SUMMA - Key Persons
Amber comes to Summa with extensive procurement knowledge across several interior design sectors, Hospitality, Multi Family, and Senior Living. With a bachelor's degree in biology and a certificate of Interior Design from New York Institute of Art and Design, Amber brings forth valuable problem-solving skills with the ability to execute the necessary details in achieving each project's completion "goals" for her clients. Her assistance in managing, sourcing and tracking of all specified FF&E/OS&E makes her an essential component of every team and each project. She is committed to building long-standing, positive, and productive working relationships in aiding to create success for each of our exciting new developments. Outside of work, you will find Amber lost in a dreamy book, cuddled-up with her dogs Moose + Blu, or with her family + friends.
Ms. Baba's work experience in the luxury hospitality industry combined with her bi-lingual Spanish speaking skills bring a tremendous level of value to our team's ability to tackle projects on an international and domestic level. Her exceptional time management and communication skills allow her to deliver results and success on every project. She prides herself on her ability to build a teamwork environment to drive projects across the finish line. Ms. Baba received her degree in Business with a concentration in Entertainment and Hospitality Management from Cal State Fullerton. She is extremely detail-oriented and excels at working in challenging/fast-paced environments.
Mr. Sprecher is the President and CEO of Summa International with 20 years experience in hospitality procurement, project management and acquisitions. He has overseen projects in locations throughout the world bringing a diverse understanding of procurement, logistics and a diverse range of project dynamics. He is well versed in repositioning properties in their current market through mindful and creative hospitality renovations. His skills include but are not limited to estimating, consulting, procurement & negotiations, green/sustainable FF&E guidelines and alternatives, creative options in value engineering, minimizing environmental impact, 3-PL logistics and exposing projects to their higheset efficiencies. Mr. Sprecher runs Summa International as a family business, taking the utmost pride in every project undertaken.
Chrissy brings us 10+ years of extensive hospitality experience working in both design and procurement project management. Her leadership role and skill set allows her the opportunity to manage a multitude of upscale, luxurious and highly customized boutique hotel projects. Her passion for bringing complex projects "to life" while navigating the day-to-day challenges clients face makes her a fierce asset to the SUMMA team. Her unique background affords her the ability to understand the demands of our industry, allowing her to approach unforeseen issues from a holistic view, and offering clients creative solutions to meet the needs of their projects and ultimately, delivering their FF&E / OS&E successfully. When not at work, she enjoys exercising, exploring Chicago's food scene and spending time with Linc and Pax, her adopted Australia Shepherds.
Christina's career has afforded her opportunities to work in all realms of new development. Everything from residential construction to custom millwork and cabinetry to now, hospitality development. Working within our accounting department, Christina offers assistance with all of our administrative tasks, such as reviewing and processing invoices, reconciling house and vendor accounts, to assisting our team of Project Managers with logistics and warranty + care manuals. She tackles each job with a positive attitude and high attention to detail.
With 6+ years of hospitality experience, Crystal comes with a strong background in both design and procurement. From production planning, sourcing, budget + installation management, Crystal is a key player to SUMMA in delivering our client's successful experiences. Having worked in hospitality design prior to shifting into the procurement world, Crystal has a profound respect and a keen understanding of what a projects process entails from beginning to end. She spares no effort in exceeding our clients' expectations and is well versed in strategizing complex situations and creative problem-solving solutions. She is proficient, communicative, and extremely organized, while eager to support our clients and their respective teams. In her leisure time, you can find Crystal enjoying an early morning run and spending time with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Director of Business Development
As our Director of Business Development, Demi brings a unique wealth of knowledge to our team and is committed to helping our clients succeed by delivering an unparalleled level of service to each of our projects. Backed with several years' experience on the FF&E manufacturing side of our inspiring industry, she has gained vast knowledge of all processes that encompass the procurement world of boutique, lifestyle and luxury hotel development. She is passionate about working with teams who are hard-working, innovative and who strive to think "outside-of-the-box". Demi is focused and committed to client confidence and knowing that her team is providing their very best for the success of each of our projects.
Mr. Mascia's years of experience with his advertising agency work in New York City has allowed him to see projects through many eyes. He has over a decade devoted to small business ownership while enhancing his skills dedicated to interiors and renovation management. His present position of overseeing Summa's Pacific Rim team has established his foothold in Summa's growth and strategic planning. His knowledge base in FF&E/OS&E/OFCI procurement and installation oversight on years of multi-million dollar hotel renovations has solidified him as a leader in his profession.
