Meet Our Leadership Team
At Ciminelli, our leadership is guided by a multi‑generational commitment to quality, a deeply customer‑centric philosophy, and a focus on delivering meaningful results for the communities we serve.
Rooted in more than 35 years of industry experience, our leadership team champions a culture of excellence by empowering talented professionals to deliver exceptional real estate solutions across our diverse portfolio.
Executives
Paul Ciminelli
Chief Executive Officer
Paul provides strategic leadership and long‑term guidance, drawing on decades of experience and more than $2 billion in real estate development and investment expertise.
Role & Scope
Paul serves as Chief Executive Officer of Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation, providing strategic leadership across the firm’s development, investment, and property management platforms. Under his direction, the company operates across multiple states, delivering integrated real estate solutions to public- and private‑sector clients.
Impact & Experience
Over the course of his career, Paul has completed more than $2 billion in real estate transactions through acquisition and development, playing a defining role in shaping commercial and mixed‑use real estate throughout Western New York and beyond. Since founding the company, he has grown Ciminelli from a five‑person organization into a multidisciplinary firm of more than 200 professionals, while expanding the property management portfolio from approximately 200,000 square feet to more than 27 million square feet across seven states.
Paul’s development portfolio spans decades and includes both foundational and transformative projects. Early milestones include the development of a 220,000‑square‑foot distribution center for Tops Markets, the Cornell and Ithaca Commons developments, and the formation of Ciminelli Real Estate Services. He later led the development of prominent suburban office parks throughout Western New York, including Village Park, Audubon, Centerpointe, and Colvin Woods. More recent landmark projects include Conventus, 201 Ellicott, 716 Health, and the Roswell Park Scott Bieler Amherst Center, along with major healthcare, office, and adaptive‑reuse developments that continue to shape the region’s growth.
Education & Credentials
Paul holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University at Buffalo and has completed executive education programs at the MIT Sloan School of Management and Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, including the Running a Private Real Estate Company program.
Community & Interests
Paul is deeply engaged in civic, professional, and nonprofit leadership throughout the Buffalo Niagara region and has served on numerous boards focused on economic development, education, and community advancement. Outside of work, he enjoys kayaking, skiing out west, spending time with his grandchildren, and exploring the Adirondacks.
Kyle Ciminelli
President
Kyle sets Ciminelli’s vision and drives forward looking growth, leading the company’s business development efforts across its integrated service lines.
Role & Scope
Kyle serves as President of Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation and Newmark Ciminelli, setting the company’s forward looking vision and leading strategy across brokerage, development & acquisitions, property management and investments. In this role, he partners closely with executive leadership to identify growth opportunities, shape long term direction, and ensure the organization continues to evolve alongside changing markets and client needs.
Impact & Experience
Kyle brings deep experience across local and national commercial real estate markets, combining big picture thinking with hands on execution. Prior to returning to Buffalo, he spent more than a decade with Newmark at its headquarters in in New York City, where he advised institutional owners and occupiers on high profile projects including Chelsea Market, Industry City Brooklyn, and the redevelopment of Hudson Square on behalf of Hines. In addition, Kyle represented several high-profile tenants within the tech, legal, financial and education sectors with their real estate requirements. In Western New York, Kyle has led or supported transformative transactions such as the initial lease up of Seneca One, including a 100,000 square foot lease with Highmark, the relocation of Five Star Bank’s Buffalo headquarters, and Nixon Peabody’s Rochester headquarters relocation.
Kyle’s leadership and dealmaking excellence have been recognized throughout the industry, including, Newmark’s Managing Director of the Year and Aaron Gural Award (voted on by his peers), SL Green’s Green Deal Award for largest transaction, multiple appearances on Buffalo Business First’s Power 250 (2024, 2025) and recognition as a “40 Under 40” honoree and a New York Real Estate Journal “Ones to Watch” recipient.
Education & Credentials
Kyle is a graduate of St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute and Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business. He also holds a Master’s degree in Real Estate, Finance, and Development from New York University’s School of Professional Studies.
Community & Interests
Kyle serves on the boards of St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, the Buffalo Renaissance Foundation, the Amherst Chamber of Commerce, and Downtown 2030. Outside of work, he enjoys being a dad, following Buffalo sports, and spending time outdoors golfing, skiing, and hiking.
Jim Gottstine
Chief Financial Officer
Jim leads Ciminelli’s financial strategy, supporting growth through disciplined capital planning and investment oversight.
Role & Scope
Jim serves as Chief Financial Officer of Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation, overseeing the company’s financial strategy, capital planning, and performance across its development, investment, and real estate services platforms. In this role, he collaborates closely with executive leadership to support long‑term growth, financial discipline, and strategic decision‑making across the organization.
