Our Team - Berger Communities

Chelsea Rummel

Regional Property Manager

About Chelsea

With years of multifamily experience, Chelsea brings a strong track record of leadership, team development, and operational excellence to her role as Regional Property Manager. She currently oversees a portfolio of communities in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she focuses on driving performance, empowering teams, and creating exceptional living experiences for residents. Chelsea began her career at Berger Communities as a Leasing Consultant and quickly advanced through several promotions, demonstrating her dedication, results-driven mindset, and commitment to team success. Her career milestones include earning CALP and CAM certifications, serving as a member of the PAA Western Regional Advisory Council, and being recognized as Community Manager of the Year by both Berger and the Pennsylvania Apartment Association. What she enjoys most about her role is the opportunity to lead and develop dynamic teams while making a direct impact on both people and performance. Whether she’s mentoring future leaders, analyzing financials, or creating memorable experiences for residents, Chelsea embraces the variety and challenge each day brings. She’s inspired by the ability to help others grow and build communities that people are proud to call home. Her leadership style is hands-on, supportive, and forward-focused. Chelsea leads by example, believes in accountability, and is passionate about coaching through challenges, recognizing strengths, and creating opportunities for others to thrive.

Favorite Fundamental #17:
be a lifelong learner

Performance, empowering teams, team leadership

Reading, spending time with family, trying new restaurants and coffee shops

David Mahnke

Regional Property Manager

About David

David brings a wealth of experience in managing multi-state portfolios and building high-performing teams. As Regional Property Manager overseeing communities in Cleveland, Ohio, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he is passionate about developing talent and streamlining operations to achieve consistent, high-quality results. David is known for building strong relationships with his team and residents alike, creating environments where both people and communities thrive. When he’s not working, David enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring new places through travel, and attending sporting events. His energy, dedication, and focus on doing the right thing make him a valuable leader and an essential part of the Berger team.

Favorite Fundamental #2:
do the right thing

Team Development, Leadership, Community Development

Spending time with family, travel, and sporting events

Paul Lynch

Chief Accounting Officer

About Paul

As Chief Accounting Officer, Paul leads Berger Communities’ accounting operations with a strategic emphasis on enhancing financial systems and processes to drive operational efficiency. He is a licensed CPA with over a decade of experience in public accounting, including PricewaterhouseCoopers, and additional experience in the real estate and hospitality industries. Paul draws on his background to drive process improvements, ensure accurate financial reporting, and support the organization’s sustained success and growth.

Favorite Fundamental #7:
See problems as opportunities

Financial Oversight and Strategic Planning

Spending time with family, travel, and golf.

Kyle Gallagher

Regional Property Manager

About Kyle

Kyle serves as the Regional Manager of the West Chester area, overseeing 8 communities. Known for his results-driven approach, he is dedicated to fostering growth and empowering his team to achieve their best outcomes. By building consensus and encouraging a team first culture, he ensures that both individual and collective goals are met. Kyle’s leadership has been a key factor in the region’s continued growth. His primary objective is to inspire his team with the same drive, ensuring their success and, consequently, the overall success of Berger.

Favorite Fundamental #9:
Find a way

Team Development, Results-Driven, Operational Success

Spending time with family and friends, running, attending Phillies games and concerts

Jennifer Bloome

Director of Marketing

About Jennifer

Jennifer serves as the Director of Marketing at Berger Communities, where she brings over 15 years of industry experience, including more than seven years specializing in the multifamily sector. In her role, she oversees the day-to-day marketing operations across the entire Berger residential portfolio and plays a key role in the marketing initiatives of new development projects. From the naming and branding of new properties to successful lease-up strategies, Jennifer ensures each project reflects the unique value of the Berger brand.

Dedicated to creating sustainable marketing plans and achieving successful outcomes, Jennifer collaborates closely with both internal and external partners, cultivating communities that stand out in competitive markets. Under her guidance, her team strengthens online reputations, devises compelling social media strategies, and develops brands that resonate deeply with today’s renters.

