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About Us
Since 2000, Edgemere has developed 58 projects,
100,000 sq. ft. of Commercial Space, and
$1 Billion in Public and Private Investment.
Edgemere works with a variety of clients and partners, building strong relationships with local, state, and federal agencies that have been instrumental. Much of the firm’s success is due to key business partners:
The Law Firm of Cannon Heyman & Weiss, LLP
Accountants Flaherty Salmin CPAs
Key financial partners include JP Morgan Chase, M&T Bank, KeyBank, Citizens Bank, Five-Star Bank,
Community Preservation Corporation, Greater Rochester Housing Partnership, as well as syndicators/investors Enterprise, National Equity Fund, RBC, CREA, Boston Financial, Key Community Development Corporation,
Red Stone Equity Partners, Hudson, Wells Fargo, and others.
Edgemere is a member of several organizations focused on the Preservation, Rehabilitation, and creation of Affordable Housing, including New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH), Supportive Housing Network of New York (SHNNY), and National Housing & Rehabilitation Association (NH&RA).
Meet the Team
John Oster
Founder & Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development
Edgemere Development was founded by John Oster in 2000. John along with Partner Stephanie Benson, made the decision to step down from their positions as CEO/Partner and COO/Partner but remain in the company as Senior Vice Presidents of Real Estate Development. John is a graduate of Hamilton College. In the 1970's he directed various local government and non-profit agencies in Albany including the New York State Rural Housing Coalition. 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. In this position, he assisted in developing and implementing the Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program. 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, the real estate investment trust that acquired Conifer in 1996. As Vice President of Development, he provided pivotal support for another 1,134 units. His areas of specialization included both historic conversions and new multifamily, senior, and mixed-use projects. In 1997 he began working in Pennsylvania, and in 1998, in Maryland.
Founding Edgemere Development in 2000, John’s work focuses on transaction management and financial modeling, working directly with clients, lenders, agency funders, local governments, and associates. Through John’s leadership and financial creatively, Edgemere has financed 3,150 family, senior, and special-needs housing units totaling over $644.86 million in project costs including public loans, grants, low-income tax credits and historic tax credits, and tax-exempt bond financing.
Edgemere has provided the expertise for new construction of single-family homes, new construction of multifamily apartments and senior housing, adaptive reuse and rehabilitation of historic schools and buildings for seniors and workforce housing, renovation of existing multifamily apartment buildings, supportive and special needs housing, refinancing and renovation of public housing family developments, and workouts of troubled properties.
Recognitions and Service Positions Held:
Urban League of Rochester William A. Johnson, Jr. Outstanding Community Service Award
Volunteer positions / Career Related Officer / Board Member in profession:
Founder, Board Member and Officer, International Choroideremia Foundation (non-profit)
Founder Edgemere Development, Inc
Former President and Co-Founder, Housing Advantage, Inc (non- profit)
Member of NYSAFAH
Member of NH&RA
Secretary, Board Member of the NYS Environmental Planning Lobby (1970-72)
Executive Director of the NYS Rural Housing Coalition (1979-1983)
Sunday School Teacher, Parma Greece United Church
Edgemere Development was founded by John Oster in 2000. John along with Partner Stephanie Benson, made the decision to step down from their positions as CEO/Partner and COO/Partner but remain in the company as Senior Vice Presidents of Real Estate Development. John is a graduate of Hamilton College. In the 1970's he directed various local government and non-profit agencies in Albany including the New York State Rural Housing Coalition. 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. In this position, he assisted in developing and implementing the Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program. 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, the real estate investment trust that acquired Conifer in 1996. As Vice President of Development, he provided pivotal support for another 1,134 units. His areas of specialization included both historic conversions and new multifamily, senior, and mixed-use projects. In 1997 he began working in Pennsylvania, and in 1998, in Maryland.
