Gillespie Group | Our Team

Founder & CEO

Founder, CEO, and chief visionary for Gillespie Group since its founding in 1994, Pat has been recognized both locally and nationally as a respected leader and innovative entrepreneur. Pat’s passion and commitment to his team, to collaboration and engaging businesses, and to organizations within the communities by which he develops, Pat was recognized as the 2016 Lansing Entrepreneur of the Year and also selected as a finalist in Ernst & Youngs Entrepreneur of the year of Michigan and Northwest Ohio in 2020. Passionate about the growth of not only the organization, but of the next generation of leadership, Pat is frequently invited to speak at Michigan State University’s School of Planning, Design, and Construction; Land Policy Institute, and Building Construction Management.

Rachel Michaud
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President & Chief Operating Officer

Vice President of Gillespie Group, Rachel focuses on the strategic growth and elevation of overall leadership practices within the organization. An eye to the future, she oversees the executive team with a key focus on client, partner and community stakeholder relationships. A member of the Gillespie Group team for over 25 years, Rachel is instrumental in the success of the company in all aspects from business development to operational management. Recognized in 2022 as a Notable Woman in Construction, Design and Architecture in CRAIN’S Detroit Business publication, Rachel’s impact through strategic planning and project execution initiatives continue to enhance Gillespie’s continued success.

Tricia Walthorn
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CPA - Chief Financial Officer

Joining Gillespie Group in 2010 as the Director of Finance, Tricia is trusted as a strategic advisor to the team on all things finance and accounting. With a strong track record in finance strategy and execution of capital stack raise on complex developments, Tricia also brings to the team vast knowledge and expertise in the workings of local, state, and federal incentive programs. Additional proven areas of expertise in deal modeling, forecasting, investor communication and tax strategy, Tricia possesses strategic analytical problem-solving skills and creates and implements proven processes that ensure long term success.

Jennifer Charette
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Vice President of Operations

A Gillespie Group team member since 2002, Jennifer leads the Multi-Family and Commercial Property Management divison and Human Resources. Bringing a vast depth of knowledge and experience from starting in property management on site, Jennifer is able to lead with understanding for her team as well as strategically implement industry trends and market opportunities while managing policies and procedure. With a strong passion for creative solutions and a positive team player emphasis, Jennifer focuses her team of over 55 to provide the regions best living and customer service experience while implementing trend-forward amenities and housing opportunities - increasing revenue year over year .

Jason Kildea
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Vice President of Development

As the Vice President of Development, Jason specializes in contract negotiations, deal assemblage, and due diligence for all new development initiatives at Gillespie Group. Operating as an owner’s representative, Jason’s focus is in working 3rd party partners in the overall creation and maintenance of both budgets and schedules. Jason is known for his creative problem solving both in office and in the field with a commitment to the delivery of a successful development. His knowledge and experience has garnered the attention of the School of Construction Management at Michigan State University as he continues to be invited to speak and invest in the next generation.

Ashley Brzezinski
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Director of Marketing

As the Director of Marketing for Gillespie Group, Ashley specializes in both internal and external branding, marketing, and advertising efforts for all residential, commercial, and development projects within the Gillespie Group portfolio. She leads her team through creative strategy and solutions through traditional and innovative marketing tactics, interprets data to unify creative initiatives portfolio-wide, and creates strong partnerships across the community, bolstering more impactful, collaborative campaigns. Ashley leads her team with a strong emphasis on experience-based marketing paired with executing on creative and innovative trends. She looks at every opportunity to infuse the brand, its core values, and the Gillespie Group experience.