Jennifer’s commitment to refining and optimizing Berger’s marketing approach ensures that every initiative is effective and meaningfully contributes to the broader objectives of Berger Communities. She fosters collaboration and empowers team members with the resources they need to expand their reach and achieve their goals, further contributing to the overall success and growth of the company.

Favorite Fundamental #19:
Embrace Change

Strategic Storytelling, Campaign Optimization, Brand Development

Spending time with family and friends, traveling, music and reading

Stephanie Neely

Director of Accounting

About Stephanie

As the Director of Accounting, Stephanie focuses on accurate reporting to both internal and external parties and oversees Cash Management, as well as the Accounts Payable process, for the portfolio. She strives for a collaborative environment within the Accounting Department and across our Home Office and site teams, and truly believes we do our best work together.

Favorite Fundamental #5:
Think Team First

Financial Statements, Cash Management, and Collaboration

Spending time with my husband and 3 kids

Kelli Durham

Vice President of People Strategy

About Kelli

As the Vice President of People Strategy, Kelli partners with all team members to provide the best employee experience possible. She collaborates with our Executive Team on policies, benefits, and other company initiatives, and works with our legal team to ensure compliance. She engages with our Operations Team to solve employee opportunities and obtain feedback from our employees about what is going well and what we can do to improve.

Favorite Fundamental #2:
Do the Right Thing

Team member support, Benefits, Compliance, and Payroll

Family, sporting events, hiking, and swimming

James Burke

Executive Vice President, General Counsel

About James

As Executive Vice President,General Counsel, James is responsible for overseeing legal operations, risk management and compliance throughout the company. During his career, he has developed a business-oriented approach that legal and risk management should be holistic, practical and efficient to facilitate responsible and sustainable growth for the company and its employees. He has served as both outside and in-house counsel for multifamily and student housing developers and operators throughout the United States and, prior to joining Berger Rental Communities, was Vice President and Assistant General Counsel with Balfour Beatty Investments. James is a graduate of Albany Law School and is a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Favorite Fundamental #2:
Do the Right Thing

Legal, Risk Management, Compliance and Company Culture

Spending time with my wife and three children as well as fishing, hunting, running and time outdoors in creation.

Emil Cozma

Vice President, Berger Infrastructure

About Emil

With over 15 years of residential construction experience, Emil joined Berger Rental Communities in 2021. Emil’s experience includes owning a construction business and working for 10 years as a Senior Operations Manager for the 4th largest Housing Authority in the nation.

At Berger, Emil and his team work closely with the development, maintenance and acquisition teams to identify, plan, and implement the company’s capital projects, including property rehabs, and major building repairs.

Emil holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Construction Management from Temple University and an MBA in Construction Project Management from Lamar University.

Fundamental #5:
Think Team First

Construction project management, project scheduling and budgeting.

Family, travel, gardening.

Victoria Green

Regional Property Manager

About Victoria

Prior to joining Berger, Victoria did not have any industry experience. She graduated college with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and all she knew was that she wanted to lead a team and manage a business. With Berger, Victoria started as a leasing consultant in West Chester, and in 6 short months, she was promoted to property manager. Along her Berger journey, Victoria had additional properties added to her portfolio and became a multi-site property manager. She currently oversees the Berger East portfolio as Regional Property Manager and is committed to empowering teams and providing them with all the resources they need to be successful.

Favorite Fundamental #21:
Speak Straight

Performance Driven, Maximize Operational Efficiency, Team Development

Traveling, Food, and Spending time with family

Jean Whiteley

Regional Property Manager

About Jean

Meet Jean, our Regional Property Manager overseeing the Berger North region. With more than 30 years of valuable experience in the industry and a history of holding various key roles, Jean has earned a reputation as a respected leader in her field. Jean’s dedication revolves around her commitment to customer service excellence. She firmly believes that the most important part of any successful business is the people who work there. To Jean, building a great team involves trust, ongoing growth, being responsive, and making personal connections, all while nurturing an outstanding company culture. Her goal is to breathe life into our 21 fundamentals through leading by example and understanding the needs of her team and customers. Jean’s vision helps us keep improving in property management, making sure that both our residents and team members enjoy a friendly and thriving community.