Impact & Experience
Throughout his tenure at Ciminelli, Jim has worked across nearly every facet of the commercial real estate lifecycle, bringing a comprehensive understanding of finance, operations, and asset performance. He has closed more than $750 million in real estate transactions, including mezzanine debt, construction financing, and permanent loans with both national and international lenders. Jim has played a key role in expanding Ciminelli’s owned, managed, and developed portfolio by more than 15 million square feet, while helping grow company revenues by over 40 percent.
Under his financial leadership, the company has scaled its operations significantly, including the addition of nearly 150 employees, management of accounting functions for more than 500 entities, and support of high‑volume operational activity across property management and construction services. Jim also serves as a key member of Ciminelli’s internal investment review group, evaluating the financial viability of development and investment opportunities across the firm’s multi‑state footprint.
Education & Credentials
Jim holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University at Buffalo and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Canisius College. He is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM).
Community & Interests
Jim serves on the Real Estate Advisory Committee of the New York State Common Retirement Fund and the Mercy Hospital Foundation Board. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, including his two children, and traveling with friends and family.
Zach Melas
Senior Vice President, Operations
Zach leads Ciminelli’s operations, driving organizational alignment and company wide performance.
Role & Scope
Zach serves as Senior Vice President of Operations, leading Ciminelli’s Corporate Services department and overseeing all functions across the organization. In this role, he also acts as the company’s EOS Integrator, facilitating the leadership team’s Level 10 meetings and driving alignment and execution across the enterprise.
Impact & Experience
Zach began his career at Ciminelli as a Property Manager in 2007, following an internship with the company in 2005. Over the course of his tenure, he has led complex operational initiatives, including coordinating the transition of more than 500 bank branches through multiple client mergers and acquisitions. He has driven significant cost savings through a comprehensive insurance bid process, resulting in over $500,000 in annual savings, and led a companywide systems evaluation that culminated in the adoption of Yardi. Zach also oversaw the evaluation and successful insourcing of the company’s IT and HR functions, helped establish the Procurement and Corporate Services teams, and serves as the founding Chair of Ciminelli’s Corporate Stewardship initiative.
Education & Credentials
Zach holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Case Western Reserve University and is a LEED Accredited Professional.
Community & Interests
Zach has served six years on the BOMA board and currently serves on the board of Persistence Preparatory Academy. A lifelong Western New Yorker, he lives in Kenmore-Tonawanda with his spouse, Trish, and their two children, Henry and Elliott. While proudly rooted in Buffalo, Zach is also a shareholder of the Green Bay Packers; America’s only publicly owned professional sports franchise.
Matthew Caldiero
Controller
Matt oversees Ciminelli’s accounting and financial controls, supporting complex projects with disciplined financial leadership.
Role & Scope
Matt serves as Controller at Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation, overseeing corporate accounting and financial reporting functions across the organization. In this role, he leads accounting operations, financial controls, audit coordination, and compliance efforts, supporting the company’s development, investment, and property management platforms.
Impact & Experience
Matt brings deep financial and operational expertise to Ciminelli, with a strong focus on risk management, capital strategy, and process improvement. He played a key role in securing permanent debt conversion for the 201 Ellicott Residential project, successfully navigating a complex, multi‑year process involving state agency operating, financial, and occupancy benchmarks. Matt has also led multiple New York State Brownfield Tax Credit audits, ensuring the full realization of tax credits for Ciminelli‑associated properties. In addition, he successfully managed the transition of the company’s 401(k) plan to Morgan Stanley, delivering enhanced fiduciary oversight, expanded financial‑wellness resources for employees, and a more cost‑effective fee structure.
Prior to joining Ciminelli, Matt held senior accounting and finance roles across public accounting, financial services, and private enterprise, bringing a well‑rounded perspective to complex financial environments.
Education & Credentials
Matt is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in New York State. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting Information Systems from Canisius College’s Richard J. Wehle School of Business.
Community & Interests
Matt is actively involved in the local community, volunteering with Saint Mark School’s Home School Association and participating annually in the Ride for Roswell. He previously served on the Board of Directors for Lexington Co‑operative Market, including as Treasurer.
Departmental Leadership
Ryan Zebro
Vice President, Investments
Ryan leads Ciminelli’s investment strategy, structuring partnerships and driving growth across the company’s core markets.
Role & Scope
Ryan serves as Vice President of Investments, leading equity sourcing and investment strategy for Ciminelli’s real estate platform. In this role, he structures equity partnerships with institutional and high‑net‑worth investors, sources and underwrites investment opportunities, oversees investor reporting and communications, and serves as a member of the Ciminelli Investment Committee.
