial carpet manufacturer; Coordinator for Haworth Showroom, commercial office furniture manufacturer; and Sales Assistant for Knoll commercial office furniture manufacturer.
Ms. Weber graduated from Appalachian State University in 2005 with a B.S. degree in Apparel & Textiles with a minor in Marketing. Her computer proficiency, excellent communication skills and detail oriented organizational skills make her a perfect fit to coordinate a wide range of PDSI projects.
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Brianne Basich / PROJECT COORDINATOR – SEATTLE OFFICE
As Project Coordinator for the Seattle office, Ms. Basich’s role is to assist PDSI’s team of Project Directors, Project Managers and Assistant Project Managers throughout the development of a project. Her involvement includes administration of documents and contracts, as well as assisting in the development of the project scope of work, budget and schedule documents. Ms. Basich acts as the liaison between the PDSI project management team and the project consultants, and she coordinates FF&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) specifications and purchase orders required for projects. read more
Prior to joining PDSI, Ms. Basich worked for a variety of interior design and residential remodeling firms including Westport Yachts and Nancy Peacock, AIA Inc. Most recently, Ms. Basich was the Lead Designer at two residential design/build firms where she worked directly with clients, vendors and contractors while managing multiple sustainable remodeling projects of Seattle homes. Throughout the course of these projects, she honed her proficiency for specifications writing and drafting of construction documents as well as space planning and material selections.
Ms. Basich spent two years at the University of Washington studying Art History and pre-Architecture before graduating in 2006 from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a B.A. degree in Urban Architectural Design. In 2011, she furthered her education at Bellevue College where she earned a B.A. degree in Interior Design. Her extensive educational and professional experience has provided Ms. Basich with an acute attention to detail as well as communication and organizational skills which she utilizes to coordinate projects for PDSI.
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George Sullivan / PROJECT MANAGER – ORLANDO OFFICE
Mr. Sullivan joined the PDSI team in 2004 brings over two decades of project management experience to his position at PDSI. Mr. Sullivan works closely with our Vice President, Mr. Brian Mashburn out of our Orlando office. As Project Manager, he is responsible for all aspects of PDSI’s performance on the projects assigned to his care, owner representation for hotel renovations. Mr. Sullivan’s responsibilities include developing and managing project scope, budget and schedules; design and construction coordination and administration; strategic planning. He also negotiates and secures services for all A&E team members, consultants and construction. Mr. Sullivan’s daily responsibilities include all coordination activities and the tracking and reporting of project budgets and progress. read more
Mr. Sullivan brings a background in Construction Project Management to PDSI after working with Clients from InterContinental Hotels for over 20 years. Mr. Sullivan understands the complete workings of any building (MEP) and has firsthand knowledge how to operate almost any and every system out there. Mr. Sullivan has been a Master Electrician for over 19 years.
Mr. Sullivan is an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America and has been an EMT for over 20 years.
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Jeremy Golden / PROJECT MANAGER – ATLANTA OFFICE
Jeremy serves as a Project Manager and is based out of the Atlanta office. His combined professional experience managing construction and development projects totals more than 8 years. His aptitude for excelling in this capacity is strongly supported by his engineering educational background and prior managerial experience with general contracting and hotel investment firms. As part of his project portfolio with PDSI, Jeremy successfully served as one of the leading project managers for the Hyatt Regency New Orleans redevelopment. read more
Prior to joining PDSI, Jeremy served as Project Manager for Noble Investment Group. He has also previously worked with Turner Construction and W.G. Yates & Sons Construction companies where he served on their project management teams. Jeremy earned his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
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Laura Wilson / CORPORATE ACCOUNTING MANAGER – ATLANTA OFFICE
A CPA with over twenty years of accounting and finance experience, Ms. Wilson is responsible for PDSI’s Corporate Accounting functions. Under supervision of the CFO she works in partnership with the leadership team, staff, and outside service providers to ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness of PDSI’s financial performance. Her role is integral to PDSI’s ability to meet client goals and expectations of quality by delivering service that continues to set a benchmark for the industry. read more
Prior to joining PDSI, Ms. Wilson served as Controller for a chemical coating nano-technology company where she was responsible for all aspects of the firm’s accounting. In this role she conducted an overhaul of accounting records and processes and prepared the company for sale.
