Since founding TPCO in 1987, Donna Preiss has been a pioneer in student housing, spearheading the creation of groundbreaking practices in development, financing, technology, operations and marketing.

Tempered by her hands-on experience in all phases of student housing, Donna is a highly sought-after speaker and has represented the industry at conferences worldwide.
She is a member of the NAA National Student Housing Committee and the NMHC National Student Housing Committee. Donna currently serves on the Executive Committee of the NMHC, the Board of Advisors for the UNC Wood Center for Real Estate Services and the Board of Trustees for Ravenscroft School, and is active in a wide array of charities. She is also a recipient of one of Triangle Business Journal's CEO of the Year Awards and was recognized among the Women of Influence by Globe St. She has been recognized as one of the top women in our industry by Business Leader Magazine and Women in Business.

Donna received a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a M.A. from the University of Maryland.

Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Principal Kirk Preiss provides decision-making authority on behalf of The Preiss Company, as well oversight of both property and corporate level technology. As a 20-plus-year real estate veteran, he has contributed to the growth of Preiss’ current portfolio size. Prior to joining The Preiss Company, he held an executive position in technology at IBM, involving him heavily in the LAN and internet movement of the 80s and 90s. He produced patents and leading international standards in his field.

Kirk received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, a Master of Science in Mathematics from George Mason University and an MBA from Duke University. In 2002, he was appointed by Governor Mike Easley to the North Carolina Science and Technology Board. He is an Accredited Residential Manager (ARM) through the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and holds a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation.

Principal

Over the course of nearly two decades with the company, Preiss has held a series of increasingly responsible roles including Broker and Vice President, and Executive Vice President of New Business Development, and Chief Investments Officer, where he was responsible for overseeing all of TPCO's investments and joint ventures.

John earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from College of Charleston. He currently serves on the board of directors and executive committee for the National Multi-Housing Council (NMHC).

President

Adam Byrley joined The Preiss Company in 2003 and serves as the company’s Chief Operating Officer. Adam oversees TPCO’s overall operations, with responsibility for its portfolio of both owned and third-party managed student housing properties. He analyzes new markets for expansion, works alongside the New Business Development Team to set rents, and provides income and operating expense analytics for development and acquisition opportunities.

Prior to his current position, Adam was Executive Vice-President of TPCO’s property management division, as well as overseeing both leasing and marketing efforts alongside Regional Managers to develop rental strategies, administer rental rate changes, manage leasing velocity and implement marketing strategies.

Adam received his undergraduate degree from Clemson University cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

Chief Operating Officer

Susan’s role as Chief Acquisitions & Development Officer includes all acquisitions and ground-up developments, as well as substantial upgrades and renovations of both new and existing assets. Her responsibilities also include establishing and maintaining new and existing joint venture partnerships and sourcing all debt. Susan brings over 35 years of development, construction, operations, new business development and investment sales experience to the TPCO team.

Prior to joining TPCO 18 years ago, Susan served as a Regional Senior Director with CB Richard Ellis, covering the Carolinas and the Mid-Atlantic region.

Susan received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business at North Carolina Wesleyan. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC).

Chief A&D Officer

Chad West serves as the Chief Financial Officer, and is responsible for accounting, financial reporting and tax compliance, as he also directs the treasury management function and the company’s internal controls.

Prior to joining TPCO, he worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers as an Audit Manager serving construction, manufacturing and real estate clients. He also served as a Controller for several private companies, primarily in the construction industry.

In 1997, Chad graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island.

Chief Financial Officer

Kyle joined the company a decade ago as head of Construction Management Services. In his role as Executive Vice President of Construction Management, he oversees all capital improvement projects for TPCO’s portfolio.

While with TPCO, Kyle has provided a variety of services, including due diligence, property need evaluations, ongoing capital improvement plans, budget analysis and project management for existing student housing projects.

Kyle is a graduate of North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management.

EVP of Construction Management

Sara joined The Preiss Company in 2003 and serves as the Senior Vice President of Property Management. She oversees 4 Regional Managers and the operations of a portion of TPCO’s portfolio.

