**Chicago/Midwest People & Company News – Week of May 30, 2025**
**Merchants Capital**
Merchants Capital has appointed Brandon Conway as Executive Vice President of Tax Credit Equity Asset Management. Based at the company’s headquarters in Carmel, Indiana, Conway brings over 20 years of experience in low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) asset management. He also spent seven years specializing in special assets and dispositions. Prior to joining Merchants Capital, he served as Senior Vice President at CREA, where he launched a new department to address complex asset management issues.
**Inland Mortgage Capital**
Ashley Szatkowski has joined Inland Mortgage Capital as Vice President – Credit Administration. In her new role, she will collaborate closely with IMC President Art Rendak, providing strategic leadership across all credit functions. Szatkowski is tasked with managing the underwriting process, ensuring timely evaluation and approval of loan originations, and overseeing loan closings with the closing team. She will also focus on improving internal credit processes to boost operational efficiency across the platform.
**Clear Investment Group**
Clear Investment Group has announced several strategic appointments and internal promotions as it prepares for the launch of Fund II.
– Matt Kleifges joins as Senior Director of Asset and Property Management, bringing experience in managing large-scale real estate portfolios.
– Steve Duguid has been named Director of Construction and Capital Projects. A licensed architect, Duguid will oversee capital improvements and construction efforts.
– Steve Taylor is the new Director of Technology, leveraging his expertise in artificial intelligence and Yardi property management software.
– John Adam joins the firm as Financial Controller, strengthening the company’s financial oversight and reporting as it scales operations.
– Lindsay Rodriguez has been promoted to Director of Acquisitions, where she will focus on identifying and securing strategic investment opportunities.
**Faropoint**
Faropoint, a tech-enabled real estate investment manager focused on last-mile industrial assets in high-growth population markets, has named Will Westhoff as Senior Vice President and Market Officer for the Midwest region. In this role, Westhoff will oversee acquisitions, asset management, and construction across Faropoint’s Midwest portfolio, which currently spans approximately 4 million square feet and 60 properties.
**Clayco**
Clayco has announced several leadership promotions to support its continued national expansion and increased activity in high-demand sectors such as data centers and advanced manufacturing.
– Mike Pierle has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO).
– Ryan McGuire has been named President of Construction.
– Ryan Abbott expands his responsibilities, now leading multiple markets.
– Conor Tighe has been appointed Vice President of Preconstruction Strategy.
These appointments reflect a broader trend of strategic growth and leadership development across the Chicago and Midwest real estate and investment landscape.
