People
connect
here.
Committed to authenticity, transparency, and trust.
At Birchstone, we believe in striking the perfect balance of time-tested
experience and refreshing authenticity. Trust, recognition, service, and support — they’re more than just words. We make it our mission to hire the best talent, and then stand back and let them shine.
Executive Leadership Team
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Frank Roessler
Founder and CEO
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Frank Roessler
Founder and CEO
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Tracey Whitson
President
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Tracey Whitson
President
Tracey Whitson is a dynamic and results-driven operations leader with over two decades of experience in multifamily property management and strategic portfolio oversight.
Tracey is focused on shaping Birchstone’s vision and strategy, fostering a culture of collaboration, and delivering exceptional experiences for residents and associates alike. Known for her approachable leadership style, she believes in leading with integrity, transparency, and empathy – values that have guided her through successful acquisitions, renovations, and portfolio growth throughout her career.
Before joining Birchstone, Tracey held senior leadership positions with some of the most respected names in real estate, overseeing large, diverse portfolios and mentoring future leaders. She holds a Certified Apartment Manager designation and a North Carolina Real Estate License, and she is passionate about innovation and continuous improvement in the multifamily space.
Outside of work, Tracey enjoys connecting with people, sharing knowledge, and making a positive impact in every community she touches.
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Rebecca Haag
Senior Vice President of Operations
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Rebecca Haag
Senior Vice President of Operations
FULL BIO COMING SOON
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Jake Lindahl
Vice President of Strategy
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Jake Lindahl
Vice President of Strategy
As Vice President of Strategy, Jake Lindahl leads the organization’s enterprise strategy function, overseeing initiatives that enhance financial performance, operational efficiency, and long-term portfolio value. A strategic and data-driven executive, Jake brings a forward-looking approach to organizational growth, integrating analytics, automation, and cross-functional alignment to translate corporate vision into measurable results.
Throughout his 10 year multifamily career, Jake has built and led strategic programs that enable institutional owners and operators to strengthen NOI performance through disciplined analysis, portfolio optimization, and operational transformation. Prior to his current role, he held strategic and analytical positions supporting enterprise planning, portfolio strategy, and organizational performance initiatives. He developed decision frameworks, financial analyses, and executive-level reporting used to guide investment priorities, operational focus, and long-term value creation.
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Melanie Stiles
Vice President of Business Operations
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Melanie Stiles
Vice President of Business Operations
As Vice President of Business Operations, Melanie Stiles oversees Birchstone’s integrated communication, systems, sales, and process optimizations. A perceptive and pioneering senior executive committed to building relationships through operational strategy, empathic leadership, and paradigm shifts.
Over the course of her 30-year multifamily career, she has successfully provided business operations expertise and leadership for companies publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange, as well as for private companies. Melanie has extensive experience in team leadership, process development, advertising, communications, and operations. She has also played a vital role in integrating companies after numerous mergers and acquisitions.
Before joining Birchstone, Melanie served as Vice President of Marketing for a nationally recognized multifamily industry leader, where she developed and carried out the company’s communication and integrated marketing strategies for more than 90,000 apartment homes across the U.S. Prior to that, led the company’s corporate and real estate marketing initiatives. At the time, the company was the largest REIT listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Outside of her professional career, Melanie appreciates creative outlets like photography and interior design.
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Nicole Zdeb
Vice President of People Support
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Nicole Zdeb
Vice President of People Support
Nicole Zdeb comes to Birchstone as a dedicated, creative, and adaptable human resources leader with core strengths in employee relations management and development, strategic planning, recruiting, and more. In her role as Vice President of People Support, Nicole focuses on opportunities to enrich and support her valued associates; listens for creative opportunities to blend their needs and business demands; and aligns policies, practices, and procedures that support company values.
After serving nearly 25 years in the human resources field within various sectors of hospitality, retail, in-home healthcare, and property/casualty insurance, Nicole brings a plethora of expertise and award-winning success to Birchstone, including the Manager of the Year award for the Marriott Bridges to Work Foundation. She graduated from Roosevelt University with a bachelor’s in business administration and received an associate degree in hotel management from Triton College.
