About Us

Robert Smith’s 35 year real estate career encompasses a unique combination of industry disciplines and experience. He believes that to be successful in the motley world of New England real estate development a person must possess an extensive understanding of each layer of the development process. With millions of square feet of completed development projects and over 170 major zoning entitlements, Mr. Smith has assembled a successful track record while continuing to be a student of the industry. Mr. Smith is a graduate of Pepperdine University.

Michael A. Ceccorulli serves as Executive Managing Director and General Counsel at Metro Star, bringing deep expertise in real estate development, land use, zoning, commercial finance, and municipal law. He has driven more than 100 capital projects across Connecticut and New York, advising both private-sector developers and public-sector agencies on acquisition, disposition, leasing, permitting, and contract structuring. His notable deal experience includes the sale and leaseback of a one-million-square-foot biopharma research lab, the orchestration of a $200M+ luxury waterfront retail center via eminent domain, and the entitlement of a 750,000+ square foot flex distribution facility, alongside work on complex Brownfield redevelopment and large-scale infrastructure projects. Michael has also served as outside counsel to the State of Connecticut, advising the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Economic and Community Development. He holds a J.D. from American University's Washington College of Law and a B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of Connecticut, is admitted to practice in Connecticut and New York, serves on the board of the Connecticut Economic Development Association, and was named a Top Lawyer in Real Estate by Moffly Media in 2023.

Fred Raya is Executive Managing Director of Property Management at Metro Star, where he leads the firm's property management platform, overseeing operational strategy, portfolio performance, client relationships, and organizational growth across its multifamily assets. He brings more than a decade of institutional multifamily experience, having built his career from Leasing Professional at AvalonBay Communities to Senior Regional Property Manager at Greystar, the nation's largest multifamily management company. Most recently, he directed operations for approximately 2,500 apartment homes across 12 residential and mixed-use communities throughout Greater Boston, leading a team of more than 60 professionals while partnering with institutional owners to maximize asset performance. Throughout his career, Fred has developed deep expertise in revenue optimization, lease-up execution, expense management, and capital planning, consistently improving financial performance across stabilized, value-add, and lease-up communities. He was named Greystar New England's 2023 Regional Property Manager of the Year and was selected as a finalist for the Massachusetts Apartment Association's 2024 Portfolio Manager of the Year. Fred earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Connecticut and is focused on building a best-in-class property management organization at Metro Star.

Working with Mr. Smith for over 30 years, Ms. Crandley has helped shape all Company iterations and subsidiaries. Her extensive experience with financial accounting has produced excellent Company controls and reporting methods. Managing the interface with all financial partners, she has become the trusted point of contact for all Company transactions. With over 30 years of real estate management experience she maintains the high standard of customer service and product quality the Company is known for.

With decades of customer service experience David delivers outstanding leadership to the leasing and marketing teams. His commitment to regularly speak with the customer advances sensitivities that help Metro Star determine ongoing market direction and velocity. In addition, David is the author of Metro Star’s “Constant State of Recovery” proactive management policy. David is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University.

Blake is a Graduate of The New School’s Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts and The Brooklyn Law School earning a J.D. While an undergraduate, Blake became a licensed real estate agent for TOWN Residential in New York City. Leasing apartments in Manhattan, Blake refined his understanding of real estate sales, customer service and marketing. As a Managing Director, Blake focuses on acquisitions and programing of new projects as well as assisting with the legal functions of the company.

Starting her career in public accounting, before transitioning to a high-level private sector position, Heather brings valuable multi-faceted accounting expertise and vision to support Metro Star's explosive growth. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Rhode Island and a Master of Science in Taxation from the University of New Haven.

For over a decade, Carol has provided valuable contributions to Metro Star’s ongoing marketing and public relations effort. Her vast experience with face-to-face customer sales has translated into many of Metro Star’s customer service and leasing strategies. In addition to her strategic programing role Carol manages the Metro Star philanthropic efforts, representing the company at public events and presentations. Carol holds a Master’s Degree in Corporate and Political Communication from Fairfield University.

Alejandro began his career in the financial services sector, working on the Professional Services Desk at Interactive Brokers before advancing to an Associate role at Foundation Source Philanthropic Services. He later joined Metro Star in the accounting department, where he developed a strong understanding of the company's overall operations while progressively taking on responsibilities across multiple departments. Alejandro holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Connecticut State University.

As Director of Property Management at Metro Star, Ivanna brings more than 12 years of experience in residential and commercial property management. Beginning her career as an assistant to a leasing agent, she worked her way up to leadership through dedication, industry knowledge, and a commitment to exceptional service. As a licensed real estate professional, Ivanna combines hands-on property management expertise with market insight to oversee daily operations, build strong relationships with property owners and tenants, and help maximize the value of every property. At Metro Star, she is committed to delivering professional, responsive, and results-driven property management services.

Nick is a highly experienced maintenance manager with over 15 years of hands-on expertise in apartment property maintenance, including 10 years in leadership roles where he has consistently driven strong results. He proudly served our country aboard the USS Tucson out of Pearl Harbor, HI, bringing the discipline, integrity, and teamwork instilled by his military service into everything he does. He is also a respected Master Freemason of Ansantawae Lodge, reflecting his strong character and commitment to community. Throughout his career, Nick has built an impressive track record managing large-scale repairs, value-add renovations, and high-performing maintenance teams across both traditional suburban and scattered site multifamily portfolios. His combination of technical expertise, proven leadership, and dedication to excellence makes him a standout asset for the Metro Star team.

Sales Team

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  Ashley C Barnett

  Community Sales Manager
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  Brianna Migliarese

  Community Sales Manager
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  Jessie Kianka

  Community Sales Manager
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  Courtney Barrett

  Community Sales Manager
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  Brian Ruiz Colon

  Assistant Community Sales Manager
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  Altheda Bastien

  Assistant Community Sales Manager
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  Mia Edwards

  Assistant Community Sales Manager
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  Alice Malilay

  Assistant Community Sales Manager

Maintenance Team

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  Ligny Rivera

  Maintenance Technician
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  Edgar Yanqui Chaca

  Maintenance Technician
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  Verlin Pugh

  Maintenance Technician
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  Domingo A Arevalo Morales

  Maintenance Technician

Accounting Team

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  Chelcie E Roan

  Bookkeeper
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  Eileen T Hanratty

  Bookkeeper