Prior to her current role, Sara held a wide range of positions within TPCO including Property Manager, Area Manager and Regional Manager. Prior to joining the company, she worked in the conventional property management sector as a Property Manager and Trainer with Equity Residential.

Sara earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Housing and Interior Design with a concentration in Property Management from Virginia Tech.

SVP of Property Management

DeWana joined the company in 2008 and oversees 3 regional managers with responsibility for a portion of TPCO’s portfolio, including day-to-day student housing operations oversight. Since joining the company, she has helped to develop a scalable platform that has enabled the company to grow over the last several years.

A 28-year apartment industry veteran, DeWana previously served as a Regional Manager for Campus Advantage, where she operated a portfolio of seven on and off-campus student-housing communities comprised of 6,000 beds. She has held a variety of increasingly important positions within the industry, including Regional Manager for both Stokes-McCaleb and Place Properties.

EVP of Property Management

Chloe Rasmussen joined The Preiss Company in 2006 and currently serves as Regional Vice President. She oversees 1 Regional Manager and the operations of a portion of TPCO’s portfolio.

Prior to her current role, Chloe served as a Regional Manager, Area Property Manager and Property Manager.

Chloe is a graduate of North Carolina State University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish with a minor in Business.

Regional VP

Jeff Bartholomew joined The Preiss Company in 2020 and serves as the Vice President of Development & Construction Services. He is responsible for overseeing both current and under construction development projects throughout the development phase, and collaborating with the company’s Chief Acquisitions & Development Officer on potential new development projects.

Prior to joining TPCO, Jeff served as the Vice President of Development at Excel Group, leading development and project management functions. He has also held Financial Analyst, Assistant Development Manager, Development Manager, and Senior Asset Manager positions.

Jeff earned a B.A. in Economics from Cornell University and M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Kenan-Flagler Business School.

VP of Development & Construction Services

David Leake joined the New Business Development Team in 2009, and has been part of The Preiss Company since 2000.

He helps bring on new Acquisitions, Developments, and Third-Party Management sites in the industry. He also plays a huge role in the market studies and the due diligence process with new potential properties. David has been on all sides of the Student housing real-estate spectrum including: Real-Estate Broker, Acquisition and Development, Leasing Agent, Property Manager, Project Manager, and Construction Management.

David graduated from Appalachian State University.

EVP of Business Development

John joined The Preiss Company in 2007 and serves as the Executive Vice President of Investments.As part of his role, John oversees the underwriting of new acquisition and development opportunities. Other key aspects of his position include market analysis, managing debt placement and execution efforts, and general transaction process oversight.
Prior to his current appointment, John served as TPCO’s Asset Manager and was responsible for the oversight of annual budget efforts, management of insurance programs and created tracking tools to assist property management with day to day operations.

John graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Finance.

EVP of Investments

Brian Reid joined The Preiss Company in 2007 after spending 10 years in the cellular mobility and telecommunication industries. As Vice President of Information Technology, Brian is responsible for the development and management of the IT systems, policy and strategy for the company.

His responsibilities include bulk data and video service management, contract negotiation, infrastructure consulting, and advising Preiss Company clients on the best technology solutions for their properties. In addition, Brian oversees all day-to-day technology support for the company, including both at the corporate and property levels with over 500 employees.

Brian graduated from NC State University.

VP of Information Technology

Kasey began her career in operations as a Leasing and Marketing Manager while still attending college full-time. Joining TPCO in 2010, she has held increasingly more prominent positions in support of the company’s innovative marketing efforts. Leading an internal team of specialized marketing professionals, she oversees brand development, marketing and leasing strategy, creative messaging, and both corporate and property-level marketing. She is also responsible for overseeing resident programming initiatives, communications, sports marketing partnerships and corporate events. She manages the company’s in-house design and digital marketing teams as well as website development.

Munsch also works closely with the New Business Development Team to support new business presentations and strategy. She plays a key role in company functions and conference planning and implements the company’s philanthropic initiatives.

Kasey holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication & Public Relations from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania.

