**Chicago/Midwest People & Company News: Week of December 12, 2025**
Farbman Group has expanded its team with the addition of six new members across three states. In Michigan, Kristen Howton and Mike Freed have joined Farbman Group, while Doug Gurnee is now part of Apex Mechanical Solutions. The firm is also growing its Chicago presence with the addition of Charlie Portis, and broadening its Cleveland operations with Julio Velazquez and Peggy Dunfee.
J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking has appointed Karen Purcell as Head of its Community Development Banking team. Reporting to Michelle Herrick, Purcell will lead efforts to finance affordable and workforce housing initiatives, as well as investments supporting community development financial institutions and tax credit equity.
Chicago-based general contractor Skender has made several leadership changes. Andy Halik has been promoted from Senior Vice President to President. Brian Bukowski moves from Senior Vice President to Chief Operating Officer, while Brian Simons becomes President of Indiana operations. Ashlee Pforr has been promoted from Project Executive to Vice President, Interiors. Additionally, Jerry Ball is transitioning from President and CEO to Chief Executive Officer.
Steve Sise, Chief Operating Officer at Golub & Company, has been named President of the Chicagoland Apartment Association’s Board of Directors. The association represents a wide range of apartment professionals, from owners and managers of two-flats to leaders of large publicly traded REITs.
Draper and Kramer, Incorporated announced that Lacy Guice, a leasing specialist, has received silver recognition in the Leasing Professional of the Year category at the 2025 Multi-Housing News Excellence Awards. Guice earned the honor for her outstanding performance managing a 240-unit property with a 95% occupancy rate and a 48% renewal rate.
