Our Team

PAT GILLESPIE

Founder & CEO

Founder, President, and chief visionary for Gillespie Group since its founding in 1994, Pat has been recognized both locally and nationally as a respected leader and innovative entrepreneur. Pat’s passionate and committed to his team, to collaboration and engaging businesses, and to organizations within the communities by which he develops, Pat was recognized as the 2016 Lansing Entrepreneur of the Year and also selected as a finalist in Ernst & Youngs Entrepreneur of the year of Michigan and Northwest Ohio in 2020. Passionate about the growth of not only the organization, but of the next generation of leadership, Pat is frequently invited to speak at Michigan State University’s School of Planning, Design, and Construction; Land Policy Institute, and Building Construction Management. 

LinkedIn

RACHEL MICHAUD

Vice President

A member of the Gillespie Group leadership team since 1998, Rachel is the Vice President and is responsible for both the strategic growth of the organization as well as building the team needed to do so. Under her leadership, Rachel has built a team of Directors and a support team that is focused on strategy and best operational practices that are integral to the success of each and every development. With over 25 years of experience and knowledge within the real estate development and management industry, Rachel has grown the company tenfold and was recognized in 2022 as a Notable Women in Construction, Design & Architecture by CRAIN’S Detroit Business. 

LinkedIn

TRICIA WALTHORN

CPA - Director of Finance

Joining Gillespie Group in 2010 as the Director of Finance, Tricia is trusted as a strategic advisor to the team on all things finance and accounting. With a strong track record in finance strategy and execution of capital stack raise on complex developments, Tricia also brings to the team vast knowledge and expertise in the workings of local, state, and federal incentive programs. Additional proven areas of expertise in deal modeling, forecasting, investor communication and tax strategy, Tricia leads her team with a high level of integrity and accountability and possess deep analytical problem-solving skills and creates and implements proven processes that ensure long term success. 

LinkedIn

JENNIFER CHARETTE

Director of Operations

A Gillespie Group team member since 2002, Jennifer leads the Multi-Family and Commercial Property Management divison and Human Resources. Bringing a vast depth of knowledge and experience from starting in property management on site, Jennifer is able to lead with understanding for her team as well as strategically implement industry trends and market opportunities while managing policies and procedure. With a strong passion for creative solutions and  a positive team player emphasis, Jennifer focuses her team of over 55 to provide the regions best living and customer service experience while implementing trend-forward amenities and housing opportunities - increasing revenue year over year . 

LinkedIn

JASON KILDEA

Director of Project Development

As the Director Project Management, Jason specializes in contract negotiations, deal assemblage, and due diligence for all new development initiatives at Gillespie Group. Operating as an owner’s representative, Jason’s focus is in working 3rd party partners in the overall creation and maintenance of both budgets and schedules. Jason is known for his creative problem solving both in office and in the field with a commitment to the delivery of a successful development. His knowledge and experience has garnered the attention of the School of Construction Management at Michigan State University as he continues to be invited to speak and invest in the next generation.

LinkedIn

ASHLEY BRZEZINSKI

Director of Marketing

As the Director of Marketing for Gillespie Group, Ashley specializes in both internal and external branding, marketing, and advertising efforts for all residential, commercial, and development projects within the Gillespie Group portfolio. She leads her team through creative strategy and solutions through traditional and innovative marketing tactics,  interprets data to unify creative initiatives portfolio-wide, and creates strong partnerships across the community, bolstering more impactful, collaborative campaigns. Ashley leads her team with a strong emphasis on experience-based marketing paired with executing on creative and innovative trends. She looks at every opportunity to infuse the brand, its core values, and the Gillespie Group experience.

LinkedIn

CHRIS ZANDER

Director of Facilities

With over 20 years of experience in maintenance and facilities management, Chris leads and oversees Gillespie Group Facilities team member growth and training programs, long term physical asset care planning, portfolio-wide purchasing, preventative maintenance and renovation programs, and the growth of energy saving initiatives. He provides key input for facilties operations within our developments to ensure long term asset sustainability and manages capital expenditure projects. Chris focuses on team member training and education to unify facilities and maintenance teams across the portfolio, resulting in a thorough and efficient process.