Impact & Experience
With more than 25 years of real estate experience, Ryan has played a central role in expanding Ciminelli’s investment capabilities and geographic reach. He created the company’s first diversified real estate investment fund, enabling high‑net‑worth investors to invest alongside Ciminelli across its core markets in Buffalo, Massachusetts, and Florida. Ryan also led the establishment of Ciminelli’s Boston office, overseeing more than $160 million in investments across approximately 800,000 square feet of real estate in Massachusetts. In addition, he supports clients through sale‑leaseback opportunities that align capital strategy with long‑term operational needs.
Education & Credentials
Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University’s Richard T. Farmer School of Business.
Community & Interests
Ryan is deeply involved in industry and community leadership, having served as Past President of the NAIOP Upstate New York Chapter and currently serving on the NAIOP National Board. He is also the current Board Chair of Hospice Buffalo Palliative Care and a Past Board Chair of the Hospice Buffalo Foundation. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys running, skiing, and traveling.
Courtney Samuels-Cox
Director, Acquisitions and Development
Courtney leads Ciminelli’s acquisitions and development strategy, delivering complex, community‑focused projects that drive long‑term value.
Role & Scope
Courtney serves as Director of Acquisitions & Development at Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation, where he is responsible for sourcing, underwriting, and executing new development and redevelopment opportunities across the company’s portfolio. In this role, he leads all phases of the development lifecycle—from site selection and financial structuring through design, entitlements, and construction—while collaborating with internal teams, public agencies, and private partners to deliver high quality, community focused projects.
Impact & Experience
Prior to joining Ciminelli, Courtney led the development of projects totaling more than $145 million in transaction volume, delivering approximately 300 multifamily units and 300,000 square feet of commercial space. He brings deep expertise in complex, mixed finance transactions, including the use of Historic Rehabilitation, New Markets, Brownfield, and Low Income Housing Tax Credits, as well as public and private debt, grants, and other incentive programs.
At Ciminelli, Courtney oversees and actively manages a nine figure development pipeline, driving strategic growth and value creation across the company’s portfolio. His work reflects a strong focus on thoughtful development, financial discipline, and long term community impact.
Education & Credentials
Courtney holds a Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh and a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He is also a Construction Documents Technologist (CDT), certified through the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI).
Community & Interests
Courtney is an active member of the NAIOP Board and a graduate of Leadership Buffalo’s Class of 2021. He was recognized as a Buffalo Business First “30 Under 30” honoree in 2021 and is actively engaged in Western New York economic development initiatives, with a particular focus on downtown Buffalo revitalization through advocacy, strategic planning, and collaboration with public and private stakeholders.
Erik Wagner
Director, Development & Construction
Erik leads Ciminelli’s development and construction efforts, delivering complex projects through disciplined planning and execution.
Role & Scope
Erik serves as Director of Development & Construction at Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation, leading all phases of the development and construction process from entitlements and pre construction through design, construction, and tenant move in. He collaborates closely with the acquisitions and brokerage teams to support site selection efforts and oversees project planning, budgeting, consultant coordination, and municipal approvals, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and in alignment with strategic objectives.
Erik works closely with internal teams, external consultants, legal counsel, and community stakeholders to manage complex projects and guide them from concept through completion.
Impact & Experience
Erik joined Ciminelli in 2021 and brings decades of experience in real estate development, construction management, and pre construction services. Prior to joining the firm, he served as Senior Estimator and Project Manager, where he managed large scale construction projects across a diverse, national footprint.
Throughout his career, Erik has been responsible for developing capital project estimates, managing construction risk, coordinating procurement and contract negotiations, and advising executive leadership on cost, scope, and risk considerations associated with acquisitions and development initiatives. His experience spans all aspects of the construction lifecycle, supporting informed decision making and successful project execution.
Education & Credentials
Erik holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Engineering and Management from Clarkson University and a Commercial Real Estate Certificate from Cornell University.
Community & Interests
An Eagle Scout, Erik enjoys spending time outdoors and pursuing activities such as sailing and travel. Most recently, he traveled to Alaska, reflecting his passion for exploration and the outdoors.
Jenna Steinwachs
Director, Human Resources
Jenna leads Ciminelli’s human resources strategy, aligning talent, culture, and operations to support organizational growth.
Role & Scope
Jenna serves as Director of Human Resources, leading Ciminelli’s people strategy and overseeing the full employee lifecycle across the organization. In this role, she guides talent management, HR operations, and organizational development initiatives that support both employee experience and business performance.
Impact & Experience
Jenna brings a diverse background across both publicly traded and privately held organizations, with experience spanning entrepreneurial consulting, a mid‑sized community bank, and a global insurance provider. This range of experience enables her to take a well‑balanced, practical approach to Human Resources, blending strategic insight with operational execution.
