• Rose Blankers

• CEO, Thrive Communities

In her role as CEO, Rose Blankers is also Thrive’s Chief of Culture, People and Vision. These three pillars are the foundation of Thrive, and Rose ensures that these elements are balanced and integrated with their counterparts so the company is operating at its highest potential. Rose embodies the qualities of a servant leader – setting the company’s vision and goals, but then working hard to make sure they are both reflective of what Thrive’s dedicated associates want to see in a company, as well as delivering above-market results to clients.

Rose developed her leadership over the last two decades during which time she worked her way up within the property management industry, holding roles in accounting, finance and operations. Her ability to connect with clients and staff alike, while demonstrating her financial acumen, has been key to Thrive’s growth; under Rose’s leadership, the firm has grown rapidly and sustainably to where it is today.

Rose graduated with her bachelor’s in finance and MBA from Seattle University and was named a 2023 PSBJ 40 Under 40 Honoree.

• Jason Murray

• President

Jason brings extensive experience in multifamily operations, asset management, and acquisitions. His career spans over a decade in the industry, beginning at Thrive in 2012 with roles in leasing and regional management leadership. During his tenure at RISE Properties Trust, he held leadership roles in acquisitions and asset management, helping grow the firm’s portfolio to more than 6,000 apartment homes across the Pacific Northwest.

As President of Thrive, Jason is focused on shaping property operations to deliver great results for clients. He is committed to positioning Thrive as a strategic operational partner, bringing an owner’s mindset in a distinct way.

Known for his strategic thinking and commitment to operational excellence, Jason leads with a collaborative, results-driven approach deeply rooted in Thrive’s culture and values. His approach emphasizes leadership development, empowering teams, and diligent execution.

Jason holds a degree in Economics from the University of Washington.

• Gary Bender

• President, Thrive Developments

The successful redevelopment of any apartment community begins with a great vision to position the asset as a unique offering in the marketplace, while optimizing a client’s investment objectives. With a keen ability to see the possibility in every community, Gary oversees project renovations and our capital projects team.

With a degree in construction management and over 17 years of multi-family experience, Gary ensures renovation projects are delivered on time, on budget and with the unique approach that makes our communities truly thrive. Gary has overseen multiple award-winning renovations including Washington Multifamily Housing Association’s “Renovated Community of the Year” and more.

• Kari Anderson

• Founder, Vice President

Kari has the unique ability to attract, inspire and retain the best and brightest people in the multifamily industry. Her genuine passion for mentoring and assisting her team members to grow in their roles can be seen in Thrive’s on-site team’s performance.

Kari began her property management career in 1986 with Trammell Crow Residential Services (TCRS) where she was responsible for training and property marketing for all assets in Washington and Oregon. In 1994, she joined Equity Residential where she oversaw 15,000 apartments in the PNW as Area Vice President. In this capacity, Kari supervised over 300 employees, including five Regional Managers. In 2006, Kari joined Investco Management Services (IMS) where she was responsible for the development and implementation of marketing and management plans, including the annual budget process for the apartment portfolio.

Kari is the founding President of the Washington Chapter of the National Apartment Association and is currently a member on the Board. Kari is also a licensed Washington State Real Estate Broker.

• Dave Kirzinger

• Chairman

Dave Kirzinger has enjoyed a distinguished career in real estate, having held senior positions in acquisitions, development and property management. Dave’s focus over 33 years has been multi-family rental on the west coast of the United States.

Dave began his career with Trammell Crow Residential in 1989, after graduating from Stanford University with his MBA. When AvalonBay entered the Seattle market in 1997, they brought Dave on board to open their regional office. When Dave left AvalonBay six years later, he was overseeing Seattle and Southern California and a portfolio of approximately 8,000 apartments.

After his tenure with AvalonBay, Dave became the Seattle operating partner with MOSAIC Homes, a private Canadian multi family home builder. Dave and his MOSAIC partners co-founded RISE Properties Trust in 2012 and became partners with Thrive Communities the same year. Today RISE has ownership in approximately $2.5 billion worth of apartments in Seattle and Portland, all of which are expertly managed by Thrive, as part of their approximately 17,000-unit management portfolio.

