Our Team

Among our team, you will find the leaders, innovators, and mentors of the student housing industry.  From market analysis, financial solutions, to full-scale development and construction management, you will be working with experts who have the resources and capability to provide superior turnkey services that meet your specific needs and vision.

JOSEPH M. COYLE, PRESIDENT

Joseph M. Coyle is an experienced leader with more than 25 years of experience in the housing and development industry. Mr. Coyle previously served as the President of College Park Communities, the student housing division of GMH Communities Trust, where Mr. Coyle also held the position of Executive Vice President. At the time, GMH Communities Trust, based in Newtown Square, PA, was one of the largest specialty housing companies focused on providing housing to college and university students residing off-campus. At its peak, College Park Communities owned more than 60 student housing properties across the country and managed almost 40,000 beds.

RHONDA JOHANNESEN, SENIOR VP OF CAMPUS REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT  Rhonda’s primary responsibility is to collaborate with colleges and universities to provide development and management solutions for all aspects of their current and future academic housing needs. She reports directly to the President of University Student Living, Mr. Joseph M. Coyle.  Rhonda has more than 25 years of progressive management experience and an extensive background in planning and creating desirable outcomes for private, public, not-for-profit and for-profit business entities, including those with state and federal sponsorship and fee-for-service contracts. Prior to joining University Student Living, Rhonda led the development team for Education Realty Trust (EdR) in Memphis, Tennessee (recently awarded the game-changing University of Kentucky revitalization project), and worked in various corporate leadership capacities for more than 15 years.

 NICK ZAFERES, VP OF DEVELOPMENT

Mr. Zaferes has significant experience in hi-rise, mid-rise and garden style products for private owners as well as for 501c-3 foundations. He has managed more than $50 million in annual student housing projects development and construction projects and his renovation histories include projects in urban and residential locations. Mr. Zaferes has also managed all aspects of facilities management operations, including capital management, personnel and national training programs.

 JAMES MALESICH, VP OF FINANCE

James Malesich, a seasoned financial professional with over 20 years of experience serving the real estate finance, management, and development industry. His primary responsibilities are overseeing the financial analysis of all new student housing developments, acquisitions, and joint venture activities.  Prior to joining University Student Living, Mr. Malesich served as the Senior Vice President of Finance for College Park Communities, the student housing division of GMH Communities Trust.

 MICHAEL J. LEVITT, FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

The Michaels Organization is a family of companies dedicated to excellence in housing that is privately held by our founder and Chief Executive Officer, Michael J. Levitt. An industry leader for more than four decades, Mr. Levitt has pioneered the development and management of affordable and mixed-financed housing across the country and has been a trusted partner to housing agencies across the country. Under his leadership, The Michaels Organization has overseen $2.5 billion of development and substantial rehabilitation and owns and manages a portfolio of more than 340 properties.

JOHN J. O'DONNELL, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER/EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

A 22-year veteran of the Michaels Organization, John O’Donnell assumed the role of COO in 1998, after previously serving the organization in a variety of roles, including Chief Financial Officer. He is currently responsible for the day-to-day operations of The Michaels Organization. Mr. O’Donnell holds a Master’s Degree in Financial Management from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.