Meet Our Team
Management Maintenance

 

Brooke Thacker

Brooke is the Property Manager for all of Great Eastern Management Company’s Charlottesville properties, where she has become a cornerstone of the team’s success. Having started her career as a Leasing Consultant in 2013, Brooke’s dedication and expertise have propelled her through the ranks. With years of experience in property management, she’s built a reputation for her commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and her ability to manage complex challenges with ease.

A proud native of Charlottesville, Brooke knows the community inside and out. She graduated from Albemarle High School, and her local ties have only deepened over the years. Her personal and professional life are closely intertwined with the city she loves, and she takes great pride in contributing to the growth and vibrancy of the area. Outside of her work, Brooke is a devoted wife and mother. She and her husband cherish spending time with their four children, often enjoying the outdoors, exploring local parks, or having family fun during their Friday night date nights.

 

Elizabeth Duncan

Elizabeth is the Assistant Property Manager at Great Eastern Management Company, where she brings a unique mix of creativity, communication, and a passion for problem-solving to the team. A 2019 graduate of James Madison University with a B.S. in Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication, Elizabeth moved to the Charlottesville area shortly after graduation, eager to find her professional calling. With a background in retail, she had a knack for connecting with people and solving problems, but she was ready to step into a role where she could put her writing skills to work while also expanding her horizons in a new and exciting field.

No matter how busy her schedule gets, Elizabeth always makes time for her dog, Archie. Spoiling him with affection is one of her favorite pastimes.

 

Jayla Simmons

Jayla is a Leasing Consultant at Great Eastern Management Company. Her story began in Charlottesville when her family moved to the city when she was just in the 4th grade. Little did she know, the very property where she grew up would become the backdrop to a life full of unexpected joy, adventure, and—of course—love. From running the halls of Greer Elementary to navigating the twists and turns of Journey Middle and Albemarle High School, Jayla's roots run deep in the community. She never imagined that years later, she'd be raising her own two sets of twins right where it all began. And in a heartwarming full-circle moment, she’s also engaged to her high school sweetheart—the same person who’s been by her side through every chapter of her journey.


Now, as a mother, partner, and lifelong Charlottesville resident, Jayla’s life is an ever-evolving adventure. She continues to find beauty in the familiar, growing a family and life full of love, laughter, and endless possibilities.

 

Ruth Alvarado

Ruth has worked for Great Eastern Management Company as a part-time leasing consultant since 2001. She was born in Guatemala, where she lived until 1999, when she moved to Charlottesville with her husband and three sons. Ruth works full time at CFA Institute, in the Credentialing Department. She enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with her three grown children when possible. Ruth has recently taken a few Project Management courses, and received the CAPM® and PMP® designations from the Project Management Institute.

 

Lakeisha Strother

Lakeisha currently works as a part-time Leasing Consultant with Great Eastern Management Company. With a strong background in hospitality and customer service, she's always been fascinated by the inner workings of a leasing office. Becoming a leasing consultant allowed her to experience the process from both sides—first as a tenant and now as part of the team that helps make the leasing process seamless for others.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, traveling to new destinations, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. She is passionate about bringing people together, whether it's through great service or a delicious meal!

 

Ron San Miguel

Ron San Miguel is the Maintenance Supervisor for Great Eastern Management Company. He has a combined 20 years' experience. His career in property management began in Maryland where he was a Maintenance Technician for 8 years and then started his career with Great Eastern as Maintenance Technician and in 2018 he was promoted as the Maintenance Supervisor for all Charlottesville Great Eastern properties.

When he isn't working, he like to keep his cars in shape and cleaned, collects watches (specialty g-shocks), spending time with his dog and watching Coming to America, which is his all-time favorite movie.

 

Nathan 'Mo' Simmons

Nathan Simmons (Mo) is a Maintenance Technician who started his career with Great Eastern Management Company in 1995 at Colony Hilton in Newport News. When Great Eastern decided to sell this community, Mo was offered to transfer to our Charlottesville properties. He gladly accepted, packed up his wife, two sons and a daughter and left the waters of Newport News to the hills and mountains of Charlottesville.

When he isn't working he likes spending time with his eight grandchildren.

 

Andrien Johnson

Andrien Johnson is a Maintenance Technician who started working in the tech field at a young age in 2011. He obtained his Tech 1 certification and in 2012 he obtained his Tech 2 certification. He went to school from 2013-2015 for his electrical certification. He has worked in the maintenance field since 2013 and joined Great Eastern Management Company in 2017.

He loves spending time with his children and family.

 

Mike Cobbs

Mike Cobbs joined Great Eastern Management Company in April 2014 as a Maintenance Technician. He has been in the maintenance field for 18 years. Mike, is primarily the maintenance technician for our residential properties located downtown and our commercial spaces.

Mike is the proud father of two boys and one girl. In his spare time he like to go four wheeling and dirt bike riding/jumping and raising his chickens.

 

Roland Poindexter

Roland Poindexter started his career with Great Eastern Management Company 26 years ago as the Janitorial Technician. He was promoted to a Maintenance Technician after 4 years. Roland is our go to guy if you need help with anything and he always has a smile on his face. His favorite saying is "I am here till 4:30."

He was born and raised in Albemarle County, played football for Albemarle High School. Roland has been married to his lovely wife for 21 years. His favorite pastime is hosting party bus trips to different casinos.

 

Angel Franco

Meet Angel Franco, a skilled maintenance technician with a passion for precision and a heart rooted in family. Originally from Harlem, New York, Angel found a new home in Charlottesville eight years ago.
Angel's journey as a maintenance technician began with his fascination for fixing things and helping his community. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence have earned him a reputation for reliability among our residents.

Outside of his busy work schedule, Angel's world revolves around his family which consists of his wife of 21 years and two teenage sons. He also enjoys a good football game and cheering on his favorite team, the Washington Commanders.

 

Derek Collins

Derek Collins, a proud Charlottesville native and our newest maintenance technician, is ready to make a mark in his hometown. Derek's journey in the world of maintenance is complemented by a background as an electrician, bringing a unique set of skills to the table.
Outside the realm of wires and circuits, Derek enjoys watching football and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys in his free-time.
As a Charlottesville native, Derek is deeply rooted in the community, and his commitment extends beyond his professional life. He takes pride in contributing to the maintenance and upkeep of the very place he calls home. Derek's friendly demeanor and local insights make him not just a skilled technician but also a valuable member of the community.