Management Team

By drawing on the most dedicated and talented individuals in the field, The CRS Companies™ has quickly gained notoriety by providing first-rate quality and exceptional value to its clients. Often The CRS Companies' team is called upon to work with a client to build consensus within a group or governmental body to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges to getting a project underway. The team maintains its competitive advantage by providing both the experience and the flexibility to undertake the most demanding projects while exceeding clients' expectations.

The experience and education of Mr. Cerio and The CRS Companies' management team illustrate why The CRS Companies has engineered so many successful projects over the years.

John E. Cerio, President, The CRS Companies™

Mr. Cerio began his career working as a planner with the City of Syracuse, New York, Office of Federal and State Aid Coordination, with responsibility for applying for federal and state aid. He also served as the City's legislative representative in Albany. Appointed Executive Assistant to the Mayor in 1977, he was responsible for overseeing planning and coordinating activities on a city-wide basis, as well as assisting the Mayor in day-to-day management issues.

In 1980, Mr. Cerio became Vice President of Corporate Development for Rogers Cablesystems, Inc., with responsibility for planning and implementing the company's expansion in Washington, Oregon and California. Mr. Cerio ultimately increased the company's market base by over 300,000 homes.

Forming his own consulting practice in late 1983, Mr. Cerio specialized in government and public affairs, cable television regulatory matters, planning for new business startups, real estate development.

Mr. Cerio began focusing his involvement exclusively on real estate development in 1987 when he started his association with the Edgewater Companies. His responsibilities included site selection, land acquisition, zoning and right-to-build approvals, marketing, lease and sale negotiations, preparation of contracts and financing (both construction and permanent mortgages). Three office parks including the Kirkwood Office Park in Dewitt, New York, the Limestone Office Park in Amherst, New York, and the Amherst Technology Park in Amherst, New York, were completed during this phase of his career.

In 1994, Mr. Cerio left Edgewater to form CRS Real Estate Services, Inc., later renamed The CRS Companies™, in 1997. Among numerous other projects, Mr. Cerio has successfully completed two senior housing projects, an assisted living project, renovated a nursing home, entered into a long-term lease agreement with a top Fortune 500 corporation to develop a medical laboratory facility, acquired an office building/warehouse facility, built several physician office buildings, obtained rezoning approval to develop an independent senior housing community, and was awarded an $18.3 million contract to develop a multi-ice rink complex for the Town of Amherst.

A native of Syracuse, Mr. Cerio earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1972 from the State University of New York at Brockport. He holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.

Nancy A. Guiffrida, Vice President, The CRS Companies™

Ms. Guiffrida began her career in the Legal Department of the Cayuga/Onondaga BOCES center where she was involved with contract negotiations and labor relations, and was a member of the teaching staff of the BOCES Continuing Education program. During that time, she was instrumental in streamlining work processes and creating staffing efficiencies.

Ms. Guiffrida began her 16-year association with Mr. Cerio at Edgewater Companies in 1987, where she was responsible for the administrative functioning of the corporate office. Along with the other members of The CRS Companies' management team, Ms. Guiffrida is responsible for the initial development activities and helps establish the vision for each project that comes into the company. In addition, she is responsible for the oversight of all proposals, contracts and documents before they leave The CRS Companies' offices; all internal accounting and administrative functions; and the timely and accurate internal management of each project.