Nicole is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and Dallas SHRM, as well as a volunteer for KaBoom! — a nonprofit that creates play spaces for children. In her free time, she loves to read, cook, play softball, and find a good adventure, whether that’s kayaking into sea caves, jumping off a cliff into the Mediterranean Sea and Pacific Ocean, or visiting Pompeii.
Favorite quote:
“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” — Michael Jordan
Birchstone Corporate Team
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Derek Adams
Director of Information Technology
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Derek Adams
Director of Information Technology
A collaborative executive with a proven track record of building high-performing IT teams, Derek Adams helps optimize Birchstone’s financial performance and ROI by delivering innovative technology solutions that meet the company’s business needs. He positions his department for success through extensive staff mentoring, training and focused performance management. His areas of expertise include IT strategy and transformation, cloud network infrastructure, solution development and implementation, cybersecurity and change management.
Prior to joining Birchstone, Derek served as Director of Information Technology at RPM Expedite USA, a specialty logistics company. There, he led the strategic development and modernization of the company’s IT systems and oversaw its day-to-day IT operations, security and vendor management. His career also includes a 10-year stint as Director of Information Technology at Omni Logistics, a global third-party logistics company in Coppell, Texas.
He has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas Tech University and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Devry University. Derek also has earned the Agile Certified Practitioner designation from the Project Management Institute. He is currently pursuing the Certified Information Systems Auditor designation from the Information Systems Audit and Control Association.
Derek is a veteran of both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corp.
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Austin Jones
Regional Construction Director
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Austin Jones
Regional Construction Director
FULL BIO COMING SOON
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Savannah King
Director of Systems
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Savannah King
Director of Systems
With over 20 years of experience in the multifamily industry, Savannah King is a seasoned professional known for her expertise in systems management and comprehensive support solutions. As Director of Systems, Savannah has continually demonstrated an exceptional ability for optimizing operational efficiencies, enhancing resident experiences, and driving organizational growth. Leading initiatives for pioneering system implementations that have significantly enhanced operational processes, reduced costs, and elevated overall customer satisfaction.
Throughout her career, Savannah has gained a unique blend of technical expertise and industry-specific experience, leveraging technology to streamline procedures and elevate the standards of operations. Her strategic approach and meticulous attention to detail have been instrumental in developing a cohesive support team that fosters innovation and a process centric culture throughout Birchstone Residential.
Beyond her exceptional dedication to her professional career, Savannah enjoys spending the weekends with her kids and family.
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Melissa Million
Controller
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Melissa Million
Controller
Melissa Million brings over 25 years of financial leadership to our organization, with extensive experience in multiple industries, including multifamily property management, home building, and medical. As Controller, she oversees all aspects of accounting operations, financial reporting, and compliance, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of our financial data.
Throughout her career, Melissa has successfully managed multi-entity financial structures, implemented process improvements, and strengthened internal controls to support organizational growth. She takes pride in supporting teams across the organization with insight, transparency, and care.
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Abraham Munoz
Director of Brand & Creative Services
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Abraham Munoz
Director of Brand & Creative Services
Abraham Munoz is an accomplished design and marketing professional with 10 years’ experience in the multifamily industry. As the Director of Brand and Creative Services for Birchstone Residential, Abraham is an instrumental leader in defining and elevating the company's brand presence and creative direction. His unwavering commitment to excellence and understanding of brand strategies positions him as a pivotal factor in driving Birchstone Residential’s growth and influence within the industry.
Leveraging a wealth of expertise, Abraham oversees the company’s brand management, development, and reputation strategies with a keen eye for innovation and market trends.
Integrating comprehensive social media campaigns, PR initiatives, brand designs, and photography to craft a compelling narrative that resonates with Birchstone’s prospects, residents, and employees. All while fostering a vibrant company culture and leading Birchstone’s volunteer programs that promote the company's core values.
Abraham finds inspiration in exploring the world through travel, taking every opportunity to uncover new cultures and landscapes. Channeling his creativity into various artistic pursuits, from painting to music, finding joy in the endless forms of creative expression outside the confines of work.