Favorite Fundamental #28:
Act Like it’s Yours

Customer Service, Company Culture, Collaboration

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, antiquing, gardening and the beach!

Ryan Massey

Director of Maintenance Services

About Ryan

In Ryan’s position as the Director of Maintenance Services, he plays a key leadership role in shaping the overall strategy and direction of the maintenance department. He defines, implements, and monitors enterprise-wide KPIs that measure service efficiency, resident satisfaction, and asset performance. By aligning these metrics with the company’s goals, Ryan ensures that maintenance operations not only support day-to-day needs but also contribute to the long-term success and sustainability of the business.

Favorite Fundamental #19:
Embrace Change

Analytics, Company Culture, and Critical thinking

I am a Dad that loves music, fishing and baseball.

Anne-Marie Niklaus - Chief Operating Officer

Kristina Super

Director of Strategic Services

About Kristina

As the Director of Strategic Services, Kristina is an expert in all company systems and processes. With a keen focus on successful software implementation and onboarding, Kristina plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless integration of new processes within the company. She serves as a strategic partner to operational team members by providing technical leadership to support and enhance operational strategies. Driven by a passion for continuous improvement, Kristina thrives on the challenge of identifying solutions for the company’s evolving needs. She is dedicated to striking the perfect balance between leveraging technology and maintaining a streamlined operational approach.

Bringing a wealth of expertise to the table, Kristina holds a CAM certification and previously served as a Pennsylvania Apartment Association instructor for several years, teaching NALP courses and Financial Bootcamp. She has received multiple peer-nominated awards, highlighting her commitment to upholding company fundamentals, fostering the company’s vision, and consistently surpassing expectations in her role with her responsive and supportive approach.

Favorite Fundamental #10:
Get Clear on Expectations Up Front

Strategic Planning, Internal Control Execution, and Improvement

Spending all my spare time with my husband and two sons, cheering them on in Baseball and Karate!

Anne-Marie Niklaus

President

About Anne-Marie

Anne-Marie Niklaus serves as President, leading the strategic vision for all community operations and guiding the continued growth and development of both the company’s portfolio and its talented team members. With extensive experience in the multifamily industry, Anne-Marie brings an inclusive and collaborative leadership style that strengthens Berger’s core values and culture.

Before stepping into her current role, Anne-Marie was Senior Vice President of Community Management at Balfour Beatty Communities, where she oversaw property management services for more than 44,000 units across 55 military housing installations nationwide. Her distinguished career also includes leadership positions as Divisional Vice President at Madison Apartment Group and Regional Property Operations Manager for AIMCO/NHP Management, Inc.
An active leader in the industry, Anne-Marie has held several prominent roles with the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), including Regional Vice President, National Governing Counselor, and Senior Vice President. She holds both the Certified Property Manager (CPM®) and Accredited Residential Manager (ARM®) designations, reflecting her deep commitment to excellence in residential property management.

Favorite Fundamental #2:
Do the Right Thing

Inclusion, Collaboration, and Culture

outdoor enthusiast , music and dogs

Dan Berger

CEO

About Dan

Dan Berger is the CEO of Berger Communities, a vertically integrated real estate firm and one of the region’s leading multifamily owner-operators. Under his leadership, Berger Communities has grown tenfold while remaining rooted in a people-first culture centered on values, service, and long-term impact. Dan plays an active role in shaping the company’s strategic vision, fostering leadership, and cultivating a culture of excellence. Guided by the belief that great places to live begin with great places to work, Berger Companies has earned national recognition for both employee engagement and resident satisfaction.

Dan earned his JD and MBA from Temple University and began his career as an attorney before returning to real estate to pursue his passion for leading teams and building communities.
He is deeply committed to service and community impact. Dan serves on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, chairs the Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) Executive Committee, and is the founder and President of hope+door, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing family homelessness through emergency rental assistance. He also serves as Treasurer of the Benchmark School Board of Trustees. Dan is the past Chair of the Pennsylvania Apartment Association and previously held roles as Membership Chair and Treasurer of YPO Philadelphia.

