TOP SHELF PROJECT MANAGEMENT - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• CEO
• Founder
• Founder & CEO Top Shelf 2024 - 03 - 22T17

Dynamic and decisive! As CEO, Darrin Phillips spearheads our dynamic team, bringing over 25 years of invaluable experience in real estate acquisition, development, and project management. His extensive portfolio includes high-value properties across the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean, earning the trust and satisfaction of some of the most renowned names in the hotel industry. Darrin's visionary leadership led to the establishment of Top Shelf Project Management, in 2009. Recognizing the demand for a comprehensive consultancy dedicated to the hospitality sector, he built a boutique project management firm that stands on a foundation of trust and unwavering client focus. Under his guidance, Top Shelf has become synonymous with excellence, delivering on promises and exceeding expectations. A true industry visionary, Darrin has curated a team of seasoned professionals who share his commitment to industry standards, ensuring that each project aligns seamlessly with clients' visions. The team's collective dedication ensures projects are not only delivered on time and on budget but also reflect the distinctive mark of quality that defines Top Shelf Project Management.

Job Titles:

• Vice President
• Deanne Kuzmic Vice President

As the Vice President, Deanne brings over 30 years of profound experience to our dynamic team in the hospitality industry. A visionary leader, Deanne stands at the forefront of our strategic planning and business development initiatives, driving revenue growth, client acquisitions, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Her strategic acumen has consistently positioned Top Shelf as an industry leader, setting new standards for success in hospitality construction project management. Throughout her career, Deanne has played instrumental roles in the development, construction, and renovation of high-end hospitality assets for both Fortune 500 corporations and boutique development firms. Her career is a testament to her self-directed, results-oriented, and decisive leadership style. Deanne's remarkable ability to forge relationships with key partners, clients, and vendors has been a cornerstone of her success and has contributed significantly to Top Shelf's reputation as a trusted and innovative leader in the hospitality construction sector.

Job Titles:

• Project Manager
• Erika Nunez Project Manager

Erika is an accomplished project manager with a rich background spanning 18 years, combining design, engineering, and construction project management. She has been instrumental in steering projects to success, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic planning skills. She brings a wealth of experience from her prior roles, including a $14 million senior center and the strategic planning for North Carolina Central University's new $40 million School of Business building. Her responsibilities included project coordination, scheduling, budgeting, and administration of contracts, showcasing her comprehensive expertise in the field. Erika's educational background includes a BS in Interior Design from the Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston serves as the foundation for her pragmatic approach to construction management.

Job Titles:

• Chief Financial Officer
• Kaitlyn Zaverl Chief Financial Officer

Kaitlyn Rupard Zaverl is a highly seasoned financial professional with over 15 years of experience in accounting, budgeting, and human resource activities. Kaitlyn oversees all aspects of the accounting and finance functions, ensuring compliance with internal and external policies and procedures. Her hands-on approach and leadership have been instrumental in streamlining internal controls and day-to-day operations. Kaitlyn's extensive expertise and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset in the complex realm of financial management and project accounting. Kaitlyn holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Towson University in Maryland.

Job Titles:

• Senior Project Manager
• Robin Romero Senior Project Manager

With 25 years of dedicated practice in design and construction project management, Robin Romero is a seasoned professional who has made a significant impact in diverse settings across the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America. His extensive portfolio is marked by a focus on large-scale projects in hospitality, commercial ventures, residential developments, and institutional undertakings. Robin's wealth of knowledge has been honed through key roles at globally renowned architecture and design firm Arquitectonica and one of Spain's leading luxury real estate developers, Diursa Development Group. Having navigated prestigious appointments, Robin has accumulated invaluable experience and expertise that positions him as a true multicultural talent in the field. His commitment to realizing the vision of his clients is evident in the successful execution of a wide range of projects, each reflecting his dedication to excellence. Whether it's crafting innovative designs, managing complex construction processes, or overseeing the development of luxurious real estate, Robin's proficiency shines through. Robin's academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Architecture from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. This educational background, coupled with his extensive practical experience, forms the cornerstone of Robin's ability to deliver outstanding results and bring visions to life in the world of design and construction project management.

Job Titles:

• Project Manager
• Samantha Sperlbaum Project Manager

Samantha brings a wealth of experience to her role with over 10 years in progressively complex project management within the multi-family residential and hospitality construction sectors. Her journey includes key appointments with esteemed organizations such as luxury real estate developer The Hanover Company and Donohoe Construction. At Donohoe, Samantha played a pivotal role in the transformation of Washington, DC's historic Southwest waterfront (‘The Wharf'). Serving as the lead project manager for the Pendry Parcel 8 hotel and the Canopy Parcel 5 hotel, a joint venture by Hyatt House and Hilton, she showcased her leadership and strategic project management skills. Thriving on challenges, Samantha is committed to building collaborative relationships with project stakeholders, ensuring successful outcomes. Her diverse experience encompasses the intricacies of high-profile redevelopment projects, demonstrating her capability to navigate complex construction landscapes. Samantha holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, underscoring her strong educational foundation and proficiency in project management within the construction industry.

Job Titles:

• Project Manager
• Scott Walker Project Manager

Scott's 15-year journey in real estate development and hotel construction has equipped him with invaluable insights and expertise. Scott's extensive experience includes roles as Project Manager at White Construction Inc. and Lombardi Contracting Corporation, where he demonstrated proficiency in managing hotel construction projects from inception to closeout, maintaining quality control, and ensuring client satisfaction. With a strong focus on design development and project administration, he ensures seamless execution and continuous risk assessment.

Job Titles:

• Vice President
• Vicki Atherton Vice President

Vicki Atherton, our Vice President, and a seasoned professional with over 25 years of expertise in hospitality renovation and general construction project management. Vicki's impressive portfolio spans a diverse range of projects, encompassing hotel public spaces, exteriors, and thousands of guestrooms. Beyond the hospitality sector, she has successfully managed projects in civic, educational, retail, and office spaces.

Job Titles:

• Senior Project Manager
• Walt Schwaiger Project Manager

Walt Schwaiger is a seasoned professional in the field of construction and development, bringing over 30 years of expertise to his role as Senior Project Manager. His career has been defined by a commitment to excellence in directing complex projects spanning hotels / resorts, condominiums, and commercial buildings. His strategic planning, leadership, and risk management skills have not only ensured the successful completion of projects but also optimized organizational processes, delivering sustainable and operationally efficient properties on time and within budget. With a distinguished career, he showcases his ability to provide consulting expertise during challenging economic times, leading to substantial cost savings for clients. Walt's multifaceted experience includes overseeing multi-billion-dollar projects, implementing financial controls, and coordinating pre-opening schedules, making him a trusted leader in the construction and development industry. Walt Schwaiger's educational foundation includes a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Colorado State University and an Associate Degree in Interior Design from Columbus College of Art and Design. Committed to continuous professional development, Walt has earned a Professional Development Program Certificate from Cornell University in "Hotel Real Estate Investments and Asset Management".