Founding Edgemere Development in 2000, John’s work focuses on transaction management and financial modeling, working directly with clients, lenders, agency funders, local governments, and associates. Through John’s leadership and financial creatively, Edgemere has financed 3,150 family, senior, and special-needs housing units totaling over $644.86 million in project costs including public loans, grants, low-income tax credits and historic tax credits, and tax-exempt bond financing.
Edgemere has provided the expertise for new construction of single-family homes, new construction of multifamily apartments and senior housing, adaptive reuse and rehabilitation of historic schools and buildings for seniors and workforce housing, renovation of existing multifamily apartment buildings, supportive and special needs housing, refinancing and renovation of public housing family developments, and workouts of troubled properties.
Recognitions and Service Positions Held:
Urban League of Rochester William A. Johnson, Jr. Outstanding Community Service Award
Volunteer positions / Career Related Officer / Board Member in profession:
Founder, Board Member and Officer, International Choroideremia Foundation (non-profit)
Founder Edgemere Development, Inc
Former President and Co-Founder, Housing Advantage, Inc (non- profit)
Member of NYSAFAH
Member of NH&RA
Secretary, Board Member of the NYS Environmental Planning Lobby (1970-72)
Executive Director of the NYS Rural Housing Coalition (1979-1983)
Sunday School Teacher, Parma Greece United Church
Stephanie Fowler Benson
Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development
Stephanie Benson has served Edgemere as Chief Operating Officer and Partner from 2003 – 2020, and currently serves as Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development. She brings thirty plus years’ experience in the public, non-profit and for-profit housing, community development and social services sectors. Stephanie’s experience as housing innovator, community representative, funder, and implementer served her well during her years at the Syracuse and Fairfax County (VA) housing authorities, Roanoke Planning & Community Development, and Rochester YWCA. For the past twenty years, Stephanie’s role has included direct work with clients and stakeholders to define project concepts, secure funding, manage construction, and transition to operations. Stephanie’s understanding of social services and its role in building and managing quality housing is critical to Edgemere’s success.
Along with the team, she has guided the preservation or new construction of 49 projects with over 3,150 family, senior and special needs apartments through concept/site development, environmental due diligence/problem solving, design and construction coordination/value engineering, community relations/local approvals, grant writing, financing, funder relations, and transition to management.
Specific housing types include new construction and rehabilitation of multi-family and senior apartments, supportive housing, occupied rehabilitation, mixed-income/mixed-use, historic building adaptive reuse and rehabilitation, and refinancing/preservation.
Her knowledge of programs includes supportive housing and special needs housing, federal and state low income housing credits, federal and state historic tax credits, tax exempt bonds, public housing modernization/RAD/Section 8 PBV/TPV, HHAP, OPWDD, Shelter+ Care/ESSHI/MRT, Mitchell Lama preservation, Housing Trust Fund and HOME funds, Weatherization, RARP, NY Main St/RESTORE/DRI, HFA IDDP, TCAP, CDBG-Disaster Recovery, Homes for Working Families, HUD capital refinance, Environmental Protection Funds/Brownfield Tax Credits, Urban Initiatives, CDBG, NYSERDA, Emergency Shelter Grants, and Federal Home Loan Bank among others.
As Deputy Director of the YWCA, she supervised all programs including emergency and long term housing, child care, drug and alcohol clinic and supportive living, Women’s Resource Center/employment and training support services, and teen pregnancy and prevention services. She conducted research, developed and monitored program outcomes and services, planned for program growth and repositioning. Her role included evaluation of agency performance, report preparation to the National YWCA, YWCA Board and funders, and steering continuous improvement. Stephanie developed concepts, secured funding, oversaw renovations and offsite rehabilitation, and integrated new housing services into existing divisions.
As Coordinator of the Roanoke (VA) Neighborhood Partnership, she served as liaison to 28 neighborhood and business associations to develop and implement community revitalization plans. She was the project administrator for neighborhood housing and grant projects; she applied and interpreted federal guidelines; and she monitored construction and fiscal management. Stephanie provided training, technical assistance, grant writing, and information and referral in areas of housing, grass roots organizing and planning, government and community resources.
Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from West Virginia University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Recognitions and Service Positions Held:
2018 Inaugural class of Women in Excellence, Rochester Business Journal
Corporate Board Seats Held:
2003-2020: Edgemere Development Inc.
2011-current: Housing Advantage, Inc (non profit)
2005-2017 Tuger Housing Development Fund Corporation
Volunteer positions / Career Related Officer / Board Member in profession:
Founding member and President of Housing Advantage, Inc. – a non-profit serving as a conduit to provide affordable housing and services to women and families.
Volunteer for the Choroideremia Research Foundation, Rochester, NY 2002- 2018
Member of United Way’s Meeting Basic Needs Advisory Committee/Crisis Services, Rochester, NY 2012 – 2018
Volunteer for Greece Athena High School Theatrical Productions and sponsorship committee, Rochester, NY 2009- 2016
Board Member: Roanoke Mediation Center
Co-Chair: Adolescent Pregnancy Action Group
Stephanie Benson has served Edgemere as Chief Operating Officer and Partner from 2003 – 2020, and currently serves as Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development. She brings thirty plus years’ experience in the public, non-profit and for-profit housing, community development and social services sectors. Stephanie’s experience as housing innovator, community representative, funder, and implementer served her well during her years at the Syracuse and Fairfax County (VA) housing authorities, Roanoke Planning & Community Development, and Rochester YWCA. For the past twenty years, Stephanie’s role has included direct work with clients and stakeholders to define project concepts, secure funding, manage construction, and transition to operations. Stephanie’s understanding of social services and its role in building and managing quality housing is critical to Edgemere’s success.
Along with the team, she has guided the preservation or new construction of 49 projects with over 3,150 family, senior and special needs apartments through concept/site development, environmental due diligence/problem solving, design and construction coordination/value engineering, community relations/local approvals, grant writing, financing, funder relations, and transition to management.
Specific housing types include new construction and rehabilitation of multi-family and senior apartments, supportive housing, occupied rehabilitation, mixed-income/mixed-use, historic building adaptive reuse and rehabilitation, and refinancing/preservation.
Her knowledge of programs includes supportive housing and special needs housing, federal and state low income housing credits, federal and state historic tax credits, tax exempt bonds, public housing modernization/RAD/Section 8 PBV/TPV, HHAP, OPWDD, Shelter+ Care/ESSHI/MRT, Mitchell Lama preservation, Housing Trust Fund and HOME funds, Weatherization, RARP, NY Main St/RESTORE/DRI, HFA IDDP, TCAP, CDBG-Disaster Recovery, Homes for Working Families, HUD capital refinance, Environmental Protection Funds/Brownfield Tax Credits, Urban Initiatives, CDBG, NYSERDA, Emergency Shelter Grants, and Federal Home Loan Bank among others.
As Deputy Director of the YWCA, she supervised all programs including emergency and long term housing, child care, drug and alcohol clinic and supportive living, Women’s Resource Center/employment and training support services, and teen pregnancy and prevention services. She conducted research, developed and monitored program outcomes and services, planned for program growth and repositioning. Her role included evaluation of agency performance, report preparation to the National YWCA, YWCA Board and funders, and steering continuous improvement. Stephanie developed concepts, secured funding, oversaw renovations and offsite rehabilitation, and integrated new housing services into existing divisions.
As Coordinator of the Roanoke (VA) Neighborhood Partnership, she served as liaison to 28 neighborhood and business associations to develop and implement community revitalization plans. She was the project administrator for neighborhood housing and grant projects; she applied and interpreted federal guidelines; and she monitored construction and fiscal management. Stephanie provided training, technical assistance, grant writing, and information and referral in areas of housing, grass roots organizing and planning, government and community resources.
Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from West Virginia University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Recognitions and Service Positions Held:
2018 Inaugural class of Women in Excellence, Rochester Business Journal
Corporate Board Seats Held:
2003-2020: Edgemere Development Inc.
2011-current: Housing Advantage, Inc (non profit)
2005-2017 Tuger Housing Development Fund Corporation
Volunteer positions / Career Related Officer / Board Member in profession:
Founding member and President of Housing Advantage, Inc. – a non-profit serving as a conduit to provide affordable housing and services to women and families.
Volunteer for the Choroideremia Research Foundation, Rochester, NY 2002- 2018
Member of United Way’s Meeting Basic Needs Advisory Committee/Crisis Services, Rochester, NY 2012 – 2018
Volunteer for Greece Athena High School Theatrical Productions and sponsorship committee, Rochester, NY 2009- 2016
Board Member: Roanoke Mediation Center
Co-Chair: Adolescent Pregnancy Action Group
Charlie Oster
Partner & Vice President of Real Estate Development
Charlie serves as Edgemere’s VP of Real Estate Development and works with clients on all aspects of the development process, including design, underwriting, financing, construction, and transition to operations. Serving as chief underwriter for the company, he maintains strong relationships with public and private lenders including NYSHCR, HFA, ESD, HUD, City of Rochester, City of Buffalo, JP Morgan Chase, KeyBank, M&T, Enterprise Community Partners, RBC Capital Markets, and National Equity Fund.
Since 2011, he has been involved in over 27 project closings, producing over 2,000 units of housing and 70k square feet of commercial space.
He has successfully managed the closings of residential, mixed-use, mixed-income, adaptive reuse, and preservation projects across in New York and Pennsylvania. Charlie is also heavily involved in construction monitoring for projects underway. Most recently, Charlie has been instrumental in managing Housing Authority projects with clients such as the Herkimer Housing Authority, Hornell Housing Authority and Albany Housing Authority. He currently serves as project lead for the portfolio rehabilitation of the Albany Housing Authority and Herkimer Housing Authority. AHA is closing construction financing on their $105MM project in December 2020.
Charlie earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, with a concentration in Physics and Mathematics from SUNY Geneseo. During the summers he interned with architect’s general contractors and investors. His technical knowledge and experience gained in college helped him to develop a breadth of knowledge around the various facets of development.
Charlie serves as Edgemere’s VP of Real Estate Development and works with clients on all aspects of the development process, including design, underwriting, financing, construction, and transition to operations. Serving as chief underwriter for the company, he maintains strong relationships with public and private lenders including NYSHCR, HFA, ESD, HUD, City of Rochester, City of Buffalo, JP Morgan Chase, KeyBank, M&T, Enterprise Community Partners, RBC Capital Markets, and National Equity Fund.
Since 2011, he has been involved in over 27 project closings, producing over 2,000 units of housing and 70k square feet of commercial space.
He has successfully managed the closings of residential, mixed-use, mixed-income, adaptive reuse, and preservation projects across in New York and Pennsylvania. Charlie is also heavily involved in construction monitoring for projects underway. Most recently, Charlie has been instrumental in managing Housing Authority projects with clients such as the Herkimer Housing Authority, Hornell Housing Authority and Albany Housing Authority. He currently serves as project lead for the portfolio rehabilitation of the Albany Housing Authority and Herkimer Housing Authority. AHA is closing construction financing on their $105MM project in December 2020.
Charlie earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, with a concentration in Physics and Mathematics from SUNY Geneseo. During the summers he interned with architect’s general contractors and investors. His technical knowledge and experience gained in college helped him to develop a breadth of knowledge around the various facets of development.
Chris Roland
Partner & Vice President of Real Estate Development
Chris serves as Edgemere’s VP of Real Estate Development and works with clients on all aspects of the development process including design, underwriting, financing, construction and transitioning to permanent financing. He strives to maintain strong relationships with clients and provides expertise and guidance through the construction period, lease-up and transition to permanent financing and stabilized occupancy.