Favorite Fundamental #1:
Care Like We’re Family

Company Culture, Strategic Planning, Acquisitions, Financing

Spending time with family, Philadelphia sports teams, traveling, running and fitness

Emily Hallett

Director of Design

About Emily

Emily Hallett is the Director of Design at Berger Communities, bringing extensive expertise in both Capital Design and Customer Experience. With a strong focus on ensuring brand consistency and excellence, she oversees the selection of interior finishes for apartment renovation projects and offers valuable insights on exterior renovations. Emily collaborates closely with various stakeholders, including internal team members as well as external architects, engineers, and design firms, lending her knowledge to new construction developments and existing community enhancements. Her profound understanding of industry and consumer trends informs her approach to floor plans, interior and exterior finish selections, landscape standards, and furniture choices. Beyond her significant contributions to the physical landscape of the communities, Emily also dedicates her efforts to nurturing an unparalleled customer experience. Her strategic oversight encompasses the selection, rollout, and success of amenity spaces and programs, all tailored to align with the customer lifecycle and enhance the overall resident experience.

Favorite Fundamental #6:
Be Positive

Interior space design/curb appeal, industry trends, team collaboration and company culture.

Travel, entertaining, spending time with husband, two teenaged boys.

Angie Cramp

Director of Brand Engagement

About Angie

Angie Cramp’s journey in the multifamily housing industry is an impressive testament to her expertise and dedication. With over two decades of experience, she’s navigated various roles, from site level positions to training to marketing and branding, each contributing to her comprehensive understanding of the field. Angie currently is focused on creating the connection between the customer and the brand as the Director of Brand Engagement at Berger Communities based out of Wayne, PA.

Her passion for marketing apartment communities and driving growth is evident from her career trajectory, where she consistently sought opportunities to enhance marketing and training divisions. Angie developed the Marketing and Training Department for University City Housing Company where she held the position of Marketing & Training Director. In 2019, she joined AION Management as the Vice President of Marketing & Training, where she played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s portfolio and refining its marketing & training strategies, leading to significant growth in their number of units.

AION Management grew from 10,000 units in 2019 to almost 21,000 by 2022 spread across 7 states which allowed Angie to focus on new regional markets, lease-ups, and innovative technology. In 2022, Angie became the Vice President of Marketing and Branding, where her transition to solely focus on branding and marketing underscores her commitment to building strong, recognizable brands within the industry.

Now serving as the Director of Brand Engagement at Berger Communities, Angie continues to leverage her expertise to differentiate the company’s brand in the competitive property management landscape. By emphasizing the “Berger Way” and the 21 Key Fundamentals, she aims to streamline the renting experience for customers, making it more accessible and enjoyable – “renting shouldn’t be hard.”

Angie’s professional achievements are further reinforced by her certifications (AIT and NALP) and involvement in industry associations, such as the NAA and the Pennsylvania Apartment Association, where she shares her expertise as an instructor, recently speaking at the 2024 PAA Trade Show and Conference and the 2024 NAA Apartmentalize. Her academic background with a BS in Marketing from Penn State University’s Smeal College of Business provides a solid foundation for her strategic approach to branding and marketing.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Angie prioritizes family time, along with pursuits like reading, traveling, and embracing life’s experiences with positivity. Her well-rounded approach to life mirrors her philosophy that it’s not just about achieving success but also about cherishing moments and creating lasting memories.

Favorite Fundamental: #4 Deliver Legendary Service

customer experience, team development, strategic planning

spending time with husband and 2 sons, travel, and dogs.

Erin Schulte

Vice President of Organization Development

About Erin

Erin is the Vice President of Organizational Development at Berger Communities, where she oversees the Marketing, Training, and Strategic Services departments. She is a seasoned property management professional and has a remarkable ability to recognize the potential of individuals. She designs tailored training programs that help individuals reach their full potential, creating a highly skilled and motivated workforce.