• April Syria

• Chief Operating Officer

With over 25 years of experience in the multifamily industry, April brings a wealth of knowledge, vision, and heart to her role as Thrive’s Chief Operating Officer. She leads our Human Resources, Training, and Legal teams with a dynamic blend of strategic insight and people-first leadership.

Known for her innovative and inclusive approach, April plays a key role in executing Thrive’s growth strategy—building lasting client partnerships while fostering a culture of opportunity and advancement for our team members. Her unwavering commitment to excellence has helped elevate performance across Thrive’s portfolio, and her passion for mentoring and team development continues to shape a workplace where people thrive.

• Paul Edgeman

• Chief Marketing Officer

As Chief Marketing Officer at Thrive Communities, Paul oversees the brand experience, property marketing, technology, IT operations, and client services, driving innovation and delivering value across the company’s diverse portfolio. His leadership ensures that Thrive remains at the forefront of creating exceptional living experiences while leveraging cutting-edge technology and data-driven strategies.

Prior to joining Thrive, Paul served as Vice President of Operations for Gold’s Gym Northwest, where he managed overall operations for multiple locations, with a focus on customer engagement, operational excellence, and organizational growth.

Paul is an active member of the Washington Multi-Family Housing Association (WMFHA) and serves as a board member for the AIM Conference, reflecting his dedication to advancing the multifamily housing industry. A Seattle native, Paul is passionate about minimizing the environmental impact of multifamily housing and giving back to the communities Thrive serves, fostering innovation and connection in the Pacific Northwest.

• Emilie McFarlane

• Chief of Staff

As Chief of Staff at Thrive, Emilie partners with the executive team to align departmental goals, drive strategic initiatives, and support company growth. She fosters cross-functional collaboration, champions organizational culture, and leads critical projects, working with all Thrive departments, clients, vendors, and stakeholders to optimize operations and decision-making.

With over 20 years of experience in executive leadership support, marketing, and sales, Emilie excels at building strong relationships and driving operational efficiency. She holds a B.A. in Business Administration and Marketing from Western Washington University and brings a versatile background across industries including food and beverage, product marketing, education, healthcare, and technology.

• Joy Clegg

• Senior Vice President of Accounting

Joy leads Thrive’s corporate and property accounting departments. In this capacity, she oversees all aspects of financial reporting and treasury operations. Additionally, Joy is a key member of the executive team to help drive the achievement of business plan objectives and risk management.

Prior to joining Thrive, Joy led various accounting departments for commercial, residential, and retail real estate investment and management companies. Her professional accounting experience also includes serving as Audit Manager for Grant Thornton, the sixth largest U.S. accounting and advisory organization. Throughout her near 20 years of public and private accounting experience, Joy has enjoyed leading dynamic teams focused on delivering quality customer service and reporting built on recognized accounting standards and established internal controls.

Joy received her Bachelor of Arts at the University of California, Berkeley, and her Master of Professional Accounting at the University of Washington, Seattle. She is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Washington state.

• Katrina Gentry

• Director of Corporate Accounting & Risk Management

Katrina Gentry is the Director of Corporate Accounting & Risk Management at Thrive Communities, bringing nearly eight years of progressive leadership in financial management and accounting operations. Since joining Thrive in 2017, she has advanced through roles ranging from Portfolio Accountant to Corporate Controller, developing a deep understanding of accounting systems, compliance standards, and financial reporting for a fast-growing property management company. In her current role, Katrina oversees Thrive’s corporate accounting functions, treasury operations, and risk management programs, ensuring fiscal accuracy. She partners closely with executive leadership to align financial strategy with organizational goals, safeguard assets, and support long-term growth.

Katrina holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Economics from Western Washington University, where she built a strong foundation in finance and economic analysis. She is recognized for her analytical mindset, collaborative leadership style, and ability to navigate complex financial landscapes with precision and integrity.