Chris has extensive experience developing family and senior housing projects including the adaptive reuse, historic rehabilitation, mixed-income, mixed-use commercial and residential, new construction, occupied rehabilitation and work-out of troubled properties. Through the management of construction financing sources and permanent conversions, Chris has developed relationships with various stakeholders including construction lenders, investors, asset managers, closing coordinators, and members of several local and State organizations including NYSHCR. Since 2012, he has been involved in the closing and conversion for 24 projects, resulting in the production of over 1,919 units of housing. His evolving role has allowed him to participate in all aspects of development.
Chris is currently overseeing the conversion to permanent financing of several projects including Holley Gardens and Mayfield Apartments which completed construction in 2020. He lends his expertise with various State agencies including NYSHCR/HFA to ensure a seamless transition into stabilized occupancy.
Chris Graduated from Brown University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and received an MBA from Brant University. The knowledge and skills gained through his education have provided a strong base for project finances and understanding the development process.
Chris serves as Edgemere’s VP of Real Estate Development and works with clients on all aspects of the development process including design, underwriting, financing, construction and transitioning to permanent financing. He strives to maintain strong relationships with clients and provides expertise and guidance through the construction period, lease-up and transition to permanent financing and stabilized occupancy.
Chris has extensive experience developing family and senior housing projects including the adaptive reuse, historic rehabilitation, mixed-income, mixed-use commercial and residential, new construction, occupied rehabilitation and work-out of troubled properties. Through the management of construction financing sources and permanent conversions, Chris has developed relationships with various stakeholders including construction lenders, investors, asset managers, closing coordinators, and members of several local and State organizations including NYSHCR. Since 2012, he has been involved in the closing and conversion for 24 projects, resulting in the production of over 1,919 units of housing. His evolving role has allowed him to participate in all aspects of development.
Chris is currently overseeing the conversion to permanent financing of several projects including Holley Gardens and Mayfield Apartments which completed construction in 2020. He lends his expertise with various State agencies including NYSHCR/HFA to ensure a seamless transition into stabilized occupancy.
Chris Graduated from Brown University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and received an MBA from Brant University. The knowledge and skills gained through his education have provided a strong base for project finances and understanding the development process.
Chris Stern
Partner and President
Christopher Stern became a Partner of Edgemere Development in June of 2020. He currently serves as Edgemere’s President. He brings a vast knowledge of construction management and construction budgeting to the Edgemere team. Chris co-founded Hamilton Stern Construction in 2010 with his business partner and long-time friend, Justin Hamilton. In addition to his construction and supervision responsibilities, Chris manages company-wide financial decisions for Hamilton Stern’s long-term growth and stability.
Working closely with clients and development team members on affordable housing projects fostered Chris’ interest in project development and becoming involved in more than just construction management. Chris and his Partner Justin Hamilton are honored to now be a part of the Edgemere team. Chris is integrating himself in all aspects of affordable housing development. His experience in construction budgeting lends a hand to project underwriting and he has worked closely with team members to provide insight into preliminary project underwriting.
Prior to starting Hamilton Stern construction, Chris worked construction for years in larger firms who specialized in affordable housing projects. Hamilton Sterns first affordable housing project was the M+M Rochester project with the Urban League of Rochester Economic Development Corporation, with Edgemere as consulting developer. Chris has been involved in the renovation of Blossom Village Apartments (24 units of affordable housing in Rochester, NY); FLACRA Scattered Site Renovations in Waterloo, Geneva, Penn Yan and Newark, New York. To date, Hamilton Stern Construction has been involved in more than 17 affordable housing projects.
Chris graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2003 with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering Technology, and later returned to earn his Executive MBA in 2009. Chris is an active member of the local Rochester, New York community and participates as a Member of the Board of Trustees for the Seneca Park Zoo Society.