James brings us 15+ years of professional hospitality industry experience, along with a level and expertise and knowledge to each custom project put in front of him. Having started as a room service waiter with Orient-Express Hotels and having since served in various leadership roles including food & beverage director, general manager, and most recently as asset project manager for private equity hotel developers. James takes a hand-on approach to ensure each bespoke project is delivered on time, while ensuring our client's the highest quality of goods at the most competitive pricing. When not working, James spends time with friends + family, cycling, reading and touring hotels. James received a degree in Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Administration and a double minor in Spanish and Business Administration from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Jamie brings us a multi-skilled + multi-talented design and procurement work portfolio. Graduating from Georgia Southern University with a degree in Interior Design, she has extensive awareness in managing highly bespoke FF&E projects and their complex installations. Her unique background in working within a variety of industries (Hospitality, Senior Living + Multi-Family), as both designer and project manager, has proven to be an important asset to our clients and the success of their projects. Her vast understanding in reviewing custom specifications and shop drawings allows for transparent and direct communication with each project and their teams (design, manufacturing, and ownership). Delivering customized, unique + exciting hotel projects to life, brings her joy! In Jamie's free time she enjoys being outdoors.
Jessica joins our team with 7+ years of experience in both hospitality custom manufacturing and hospitality interior design. Receiving two Interior Design degrees, a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Cal State University, Fullerton, and an Interior Design degree from the Los Angeles Art Institute, affords her the education to look at our projects from many angles and anticipate clients needs. From the beginning to completion, she is committed to delivering our clients successful projects. Jessica prides herself in being organized, detail-oriented, and very hard-working. She is always eager to support her team on new opportunities and spares no effort to exceed our clients' expectations. In her leisure time, you can find Jessica outdoors on some kind of adventure, whether that be camping in the Sierras or off-roading in the desert.
With 10+ years of hospitality procurement and project management experience, Mrs. Vos brings our clients and our projects proactive problem-solving solutions. As a Project Manager, she values organization, transparent communication and efficiency throughout each of our project's lifecycle. She is passionate about collaborating with each project's dynamic team including the interior design component in helping to deliver unique, complex and successful projects to each of our clients. Her hard work, knowledge and keen judgement allows her to anticipate obstacles and ultimately aids in determining how to maneuver these roadblocks accordingly. Jessica is a native Chicagoan and is enthusiastic about hospitality development. She enjoys participating on the NEWH Chicago Chapter board and staying engaged with her local community and colleagues.
Joanna joins the Summa family with years of extensive experience within the accounting world. From working in the medical + holistic field, to retail, as well as property management. She enjoys working with numbers and is committed to each project and providing our clients with the assurance they are in good hands. Her attention to detail and proficiency ensures our clients and their projects team, a smooth and successful delivery of our work and their project needs. Joanna is a true artisan and in her spare time you can find her working with her hands. Whether it be a woodworking project or handmade soap, she appreciates the craftsmanship and skill that goes into perfecting a new trade.
Bringing us 4+ years of luxury residential work experience, Julia encompasses a unique and fresh approach in collaborating with each of our project's and their respective teams. Born in Boston with parents in real estate development, Julia has always been inspired + moved by beautiful environments which ultimately, is what passionately drove her to Syracuse University and earning a Degree in both Marketing + Supply Chain Management. Well versed in cross-function situations and complex scenarios, her comprehensive understanding of all things "logistics" allows her to help manage our project's schedules but more importantly, our client's expectations. She is detail-oriented, proficient, communicative, and innovative. Outside of the office, you'll find Julia exploring all that California has to offer, taking fun film photos, or watching Boston sports!
Kaela comes to us with 8+ years of hospitality procurement and project management experience. Her diverse background in both procurement and manufacturing allows her invaluable insight and a unique perspective to tackle complex projects with a well-rounded, organized, + strategic approach. Kaela is committed to building long-standing, positive, and productive working relationships with the project team. Her transparent communication and hands-on-approach ensures each project is delivered on time, with the highest quality, and most competitive pricing for our clients. From budget creation to final punch, Kaela manages each project with a solution-oriented attitude, passion and professionalism, ensuring a successful project from beginning to end. In her free time, she enjoys taking long walks with her lab mix, Grey, and spending time with her family.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager
- Senior Project Manager
Kassi Murakami has been a project manager for over a decade and has done procurement for residential, commercial and hospitality spaces. Specs, budgets, purchasing, no problem as she loves to tackle new things head-on. On her free time, she loves spending family time at the beach with her 3 children (Davin, Kohen and Kaiann) and pups Sea-sea and Reef. #vitamin-sea
Kristin Brooks is an extremely reliable and personable administrative professional who works well under the crazy pressure of this industry and completes project tasks to their highest degree. She works closely with all the project managers to monitor project plans, budgets and ensure deadlines are met in a timely manner. Her exceptional time management and communication skills allow her to collaborate with the internal team to deliver results on deadlines. Kristin maintains leadership abilities while supporting those colleagues who depend on her expertise and knowledge in the industry.