Ms. Wilson earned an MBA from Georgia State University. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Georgia Society of CPAs.
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Lorena Val / PROJECT COORDINATOR – BALTIMORE OFFICE
Ms. Val plays an integral role assisting PDSI’s team of Project Directors, Project Managers and Assistant Project Managers in the administration of documents and contracts for their projects. As Project Coordinator, she provides PDSI clients with a consistent, knowledgeable contact for assistance at any time. In addition to coordinating consultant team proposal requests, contract administration and design team management, Ms. Val acts as liaison between the PDSI project management team and project consultants. She also coordinates FF&E (furniture, fixtures & equipment) design specifications and purchase orders required for projects as well as assists managers and directors with the development of project scope of work, budget and schedule documents. read more
Before joining PDSI, Ms. Val worked for a construction management company providing office and accounting support. She also gained experience in operations management while working for a lighting design firm.
Prior to moving to the United States Ms. Val graduated from the Universidad de la Republica Oriental del Uruguay with two degrees in law (Procuradora de la Nacion and Escribana Publica).
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Michele Le Gette / PROJECT COORDINATOR – BALTIMORE OFFICE
Ms. Le Gette plays an integral role assisting PDSI’s team of Project Directors, Project Managers and Assistant Project Managers in the administration of documents and contracts for their projects. As Project Coordinator, she provides PDSI clients with a consistent, knowledgeable contact for assistance at any time. In addition to coordinating contract administration and invoice processing, Ms. Le Gette acts as liaison between the PDSI project management team and project consultants. She also coordinates FF&E (furniture, fixtures & equipment) design specifications and purchase orders required for projects as well as assists managers and directors with the development of project scope of work, budget and schedule documents. read more
Prior to joining PDSI, Ms. Le Gette began her hotel career in operations with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts in the Hawaiian Islands. She was a member of the opening team for the Wailea Resort and Spa and Hyatt Regency Kauai as well as a VIP Manager for the Hyatt Regency Maui. In addition, Ms. Le Gette brings her talents and skills from working in the advertising industry as an Account Director responsible for research, strategic planning and concept development for such clients as Marriott Hotels, Continental Airlines, Citibank, Coca-Cola and Anheuser-Busch.
Ms. Le Gette received a BS degree from University of Maryland, College Park campus where she expanded her hotel education with internships/classes in the US and abroad. She is also responsible for planning and executing PDSI volunteer service activities and company functions.
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Regina Rozzi / PROJECT COORDINATOR – ORLANDO OFFICE
As project coordinator for the Orlando office, Ms. Rozzi’s role is to assist PDSI’s team of Project Directors, Project Managers and Assistant Project Managers throughout the development of a project. Her involvement includes administration of documents and contracts, as well as the development of the project scope of work, budget and schedule documents. In addition, Ms. Rozzi is the liaison between the PDSI project management team and the project consultants. An important aspect of her role is to assist in the coordination of FF&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) specifications, purchase orders, and expediting required for the projects with the corresponding team’s interior designers, purchasing agents, warehouse and other consultants. read more
Prior to joining the PDSI team, Ms. Rozzi worked for an Interior Design firm in Massachusetts providing design services on numerous commercial projects that included corporate offices, healthcare, retail environments, and non-profit organizations. Throughout the course of these projects, she was responsible for providing furniture and space plan layouts, meeting with clients, site visitations, as well as creating complete construction documents, and marketing packages. From her education and experience Ms. Rozzi’s knowledge of rentable and usable square footage, FF&E schedules, and materials and finish specification has given her a great foundation for her current role with our company.
In 2007, Ms. Rozzi received a Bachelor of Science degree, Summa Cum Laude, in Interior Design with a minor in Art Studio from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.