• Caitlin Simard

• Property Controller

Caitlin Simard is the Property Controller at Thrive Communities, where she leads a team of accounting managers in overseeing property accounting and financial reporting with a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and GAAP compliance. Throughout her ten years of tenure at Thrive, she is recognized as a dynamic and innovative leader who specializes in streamlining processes, reducing risk, and leveraging analytics to optimize performance across communities. Caitlin thrives in high-growth environments, building and coaching high-performing teams while fostering collaboration across business functions to support strategic objectives. She holds an Accelerated MBA with an emphasis in Supply Chain and Operations Management from Western Washington University and a B.S. in Aviation Management from Westminster University.

• Brian Simington

• Vice President of Construction and Maintenance

Brian is a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience in construction and maintenance and supports both the construction and maintenance teams. He has successfully led the renovation and maintenance of over 4,000 single-family homes across Washington state. His diverse background spans multi-family construction, single-family maintenance and construction, historic renovation, and asset preservation. Known for his exceptional negotiation skills, Brian is dedicated to ensuring that clients receive the best value when repairing and maintaining their communities. Throughout his career, he has overseen projects totaling over $500 million of maintenance and construction projects, demonstrating his ability to tackle and resolve a wide range of challenges.

• Jason Moore

• Vice President of Client Services

Jason Moore serves as Vice President of Client Services at Thrive Communities, where he leads the firm’s business development efforts and partners closely with existing clients to support all facets of their asset strategy. In this role, Jason oversees a team dedicated to delivering tailored solutions that drive financial performance, enhance resident experience, and position each community for long-term success.

With over 20 years of experience spanning both coasts of the United States, Jason brings deep market knowledge and a proven ability to navigate complex operating environments. Since joining Thrive in 2019, he has played an integral role in guiding the company’s growth, advising owners and investors across Seattle’s urban core, the Eastside, and beyond. He is particularly passionate about helping clients succeed in the Pacific Northwest’s unique legislative and regulatory landscape.

In addition to his work at Thrive, Jason is an active industry leader. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Washington Multi-Family Housing Association (WMFHA) and is the Chairperson of WMFHA’s Political Action Committee, where he advocates for policies that strengthen housing opportunity and the industry at large.

Originally from the East Coast, Jason relocated to the Pacific Northwest in 2013 and has proudly called Seattle home ever since.

• Kari Padilla

• Director of Learning & Development

Kari leads a team of exceptional and dedicated Regional Trainers to onboard and develop Thrive’s team members. From their first orientation session to more advanced courses, Kari focuses on developing potential into industry-leading performance. With 25 years of experience in the multifamily industry, including on-site and regional support roles, she excels at building relationships with Thrivers at all levels of the organization.

A lifelong learner, Kari is passionate about the neuroscience of learning and creating engaging educational experiences. She channels this energy and expertise into creating and improving training programs that allow Thrive’s associates to grow individually and within their respective teams, just as the company itself grows.

Kari holds a B.S. in Communications and an M.Ed. in Instructional Design from George Mason University. She brings invaluable experience to Team Thrive with prior experience at Archstone-Smith, Air Communities, and Weidner, and is a member of the NAAEI Certified Faculty.

• Mackenzie Jistel

• Director of Human Resources

Mackenzie joined Thrive in 2018 and leads the Human Resources department, overseeing payroll, benefits, employee relations, HR compliance, recruiting, and more. She played a key role in bringing HR in-house in 2019 and has since remained a trusted resource for Thrivers, fostering an environment where associates feel seen. Mackenzie has a passion for people development and actively partners with WMFHA on career development and mentorship initiatives, striving to grow current and future property management professionals. With more than eight years of experience, she leads by example and is dedicated to making the Thrive experience positive and impactful.

Mackenzie holds both a B.S.B.A. in Human Resources Management and an M.A. in Higher Education Administration from Central Michigan University, in addition to a Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification.