Job Titles:
- Accounts Receivable Clerk
With over ten years of professional experience in accounting and office administration, Lea brings in the technical and analytical skills necessary to get any administrative and accounting tasks done with precision and confidence. Her past accounting experience in various types of industries - Education, Healthcare, IT, Physical Security - has given her the versatility to be placed in any type of work environment and adhere to the level of excellence expected of her. She loves assisting in any way she can and genuinely enjoys the art of wearing many hats! Lea lives in California with her husband, son, and their dog named Pancake. In her free time you can find her hiking, biking, and going on different types of outdoor adventures with her family.
Mrs. Pahia's duties include (but are not limited to) overseeing all financial operations including accounts payable and receivables, project cost & cash flow projections, invoice tracking, client expenditure auditing, and account close out. Her involvement in a project includes coordinating all financial arrangements for each client's specific needs per project requirements including proprietary report formatting for easier accountability and reconciliation of clients' accounts. Mrs. Pahia's runs a sound team that mitigate all financial risk throughout the life of every project while breathing new life into every project.
Coming to us with an extensive background in real estate development, Margaret encompasses the tools and the innate ability to view a project from all lenses through her attention to detail while ensuring all deadlines are met to the client's satisfaction. Her experience in managing ground up, large scale developments with her extensive knowledge in planning, production, freight + logistics affords her comprehensive oversight to manage her projects, holistically. With a degree in engineering from the University of Michigan, Margaret thrives in fast paced environments and loves a challenge. She is committed to delivering each of our client's successful results + installations. In her free-time, Margaret enjoys island time, with her little Keiki (child).
With 15+ years of success and experience as an FF&E/OS&E hospitality designer, procurement and senior project manager, Nicole offers a diverse level of service to our clients and their project needs. Her extensive knowledge and expertise affords her the opportunity to collaborate with multiple brands, developers and turnkey services. She has a deep appreciation for the design process and considers all visionaries behind each of our projects. Her savvy skill set, hands on approach, and ability to bear in mind meticulous details, makes her a valuable asset to our team. She aims to provide the ultimate guest experience, while helping to create a bespoke, functional and unique hotel spaces. Her experience as both a designer and procurement professional have ensured success for several luxury and boutique hospitality brands around the globe.
Job Titles:
- a / R & Logistics Manager
Ms. Andersen fills multiple roles on a project which include, accounting, assisting in management and sourcing of all FF&E / OS&E, freight & logistics, and comprehensive project oversight. Her extensive knowledge ensures that all product arrives to its respective end user on schedule and by the most cost effective means appropriate for the project. Along with her extensive knowledge in the hospitality arena, she has shown the ability to perform under pressure while, exercising ingenious problem solving skills, and is committed to each project, ensuring it is smooth and efficient from beginning to end.
Fun Fact: She is a diehard Disney Fan, loves hallmark movies and her favorite super hero is Wonder Woman.
As Director of Projects, Mrs. Esposito oversees the management of all FF&E/OS&E for her team. Her extensive knowledge, hands-on experience, proficiencies + savviness in approaching each of our project's needs, makes her truly invaluable to our clients and their teams. From a projects initial onboarding and throughout its lifecycle, Shauna is there to help support her team in delivering our clients successful installations. Her ability to interface with all members of a project including designers, owners + manufacturers enable her multifaceted view + approach to providing our clients with problem solving considerations at the onset of an issue. She is committed to each project + thrives on multi-tasking + organizational efficiencies that each project demands ensuring its progress, delivery, and success, from beginning to end.
Mrs. Nickontro has an extensive background in property management, procurement + quality control management for high-end residential, commercial + hospitality projects. Her ability to manage our projects through detailed + open communication while delivering fully transparent updates with all members of our projects (including ownership, design + manufacturing) enables her success in delivering our most complex FF&E / OS&E / OFCI / OFOI installations. Working closely with each projects GC and the onsite field staff to support their needs, while driving a projects schedule and meeting crucial deadlines assures our clients that she is committed to their needs and confirms, she has their projects best interest, in mind. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, astronomy, ancient history, dance + quiet time in nature.
With opportunities to work and learn from many aspects within our hospitality industry, Victor Perez brings our team a wealth of knowledge and qualified experience to execute some of our most demanding projects. His awareness to project schedules, budgets, design and overall project management afford him the comprehensive approach each of our projects in a proactive manner, while utilizing his problem-solving skills in navigating our most challenging of situations. He prides himself in his attention to detail, his ability to adapt to the needs of our uniquely designed projects and his commitment to keeping a project in budget while maintaining a designer's creative vision. His breath of work includes luxury and boutique hotels, casinos, restaurants, retail spaces, concert venues, and a AAA baseball stadium.