Christopher Stern became a Partner of Edgemere Development in June of 2020. He currently serves as Edgemere’s President. He brings a vast knowledge of construction management and construction budgeting to the Edgemere team. Chris co-founded Hamilton Stern Construction in 2010 with his business partner and long-time friend, Justin Hamilton. In addition to his construction and supervision responsibilities, Chris manages company-wide financial decisions for Hamilton Stern’s long-term growth and stability.
Working closely with clients and development team members on affordable housing projects fostered Chris’ interest in project development and becoming involved in more than just construction management. Chris and his Partner Justin Hamilton are honored to now be a part of the Edgemere team. Chris is integrating himself in all aspects of affordable housing development. His experience in construction budgeting lends a hand to project underwriting and he has worked closely with team members to provide insight into preliminary project underwriting.
Prior to starting Hamilton Stern construction, Chris worked construction for years in larger firms who specialized in affordable housing projects. Hamilton Sterns first affordable housing project was the M+M Rochester project with the Urban League of Rochester Economic Development Corporation, with Edgemere as consulting developer. Chris has been involved in the renovation of Blossom Village Apartments (24 units of affordable housing in Rochester, NY); FLACRA Scattered Site Renovations in Waterloo, Geneva, Penn Yan and Newark, New York. To date, Hamilton Stern Construction has been involved in more than 17 affordable housing projects.
Chris graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2003 with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering Technology, and later returned to earn his Executive MBA in 2009. Chris is an active member of the local Rochester, New York community and participates as a Member of the Board of Trustees for the Seneca Park Zoo Society.
Brad Mack
Director of Development
Brad joined the Edgemere Development team in May 2018. He graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, bringing extensive research and project development experience. Serving Edgemere as a Housing Development Analyst, Brad provides a wide variety of services to clients, supporting all facets of the development process. His background in research, management, and customer service makes him a great asset to the Edgemere team.
Brad joined the Edgemere Development team in May 2018. He graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, bringing extensive research and project development experience. Serving Edgemere as a Housing Development Analyst, Brad provides a wide variety of services to clients, supporting all facets of the development process. His background in research, management, and customer service makes him a great asset to the Edgemere team.
Maureen Robinson
Office Manager
Maureen Robinson is the Office Manager for Edgemere Development and joined the team in July 2018. She provides high level administrative and office support to the entire staff and is the first point of contact for clients and outside vendors. Maureen brings over 10 years of administrative experience and knowledge to the team. She is passionate about her work at Edgemere; knowing the company provides a diverse population of individuals and families access to stable, quality, affordable housing.
Maureen Robinson is the Office Manager for Edgemere Development and joined the team in July 2018. She provides high level administrative and office support to the entire staff and is the first point of contact for clients and outside vendors. Maureen brings over 10 years of administrative experience and knowledge to the team. She is passionate about her work at Edgemere; knowing the company provides a diverse population of individuals and families access to stable, quality, affordable housing.
Syrena Travis
Development Associate
Syrena Travis is originally from Brooklyn, NY but went to 10 different schools and lived in 4 different states throughout her childhood. She went to Appalachian State University for her undergraduate degree where she received a B.S in Political Science and minored in Communication. During her sophomore year, she studied abroad in Seville, Spain for a semester. She visited 20 different cities in 10 different countries within Europe and North Africa. After finishing her undergraduate degree, she decided to go to graduate school for her Masters in Public Administration at UNC-Chapel Hill. She is looking forward to positively impacting NYS communities and residents through Edgemere Development's work.
Syrena Travis is originally from Brooklyn, NY but went to 10 different schools and lived in 4 different states throughout her childhood. She went to Appalachian State University for her undergraduate degree where she received a B.S in Political Science and minored in Communication. During her sophomore year, she studied abroad in Seville, Spain for a semester. She visited 20 different cities in 10 different countries within Europe and North Africa. After finishing her undergraduate degree, she decided to go to graduate school for her Masters in Public Administration at UNC-Chapel Hill. She is looking forward to positively impacting NYS communities and residents through Edgemere Development's work.