• Nick Beller

• Senior Director of Operations

Nick Beller leads Thrive’s Operations Department, bringing an expansive background in accounting and IT operations to the team. His passion for analysis and process improvement allow Thrive to be a forward thinker in the ever-changing landscape of PNW multi-family property management.

Nick leverages his accounting experience to maximize the financial impact his business systems team bring to Thrive’s bottom line. Nick holds a BA in Accounting from Gonzaga University.

• Kevin Pugsley

• Senior Director of Operations

Kevin Pugsley is the Senior Director of Operations at Thrive, where he leads our floating workforce (CREW Team), ensures the seamless onboarding of new communities, and manages the successful rollout of new systems and initiatives. With over 15 years of experience in property management, Kevin has built a diverse career path, starting as an on-site Leasing Consultant and progressing through roles as Community Manager, Training Manager, and Integrations Manager. Driven by a passion for Thrive’s culture and values, Kevin combines his deep industry knowledge with his commitment to team development, ensuring that our operations are not only aligned with our values but also strategically positioned for long-term success.

Kevin holds a B.A. from the University of Idaho and is a NAA Certified Virtual Facilitator.

• Rachel Sullivan

• Director of Integrations

Rachel leads Thrive’s Integrations Team, guiding system pilots, technology rollouts, and platform integrations to improve efficiency and support Thrive’s ongoing growth. Since joining Thrive in 2017, she has built a career spanning marketing technology and property operations with a focus on aligning tools, workflows, and teams to better support the people who rely on them.

• Jordan Restad

• Director of Marketing

Jordan leads Thrive Communities’ Marketing Team, driving the design and execution of innovative and impactful branding strategies for the company’s diverse portfolio. With a strong background in graphic design and marketing, Jordan is passionate about creating authentic and resonant solutions that connect with both clients and the community.

With over ten years of experience in the design industry, Jordan has honed a keen eye for aesthetics, branding and communication across various media and platforms. Specializing in experiential graphics, Jordan excels at crafting immersive experiences that translate from screen to community.

Jordan holds a B.A. in Architecture with a minor in Visual Arts from Clemson University and brings invaluable experience to Team Thrive, having worked with numerous clients in diverse industries across the nation.

• Todd Hildebrand

• Senior Regional Director

Todd Hildebrand brings over 15 years of multifamily experience to the company. Prior to Thrive, Todd worked for the third largest military housing provider in the nation for over nine years on multiple public, private venture housing projects. His multifaceted professional background includes management roles in maintenance, operations and project management.

Todd enjoys expanding his industry knowledge and building lasting relationships within his team and community. He holds both a Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS) and Accredited Residential Manager (ARM) industry accreditations and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Central Washington University. In his free time, Todd enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, cooking, boating and traveling.

• Andi Hill

• Senior Regional Director

Andi Hill joined Thrive in 2018 and brings more than 15 years of experience to her role as Regional Director where she leads a team of 170+ associates across 40 communities valued at more than $1.8B. Andi partners with her staff and clients to oversee business, renovation and operational plans to optimize performance of stabilized and lease-up apartment assets in Washington state. Andi is uniquely suited for this role after previously holding roles as the Director of Business Development and as a Regional Manager for Thrive Communities (2018 – 2022) and most recently in Asset Management for ownership group RISE Properties Trust (2022 – 2023) where she oversaw all of RISE’s wholly owned assets in the greater Seattle Metro area and all assets joint ventured with Tokyu. Prior to joining Thrive, Andi managed business development initiatives for an international design firm and oversaw economic development and urban place-making initiatives in both Washington, DC and Seattle, WA from 2007 – 2018.

Andi holds a Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS) industry accreditation, and earned a M.Sc. in Social Policy from the London School of Economics (2007) and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Oregon (2005), where she graduated summa cum laude. Throughout her career, Andi has been an active volunteer for various Seattle and Washington, D.C. organizations.

