Edgemere founder John Oster is a graduate of Hamilton College. In the 1970's he directed various local government and non-profit agencies in Albany. Prior to joining Conifer Development in 1988 he spent five years as Assistant Commissioner and Director of Operations for the New York State Division of Housing. He was the state's principal on numerous publicly-assisted housing projects.

Between 1988 and 2000 John was the instrumental developer of 1,627 housing units for Conifer and for Home Properties of New York, the real estate investment trust that acquired Conifer in 1996. As Vice President of Development, he played pivotal supporting roles in another 1,134 units. His areas of specialization included both historic conversions and new multifamily, senior developments, and mixed use projects. In 1997 he began working in Pennsylvania, and in 1998 he commenced operations in Maryland.

Beginning in January 2001, John became President of Edgemere Development and works directly with clients, lenders, agency funders, and associates. Over the past three years, Edgemere has provided the expertise for: new construction of single-family homes, multifamily apartments and senior housing; renovation of a historic school for seniors; renovation of existing multifamily apartment buildings; and refinancing and renovation of a Public Housing family development.