Erin is also a strategic thinker who is responsible for selecting and implementing cutting-edge technologies that enhance the company’s operations. She ensures that Berger Communities remains up-to-date with the latest industry trends and advancements, enabling the company to stay relevant and competitive in its respective markets.

Erin is passionate about fostering a culture of growth and education, and her commitment to these values has made her an invaluable asset to Berger Communities. She is a key player in shaping the company’s future success, and her work ensures that all team members have the tools and knowledge necessary to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional results.

Favorite Fundamental: #14 Have a Bias for Action

customer experience, team development, strategic planning

spending time with husband and 2 daughters, travel, outdoors, and Penn State athletics

Andrea Hood

Divisional Vice President

About Andrea

Andrea has a very successful track record as a Divisional Vice President. Her focus is on rental growth, customer service, and team development. Andrea believes in giving her team the training and flexibility necessary in order to be empowered to succeed. Her responsibilities at Berger are overseeing multiple communities throughout Montgomery, Bucks, and Delaware counties.

Favorite Fundamental #14:
Have a Bias for Action

Empowerment, Team Building, Results Driven

Outdoors, family, friends, and games

Jacklyn McCord

Senior Regional Property Manager

About Jacklyn

Jacklyn currently oversees Berger’s South region. She is committed to continued growth and operational excellence through high standards and teamwork. She believes in providing the tools needed for success, and promoting from within whenever possible. Jacklyn has built a professional reputation around leading struggling communities to success.

Favorite Fundamental #5:
Think Team First

Teamwork, Empowerment, Development, and Operational Excellence

Traveling, Reading, Outdoors, and Spending time with family and friends.

Nicole Loser

Divisional Vice President

About Nicole

In her role as Divisional Vice President for the Berger West division, Nicole assumes responsibility for managing the operational excellence of communities spanning Central and Western Pennsylvania, as well as Ohio. Nicole’s unwavering commitment lies in nurturing teams to craft remarkable experiences for residents, team members, and visitors across all Berger communities. Her leadership approach is rooted in the belief that every day should be seized as an opportunity to be better than the last and a confidence that there is nothing that can’t be accomplished by working together towards a common goal.

Nicole currently serves as the Regional Vice President for IREM Region 2, which encompasses Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Her extensive track record includes a previous role as the Past President and Board Member of the Pennsylvania Apartment Association- Central, as well as Past President of IREM’s Delaware Valley Chapter 3. She contributes her expertise as a Certified Apartment Manager course instructor for PAA and has been a presenter for multiple industry education conferences.

Favorite Fundamental #9:
Find A Way

Strategic Planning, Team Development, and Industry Advocacy

Family hikes, Basketball, Music, and Reading.

Katherine Smith Regional Property Manager

Katherine Winkleman

Senior Regional Property Manager

About Katherine

Kat is the Regional Property Manager of the Berger West region, which includes a diverse portfolio of both student and conventional housing. With a focus on nurturing talent and fostering success, Kat has played a pivotal role in cultivating a culture of growth, resulting in numerous internal promotions throughout her region.

Her unwavering commitment is rooted in a clear vision: to make Berger the ultimate destination for our residents and the premier workplace for our team members. Her steadfast dedication centers on delivering exceptional service to both internal and external customers while fostering a sense of care and camaraderie within her team.

Passionate about student housing, Kat thrives on the exhilarating challenges it presents. She has created strong relationships with neighboring universities and keeps a keen eye on industry marketing trends to maintain a competitive advantage. Kat’s leadership sets the tone for our commitment to elevating standards, ensuring our residents receive the best housing experience possible, and achieving great results.

Favorite Fundamental #16:
Keep Making it Better

Student Housing, Team Development, Exceptional Customer Service

Being outdoors, Penn State Football, anything cheese related, especially by way of a good Charcuterie.