• Jennifer Vivette

• Regional Director

Jennifer brings over 25 years of multifamily experience, including ten years with Thrive Communities. Known for her nurturing leadership and relationship-building skills, she specializes in managing stabilized assets, redevelopments, transitions, and value-add projects. Jennifer is active in Washington State Multifamily Housing Association, serves currently on the WMFHA Gives committee, and was a finalist for the 2020 Emerald Award Portfolio Manager of the Year. She holds a Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS) certification and is passionate about growing Thrive’s bench strength by leading the Thrive Area Manager Mentorship Program.

• Troy Costello

• Regional Director

Troy Costello joined Thrive in 2009, bringing with him over 15 years at Thrive with expertise in Community Management, Regional Leadership, and Senior-Regional operations, alongside a total of 20 years of experience in the real estate industry. Throughout his career, he has made significant strides in the Puget Sound Region, Maryland, and Virginia markets. Troy’s diverse skill set spans lease-ups, stabilized properties, redevelopments, as well as acquisitions and dispositions across both urban and suburban landscapes—always with a sharp focus on people and performance. Prior to joining Thrive, Troy made his mark at Mosaic Homes beginning in 2003, specializing in condominium conversions across the Greater Seattle area.

• Mario Manriquez

• Regional Director

Mario began his multifamily career over a decade ago as a Leasing Consultant and has since held every position within an onsite team. This extensive, hands-on experience has provided him with a deep, operational perspective that has been instrumental in his success as a Regional Manager. Mario consistently exemplified Thrive’s core values, building and nurturing strong, long-term relationships with clients while mentoring and developing high-performing teams. His leadership has been instrumental in fostering a culture of engagement, empowerment, and continuous performance improvement across his portfolio. Under his guidance, his teams have achieved significant operational success, both in terms of client satisfaction and overall business outcomes. His ability to lead by example, foster high-performing teams, and deliver exceptional results makes him a key contributor to Thrive’s ongoing success.

• Celeste Villafuerte

• Regional Director

Celeste is a Regional Director overseeing our Oregon region with over 15 years of multifamily experience, specializing in creating tailored strategies across a broad range of asset types. While much of her portfolio has focused on Class A communities, her hands-on leadership in value-add and repositioning projects has sharpened her ability to drive performance in dynamic environments, making her exceptionally well-suited for lease-up oversight. Celeste is known for building high-performing teams and mentoring emerging leaders. Her collaborative approach fosters strong on-site culture while aligning day-to-day operations with ownership goals. She excels at streamlining processes, increasing resident satisfaction, and improving financial outcomes across both urban and suburban markets. From newly renovated communities to stabilized assets and everything in between, Celeste brings strategic insight, operational rigor, and a passion for long-term asset growth.

• Julianne Figliola

• Regional Director

Julianne joined Thrive in May 2024 as a Regional Manager where she shined with a portfolio of lease-up and stabilized assets, prior to being promoted to a Senior Regional Manager. As a Senior RM, Julianne continued to be a leader by taking on several challenged sites where she reduced expenses; focused on accountability with site associates; made meaningful staffing changes; and achieved occupancy goals previously unreached for the year prior; she also managed an Area Manager and mentored site associates who have since been promoted.

In her role as Director, Julianne leads with purpose—creating impactful change, empowering teams to reach their full potential, and strengthening relationships that elevate both our clients and our assets. Julianne will build upon her 18+ years in the industry and her time at institutional property management companies to create formalized lease-up standards for Thrive, ensuring we have the tools and structure in place to continue to grow that line of business.

• Don Jacobsen

• Regional Maintenance Director

Don supports Thrive’s client base by leading maintenance teams through supervision, vision and strategic direction. Under his guidance, Thrive’s maintenance teams ensure the physical condition of each asset is safe, attractive and properly maintained.

With over 30 years of apartment industry experience, Don is an expert in capital planning and execution, expense control, environmental oversight, associate safety, OSHA, ADA and construction management. His passion for training and building teams helps Thrive attract and retain top talent.

Don is a Certified Pool Operator, an Instructor for the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance, a Certified Universal Technician and also a Proctor with the ESCO Institute.