**Chicago/Midwest People & Company News – Week of July 11, 2025**
*Kiser Group Expands with Seniors Housing Division*
Kiser Group has announced the launch of its new Seniors Housing Division with the hiring of industry veteran Mark Myers as Partner. This move signals the firm’s strategic commitment to addressing the evolving demands of the senior living investment sector. Myers brings over 30 years of experience and a track record that includes more than 800 seniors housing transactions across 47 states, totaling over $12 billion in sales.
*Premier Construction Brings on Bruce Brickman*
Premier Construction has bolstered its development team with the addition of Bruce Brickman from General Development Company. Brickman, who has more than four decades of experience, will contribute to the firm’s design, development, and construction efforts, particularly within the industrial, R&D, high-tech, and light manufacturing sectors throughout Michigan.
*Mariana Joseph Joins JLL as Finance Director*
JLL has welcomed Mariana Joseph as the new Finance Director of its Consumer Goods and Services division. Joseph brings more than 15 years of experience in corporate finance, asset management, private equity, and investment banking. She most recently served as Global Finance Director at Anheuser-Busch InBev under 3G Capital.
*Henricksen Names Ryan Esche General Manager of Illinois*
National contract furniture dealer Henricksen has promoted Ryan Esche to the role of Principal and General Manager of its Illinois operations. Esche, who also serves as Vice President of Sales, will now lead business development and sales efforts while working closely with project managers across the region.
*Skender Announces Eight Leadership Promotions*
Skender has announced eight leadership promotions across project management, field operations, and corporate support:
– **Jacob Boyle** has been promoted to Project Executive. Since joining Skender in 2016, Boyle has brought over 15 years of experience delivering projects in tenant interiors, healthcare, mission-critical, and life sciences sectors.
– **Kevin Chan** has also been named Project Executive. Chan has been an essential player on the Healthcare team since 2015.
– **Lauren Bauer** has been promoted to Senior Project Manager, Team Leader. Bauer, who joined Skender in 2019, has led multiple high-profile projects in the Chicago area and brings a decade of construction experience.
– **Frank Alfano** is now Senior Project Manager. Alfano joined the firm in 2021 and brings experience managing nearly 1 million square feet in commercial, healthcare, and tenant interiors.
– **Patrick Gately** has been elevated to Senior Project Manager. Since 2016, Gately has contributed to a wide array of commercial and institutional developments.
– **Mike Matyja** has been named Senior Project Manager. A specialist in multifamily housing, Matyja has led a variety of affordable, market-rate, and senior housing projects since his arrival in 2021.
– **Tim Gertz** has been promoted to Senior Superintendent. With more than 20 years of industry experience, Gertz joined Skender in 2017 and has remained a cornerstone of the firm’s field operations.
– **Colleen O’Brien** is now Director, People & Culture. A key figure in shaping Skender’s workplace strategy and culture since joining in 2013, O’Brien will further lead the firm’s talent and organizational development initiatives.