Known for her strong partnership with business leaders, Jenna focuses on aligning people strategies with organizational goals to drive engagement, performance, and long‑term success. She is particularly drawn to Ciminelli’s ability to combine the professionalism and scale of a larger organization with the culture, accessibility, and community impact of a close‑knit team.
Education & Credentials
Jenna holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations from SUNY Fredonia and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Medaille College. She is SHRM‑CP certified and holds additional certifications in WorkPlace Big Five and DiSC assessment tools.
Community & Interests
Jenna lives in Lancaster with her family and enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. She has previously been involved with several community and professional organizations, including the American Cancer Society of Western New York, Leadership Buffalo, Be in Buffalo, Gateway Longview, and the Buffalo Niagara Human Resources Association.
David Puleo
Director, IT
Dave leads Ciminelli’s IT strategy, delivering secure, reliable systems that support efficiency across the organization.
Role & Scope
Dave serves as Director of Information Technology at Ciminelli, leading the company’s IT function across both in‑house and third‑party resources. In this role, he is responsible for ensuring reliable access to critical data systems while maintaining the security, integrity, and availability of information across the organization. Dave focuses on building consistent, repeatable processes that result in intuitive, well‑administered systems supporting workforce efficiency and operational continuity.
Impact & Experience
With more than 20 years of professional experience in the IT field, Dave brings a practical, security‑first approach to technology leadership. He has led key initiatives to strengthen Ciminelli’s cybersecurity posture, including the selection and implementation of identity threat management and managed detection and response systems that align with industry standards. Dave has also overseen efforts to modernize and harden the company’s device and system environment, ensuring infrastructure remains current and protected against known vulnerabilities.
Education & Credentials
Dave holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems from the University at Buffalo. He has completed the CCNA course, is ITIL Foundation certified, and is an active member of Infotech Western New York.
Community & Interests
An amateur photographer, Dave enjoys traveling to scenic destinations with his wife and two sons. He is also active in soccer, tennis, hiking, and running, and has previously trained and coached soccer teams. Dave has served as a board member of the Twin Cities Camera Club.
MacKenzie Tierney
Senior Manager, Marketing
MacKenzie leads Ciminelli’s marketing and brand strategy, driving business growth through clear positioning and integrated storytelling.
Role & Scope
MacKenzie serves as Senior Marketing Manager, leading Ciminelli’s marketing strategy, brand positioning, and go‑to‑market execution across all service lines. In this role, she oversees the marketing team, manages budget allocation, and aligns business strategy with brand storytelling to reinforce Ciminelli’s positioning as a fully integrated, full‑service real estate firm.
MacKenzie plays a direct role in business development, partnering closely with brokerage, property management, development, and investment teams to support client pursuits. She leads marketing strategy for pitches, RFP responses, and proposals, helping translate complex real estate services into compelling narratives that drive new business and strengthen client relationships. In addition to external marketing efforts, MacKenzie has developed Ciminelli’s internal marketing communications strategy and oversees its execution, ensuring consistent messaging, alignment, and engagement across teams.
Impact & Experience
MacKenzie joined Ciminelli as a marketing intern in 2017 and has progressed through roles of increasing responsibility to her current position. Throughout her tenure, she has helped evolve the firm’s brand, marketing infrastructure, and client‑facing materials to better reflect the scale, sophistication, and integrated nature of the organization. Her work focuses on aligning teams and strategies to consistently communicate Ciminelli’s value proposition across markets and audiences.
In addition to leading day‑to‑day marketing operations, MacKenzie co‑chairs Ciminelli’s Corporate Stewardship Team and manages the company’s charitable giving initiatives, further strengthening the firm’s community presence and values‑driven culture.
Education & Credentials
MacKenzie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Canisius College and has earned professional certifications in Content Marketing and SEO through HubSpot, as well as Google Ads Display, Google Ads Search, and Google Analytics. She is also a WNY Prosperity Scholar, recognizing her commitment to professional growth and regional economic development.
Community & Interests
MacKenzie is a graduate of Leadership Buffalo’s Class of 2025 and the Emerging Business Leaders program. She serves on the Buffalo Prep Marketing Committee and has previously served on the Little Portion Friary Board. Outside of work, MacKenzie is a fitness instructor at Sweat Society, a local Buffalo fitness studio.
Our Office Locations
Frank L. Ciminelli
Founder
Frank L. Ciminelli was the founder of Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation and a highly respected leader in Western New York’s construction and real estate industries. A lifelong Buffalonian, he began his career in the family concrete business, founded the Frank L. Ciminelli Construction Company in 1960, and established Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation in 1981, helping shape major commercial, industrial, and healthcare developments across the region and beyond. Known for his strong work ethic, humility, and commitment to integrity, Frank believed in treating every client as a long‑term partner and letting the work speak for itself. His values and vision continue to guide the company today through the continued leadership of his family.