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Nick Orton
Director of Facilities
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Nick Orton
Director of Facilities
FULL BIO COMING SOON
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Erin Painter
Director of Interior Projects
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Erin Painter
Director of Interior Projects
FULL BIO COMING SOON
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Tomeka Smith
People Support Business Partner
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Tomeka Smith
People Support Business Partner
Tomeka Smith comes to Birchstone with extensive experience in human resources and business management. Armed with a problem-solving approach that puts people first, Tomeka develops long-lasting solutions and relationships that balance our clients’ interests with the needs of the company. She plays a vital role in the development and implementation of strategies that attract and retain quality associates. She also works to ensure that all of our clients' needs are met in a way that hopefully exceeds their expectations.
Prior to joining the Birchstone team, Tomeka served as the HR Business Partner for Addus Homecare, a leading provider of comprehensive home care and support services. She worked with regional offices to support business objectives and communication regarding HR initiatives. In 2019, Tomeka was recognized as an Addus Elite, which honors employees who exemplify the company’s values.
Tomeka also has served as the HR Coordinator and Account Manager for Risk Management and as a Benefits Manager for CVS Health.
Birchstone Regional Team
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Noelle Bui
Regional Manager
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Noelle Bui
Regional Manager
Noelle Bui is inspired by the simple notion that bringing happiness to others in authentic ways makes all the difference. As a Regional Manager, this extends to every interaction she has with residents and co-workers, whether it’s creating lifestyle enhancement opportunities at her communities that generate a greater sense of purpose or sharing ideas with teammates to help them surpass goals.
Noelle’s 20-year-plus years of success in property management throughout Texas and beyond has garnered significant recognitions, including being awarded Property Manager of the Year and several Best of the Best Awards, as well as being honored as Community Volunteer Chairperson. In addition, she also is a certified apartment manager through the Texas Apartment Association and serves as an outreach volunteer for JDRF.
When not at work, but still inspiring others to be their best, Noelle savors time with her family and friends. She likes to travel, attend her children’s sporting events and spend time outdoors.
Favorite quote:
“If it doesn’t challenge you, it does not change you!” — Fred DeVito
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Silvia Canelo
Regional Manager
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Regional Manager
FULL BIO COMING SOON
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Carie Grout
Regional Manager
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Carie Grout
Regional Manager
Carie brings more than a decade of onsite property management experience to her role as Regional Manager for Birchstone. She believes in authenticity and loves to find ways to empower her onsite teams where they shine the most. Carie strives to provide residents with the highest level of customer service. She thrives on creating strong personal connections and gets right into the mix to help her teams succeed.
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Emily Huling
Regional Manager
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Emily Huling
Regional Manager
Emily Huling is a dedicated and dynamic Regional Manager, certified CAM, with a passion for leadership and teamwork. She has been in the industry for over 12 years and has directed operations on a wide range of assets including garden-style and student housing. Her leadership style is characterized by active listening and a collaborative approach, fostering a strong sense of unity and teamwork within her teams.
Married and a proud mother of three, Emily's life is filled with the excitement of her two athletic boys and her energetic 2-year-old daughter. Weekends are often spent cheering on her children at football, basketball, or baseball games. Emily loves to travel and cherishes time spent with family and friends.
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Ashley Logan
Regional Manager
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Ashley Logan
Regional Manager
Ashley is an accomplished multifamily professional with over 25 years of experience leading high-performing teams and driving results across both conventional and affordable housing. With a successful track record in new construction lease-ups, distressed asset stabilization, and operational turnarounds, she has overseen portfolios of up to 2,400 units throughout the Southeast.
Known for her strategic leadership and ability to maximize asset performance, Ashley excels in team development, capital planning, and resident engagement. She holds the HCCP designation and is actively pursuing her CAPS certification.
Outside of work, Ashley enjoys time with her two children: her daughter, a biochemistry major at LSU, and her son, a basketball coach who attended the Naval Academy and earned degrees from Georgia State and Clayton State University.
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Misty Warren
Regional Manager
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Misty Warren
Regional Manager
FULL BIO COMING SOON
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Tiffany Williams
Regional Manager
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Tiffany Williams
Regional Manager