VP of Marketing

Lane Sheer joined The Preiss Company in 2007 and currently serves as Co-Director of Property Operations. She oversees TPCO’s online leasing systems, reporting, training, and support, with a focus on implementing best-in-class strategies and practices to support the company’s continued portfolio growth. Additionally, she oversees the Operations team along with a team of Leasing and Management Specialists.

Lane is a graduate of North Carolina State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.

Co-Director of Property Operations

Andrew Belter joined The Preiss Company in 2011 and currently serves as Co-Director of Property Operations. He oversees TPCO’s property management systems, reporting, training, and support, with a focus on implementing best-in-class strategies and practices to support the company’s continued portfolio growth. Additionally, he oversees a team of Management Specialists and TPCO’s Regional Maintenance Supervisors.

Andrew has operated within The Preiss Company as a Leasing Agent, Assistant Property Manager, Area Business Manager, Area Property Manager, and Operations Specialist since he joined.

Co-Director of Property Operations

Chantele Hawkins joined The Preiss Company in 2005 and currently serves as the Director of Property Financial Management. She oversees the analysis of existing revenue operations, and acts as the liaison with the Accounting and Property Management teams, helping our Regional Managers with accounting-related procedures. Additionally, she provides analysis and support to Regional and Property Managers on property financials.

Chantele graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.

Director of Property Financial Management

Lauren Dalia joined The Preiss Company in 2006 and currently serves as Regional Manager. She oversees 8 of the properties within our portfolio.

Prior to her current position, Lauren has worked in the student housing industry as an Assistant Property Manager, HOA Manager, Executive Assistant, and Property Manager.

Lauren graduated from Peace College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.

Regional Manager

Colton Lassinger joined The Preiss Company in 2008 and currently serves as Regional Manager. He oversees 7 of the properties within our portfolio, and specializes in third-party management projects.

Prior to his current position, Colton has worked in the student housing industry for 20 years as a Leasing Consultant, Assistant Property Manager, Leasing Manager, Property Manager, and Area Property Manager.

Colton graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.

Regional Manager

Chelsey Harper joined The Preiss Company in 2011 and currently serves as Regional Manager. She oversees 12 of the properties within our portfolio.

Prior to her current position, Chelsey has worked in the student housing industry for 15 years as a Leasing Consultant, Business Manager, Assistant Property Manager, Property Manager, and Area Property Manager.

Chelsey graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Textile and Apparel Brand Management and Marketing with a minor in Spanish.

Regional Manager

Mike Kivitz joined The Preiss Company in 2010 and currently serves as Regional Manager. He oversees 11 of the properties within our portfolio.

Prior to his current position, Mike has worked in the student housing industry as a Leasing Consultant, Assistant Property Manager, and Area Property Manager.

Mike graduated from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a minor in Information Systems.

Regional Manager

Telsherree Hurd joined The Preiss Company in 2006 and currently serves as Regional Manager. She oversees 5 of the properties within our portfolio.

Prior to her current position, Telsherree has worked in the student housing industry as a Leasing Consultant, Assistant Property Manager, Regional Business Manager, Property Manager, and Management Specialist.

Telsherree graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with Bachelor of Arts in Government Pre-Law with a minor in Business Foundations.

Regional Manager

Gavin Short joined The Preiss Company in 2007 and currently serves as Regional Manager. He oversees 6 of the properties within our portfolio.

Prior to his current position, Gavin has worked in the student housing industry as a Leasing Consultant, Applications Technology Analyst, Leasing Manager, Property Manager, Construction Manager, and Management Specialist.

Gavin earned his MBA from Wake Forest University, and his undergraduate degree from Auburn University, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management / Management Information Systems.

Regional Manager

Mariana Morton joined The Preiss Company in 2008 and currently serves as Regional Manager. She oversees 6 of the properties within our portfolio.

Prior to her current position, Mariana has worked in the student housing industry as a Corporate Receptionist, Leasing Consultant, Business Manager, Assistant Property Manager, and Property Manager..

Mariana graduated from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science in Textiles Brand Management and Marketing, achieving Magna Cum Laude.

Regional Manager