Andrew Paul Gonchar, known professionally as Andrew P. Gonchar, Andrew Gonchar and Andy Gonchar, is Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of Vertus Asset Management, a real estate investment, development and asset management firm specializing in residential, commercial and mixed-use properties, Opportunity Zone investments and the redevelopment of environmentally challenged sites.

After graduating from New York University, Mr. Gonchar built an extensive career in the financial industry. He held positions with CIBC Oppenheimer, Smith Barney, Shearson and Lehman Brothers, and ultimately founded and operated MPG, his own broker-dealer. This experience gave him a strong foundation in investment analysis, capital markets, risk evaluation, financing and transaction structuring. In 2006, Mr. Gonchar transitioned full-time from Wall Street into real estate investment and development. Since then, he has participated in the acquisition, development, redevelopment and construction of more than 100 projects. Including completed projects and properties currently under development, the projects in which Mr. Gonchar and his partners have been involved represent over $1 billion in market value.

As CEO and Managing Partner of Vertus, Mr. Gonchar helps lead the firm’s investment strategy, capital allocation and portfolio execution. His responsibilities include identifying acquisition and development opportunities, evaluating highest-and-best-use strategies, structuring investments, arranging financing, directing strategic planning, negotiating with tenants and overseeing the long-term expansion of the firm’s portfolio.

Vertus pursues value through ground-up development, redevelopment, strategic capital improvements, changes of use and the placement of quality tenants. The firm also has significant experience with sites requiring environmental remediation and has worked with the New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program. Vertus provides tenants with an integrated turnkey experience encompassing design, engineering, construction management, tenant improvements and property operations. A major focus of Mr. Gonchar’s current work is the continued growth of Vertus’ Staten Island portfolio, including the Bay Opportunity Zone projects. These developments are designed to transform underutilized properties, attract businesses and service providers, create long-term economic activity and contribute to the revitalization of Staten Island’s North Shore. Mr. Gonchar combines his financial background with approximately two decades of hands-on real estate development experience. This perspective enables him to evaluate opportunities from both the investment and development sides of a transaction while guiding projects from acquisition and capitalization through construction, leasing, stabilization and long-term asset management.

Guy R. Pennisi is Chief Financial Officer and Managing Partner of Vertus Asset Management, a real estate investment, development and asset management firm specializing in residential, commercial and mixed-use properties, Opportunity Zone investments and the redevelopment of environmentally challenged sites.

Mr. Pennisi graduated from St. John’s University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and Finance. He began his professional career in the financial services industry, gaining extensive experience with Pershing, Solomon Smith Barney and TigerShark Management. At TigerShark Management, Mr. Pennisi served as a trader for a $250 million hedge fund, developing significant expertise in financial markets, investment analysis, risk management, portfolio strategy and financial decision-making.

Following his career in finance, Mr. Pennisi transitioned his experience in capital markets and financial analysis into real estate investment and development. Throughout his career, he has been involved in more than 100 construction and development projects. Including completed projects and properties currently under development, the projects in which Mr. Pennisi has participated represent a combined market value in excess of $1 billion.

As CFO and Managing Partner of Vertus, Mr. Pennisi plays a key role in the firm’s financial strategy, investment analysis and portfolio execution. His responsibilities include financial modeling and analysis, capital allocation, budgeting, project underwriting, financing, risk evaluation and overseeing the financial performance of the firm’s development and investment portfolio.

Mr. Pennisi works closely with Vertus’ investment and development team throughout the lifecycle of each project, from acquisition and initial underwriting through capitalization, construction, leasing and stabilization. His financial background provides the firm with a disciplined approach to evaluating investment opportunities, structuring transactions and managing the financial requirements of complex development projects.

A major focus of Mr. Pennisi’s current work is supporting the continued growth of Vertus’ real estate portfolio, including its Staten Island and Bay Opportunity Zone projects. Through his combined background in financial markets and real estate development, Mr. Pennisi brings a practical understanding of both investment strategy and project execution to the firm’s operations.

With more than two decades of experience across financial services and real estate, Mr. Pennisi combines institutional finance expertise with extensive hands-on development experience. His ability to evaluate financial performance, manage risk and support the capitalization and execution of large-scale projects makes him an integral part of Vertus Asset Management’s leadership team.

Edward J. Rice is Chief Operations Officer and Managing Partner of Vertus Asset Management, a real estate investment, development and asset management firm specializing in residential, commercial and mixed-use properties, Opportunity Zone investments and the redevelopment of environmentally challenged sites.

Mr. Rice has more than 25 years of experience in the building and construction industry. He is the owner of American Home Building and Masonry, which he has owned and operated for more than 20 years. Throughout his career, Mr. Rice has developed extensive expertise in residential construction, commercial buildouts, project management, construction operations and the execution of complex building projects.

As Chief Operations Officer and Managing Partner of Vertus, Mr. Rice oversees the firm’s day-to-day operations and plays a key role in the execution of its development and construction activities. His responsibilities include coordinating construction operations, overseeing contractors and subcontractors, managing project schedules, evaluating construction requirements and ensuring that projects progress efficiently from development through completion.

Mr. Rice holds a multitude of licenses and certifications related to the building and construction industry. His extensive hands-on experience provides Vertus with a practical understanding of construction requirements, project execution and the operational challenges associated with residential, commercial and mixed-use development.