Sarah Katerle
Development & Support Services Associate
Ms. Katerle joined the Edgemere team in January 2022, providing support on funding applications, project coordination, and financial closings/conversions. She grew up in Westchester County, NY and has lived in Rochester since 2009. She received her BSBA from Boston University, and an MBA in Marketing from CUNY Baruch College, where she became a lifetime member of the Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honors Society.
Sarah began her career in Rochester with a leading construction company, working directly with the company President. She then became a Regional Development Manager for a national non-profit Health organization before joining a Supportive Housing Development start-up in 2017. As one of four employees, she was deeply involved in all aspects of the development process, from identifying potential sites, to drafting multi-million-dollar proposals, coordinating due diligence, and planning ribbon cuttings for completed projects. She was responsible for the creation of the company’s logo, website, and all educational content. Sarah brings a unique skill set to Edgemere, drawing on her experience in marketing, non-profit management, construction, and development.
Ms. Katerle joined the Edgemere team in January 2022, providing support on funding applications, project coordination, and financial closings/conversions. She grew up in Westchester County, NY and has lived in Rochester since 2009. She received her BSBA from Boston University, and an MBA in Marketing from CUNY Baruch College, where she became a lifetime member of the Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honors Society.
Sarah began her career in Rochester with a leading construction company, working directly with the company President. She then became a Regional Development Manager for a national non-profit Health organization before joining a Supportive Housing Development start-up in 2017. As one of four employees, she was deeply involved in all aspects of the development process, from identifying potential sites, to drafting multi-million-dollar proposals, coordinating due diligence, and planning ribbon cuttings for completed projects. She was responsible for the creation of the company’s logo, website, and all educational content. Sarah brings a unique skill set to Edgemere, drawing on her experience in marketing, non-profit management, construction, and development.
Dr. Hao Zhang
Development Associate
Dr. Zhang is responsible for research funding and grant writing for a variety of financing sources including NYS Homes & Community Renewal, NYS Housing Finance Agency, NYS Homeless Housing Assistance Program, Federal Home Loan Bank, Empire State Development, and the Environmental Protection Fund. Utilizing his extensive statistical and analytical skills, he assists the development team in preparing applications for government loans and grants, conventional mortgages, and other financing opportunities as well as working with housing authorities and development partners.
Prior to joining Edgemere in 2023, Dr. Zhang worked in urban planning, public health and affordable housing development. As Vice President of the Urban League of Rochester Economic Development Corporation (ULREDC), he oversaw property management partners, identified and pursued new development opportunities, assisted with board governance, and advocated for ULREDC’s mission. He has published several peer reviewed articles, as well as presented his research in multiple conferences across the United States, China, and Germany. He earned his Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning from the University at Buffalo as well as a Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Design.
Dr. Zhang is responsible for research funding and grant writing for a variety of financing sources including NYS Homes & Community Renewal, NYS Housing Finance Agency, NYS Homeless Housing Assistance Program, Federal Home Loan Bank, Empire State Development, and the Environmental Protection Fund. Utilizing his extensive statistical and analytical skills, he assists the development team in preparing applications for government loans and grants, conventional mortgages, and other financing opportunities as well as working with housing authorities and development partners.
Prior to joining Edgemere in 2023, Dr. Zhang worked in urban planning, public health and affordable housing development. As Vice President of the Urban League of Rochester Economic Development Corporation (ULREDC), he oversaw property management partners, identified and pursued new development opportunities, assisted with board governance, and advocated for ULREDC’s mission. He has published several peer reviewed articles, as well as presented his research in multiple conferences across the United States, China, and Germany. He earned his Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning from the University at Buffalo as well as a Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Design.
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