Ryan McCord

In Loving Memory

About Ryan

Ryan serves as the Director of Maintenance Services at Berger Communities, overseeing the upkeep and operational efficiency of our properties. With a rich experience spanning 25 years in the industry, Ryan’s hands-on approach and collaborative leadership style drive the continuous development and success of our service department.

Committed to ensuring both customer satisfaction and team member engagement, Ryan upholds a steadfast commitment to operational excellence, emphasizing the value of teamwork and high-performance standards. He firmly embraces the philosophy, ‘tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.’ underscoring his belief in the power of hands-on learning and active participation. Ryan holds multiple certifications including CAMT through NAA, EPA, and CPO, reflecting his dedication to ongoing professional development. His exceptional contributions have earned him multiple recognitions at Maintenance Supervisor of the Year throughout his career.

Favorite Fundamental #4:
Deliver Legendary Service

Collaboration, Training, and Teamwork

Spending time with family, traveling, cooking, and home improvements

Antwan Edwards

Divisional Service Director

About Antwan

Antwan serves as Divisional Service Director, overseeing a portfolio of eleven communities and six commercial properties in West Chester, PA., Delaware, and various areas of Southern PA. He is focused on providing the best customer experience possible. Antwan enjoys working side by side with his teams and passing on the message behind the quote “Fish for a man and he’ll eat for day but teach a man how to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime.”

Favorite Fundamental #4:
Deliver Legendary Service

I specialize in HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Interior Repairs & Remodeling.

I enjoy basketball, football, and spending time with my family.

Chelsea Duke

Regional Property Manager

About Chelsea

Chelsea Duke currently serves as the Regional Manager of Berger Central, where she oversees communities in Central PA, including the management of Berger’s first new construction development. Recognized as a results-driven leader, Chelsea firmly believes that dedication to excellence and personal pride are essential elements for achieving success.
Her primary objective is to inspire her team with the same drive and passion, ensuring their individual success and, consequently, the overall success of the company. Chelsea’s commitment to cultivating a motivated and high-achieving team underlines her instrumental role in driving Berger Central towards continued growth and recognition in the multifamily industry.

Favorite Fundamental #30:
Keep Things Fun

Team Development, Customer Service, Policies and Procedures

Spending time with family and friends, Traveling, Home décor and We Are, Penn State!

Bryan Kulbacki

Director of Training

About Bryan

As the Director of Training at Berger Communities, Bryan is committed to creating and implementing training initiatives that empower individuals throughout our organization, nurturing their growth and ultimate success. Bryan’s journey within the industry began as a Leasing and Marketing Manager, and his outstanding performance propelled him to several positions including Community Manager and Area Manager.

With a wealth of industry experience, Bryan remains dedicated to the continuous improvement of our training programs. His focus is twofold: streamlining the onboarding process for new team members and offering vital support to all individuals within the Berger Communities family. Through his unwavering commitment, Bryan plays a pivotal role in elevating the capabilities and success of the entire team.

Favorite Fundamental #9:
Find a Way

Integrity, Collaboration, and Performing under Pressure

Pittsburgh Sports, hiking, camping, and quality time with the family.

Steve Berger

Founder

About Steve

Steve Berger co-founded Berger Communities in 1973, transforming it from a single property in Philadelphia into a portfolio of more than 60 communities and nearly 12,000 apartment homes across Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Ohio. Originally an accountant, Steve built the company alongside his brother Jim on a foundation of hard work, smart risks, and lasting relationships.

Over the past five decades, Steve has guided Berger’s growth by staying true to the same core values and principles that shaped the company from the start—integrity, service, and a commitment to people. He takes pride in seeing Berger evolve into a sophisticated, innovative organization while maintaining its family-driven culture and purpose.

Today, Steve remains deeply engaged in fostering the company’s relationships with residents, partners, and the broader business community. He also devotes significant time to philanthropic efforts, reflecting one of Berger’s core fundamentals: to “make a difference.” Seeing Berger Communities flourish through the dedication of more than 300 team members continues to be one of his greatest rewards.

Favorite Fundamental: #11:
Be Responsive

Dealing with challenges

Travel