Michael was born and raised in Valparaiso, Indiana. After graduating from Valparaiso High School, he earned a degree in Aerospace Administration from Indiana State University. Additionally, Michael holds a degree in Mortuary Science from Ivy Tech Community College. His professional journey began with 1st American Management, where he started during high school as a lifeguard and eventually became the pool manager during summers while home from college at one of the properties managed by 1st American. Upon completing his college education in 2008, Michael transitioned to a full-time role within the company.

Throughout his tenure at 1st American, Michael has taken on various roles, including maintenance technician, assistant maintenance supervisor, property manager, vice president, and chief operating officer. He currently serves as president.

In 2018, Michael was nominated and selected to participate in the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) Next-Gen program. This initiative provided Michael and a cohort of young professionals from across the country with an accelerated 18-month course to obtain the Certified Property Manager (CPM®) designation. In December 2019, Michael officially earned his CPM® designation.

On a local level, Michael has been actively involved with IREM Northern Indiana, previously serving as Vice President and currently holding the position of President. Nationally, he has contributed to IREM as a past member of the IREM Next-Gen Advisory Board and is currently a member of the IREM Leadership Advisory Council. Additionally, Michael is on the slate of nominees for the position of Regional Vice President for the 2025-2026 term.

In his leisure time, Michael enjoys spending time with his dogs Cabela and Konerko, traveling, fishing, gardening, and supporting charitable organizations such as Lakeshore PAWS, the Boys and Girls Club of NWI, and other local causes.

Gina earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Indiana University Northwest and became a licensed Certified Public Accountant in August 1999 after fulfilling the necessary experience requirements of the profession. She is a member of the Indiana CPA Society and has worked in the accounting profession since 1994, developing extensive expertise in both public accounting and private industry.
In 1995, Gina began focusing exclusively on property management accounting and joined 1st American Management Co., Inc. in 1997. For over two decades, she served as Accounting Manager, directing a team of accounting professionals and overseeing the full spectrum of financial operations for the company’s diverse portfolio of residential and commercial properties.
Today, as Chief Financial Officer of 1st American Management Co., Inc., Gina is responsible for the company’s comprehensive accounting and financial management, including accounts payable and receivable, financial statement preparation and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, and cash flow management. She also oversees payroll processing and compliance, ensuring accurate and timely compensation for all employees.
In addition to her accounting leadership, Gina manages the company’s human resources administration, including benefits management, health insurance, IRA plan administration, and office staff supervision. She plays an integral role in maintaining a positive workplace culture and supporting the company’s strategic goals through sound financial and HR practices.
Dedicated to professional growth and industry best practices, Gina regularly furthers her education through online courses, self-study, and live seminars. A lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana, Gina enjoys spending her free time with her husband and two grown sons.

Marianne has been with 1st American Management since 2001. She started off as a receptionist, worked her way up to Executive Assistant and is currently our Vice President of Operations / Assistant Office Manager. Marianne is a lifelong Valparaiso resident and graduated from Indiana University Northwest with a Bachelor’s degree in English. Her prior work experience focused primarily on customer service and CAD work in a manufacturing environment. She then spent a brief time as a full-time mom, eventually joining 1st American on a part-time basis and then full-time as her children grew older. Marianne and her family are active and financial supporters of the Alzheimer’s Association and breast cancer charities.

Mandi Tognarelli began her career as Maintenance Coordinator in July 2020. In her role, she leads a team responsible for the maintenance and general upkeep of properties & facilities. She is a graduate of Kankakee Valley High School and came to 1st American Management with 19 years of customer service, scheduling, and administrative experience. Mandi and her family are active supporters of Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Rachel joined 1st American in November 2021 as Executive Assistant. She studied Psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Rachel brings 7 years of retail customer service and management from Staples and 3 years of office administration at Family Express. Outside of the office, she spends time with her kids and volunteers her photography skills for 500 Turkeys and local CAS agencies.