The team at Cardinal Capital Management, Inc. is comprised of a diverse group of professionals that offer a broad range of skills, in-depth knowledge, and years of experience in acquiring and managing housing projects.
Our Team
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Erich Schwenker
President
Erich Schwenker
Erich Schwenker has been involved in real estate management for over 40 years, half of which time he spent working with regional and national banks. He is proud to serve as Cardinal’s President since 2002, leading a dynamic growing development team, overseeing acquisition, asset and property management and business operations.
Erich has a particular interest in Special Needs and Supportive Housing. Cardinal and its affiliates have acquired/developed, financed, and managed 8,500+ units of affordable housing on behalf of various non-profits. On behalf of its clients, Cardinal has developed housing that addresses the needs of Veterans, Homeless, Deaf and Deaf-Blind, persons with Developmental Disabilities, Youth Aging out of Foster Care, and those Recovering from Mental Illness. Cardinal is also committed to creating workforce and other kinds of market-rate housing. Today’s housing market is extraordinarily diverse. Cardinal’s mission is to respond to this diverse market with socially aware, financially sound housing tailored to each community’s needs.
Dan O’ Connell
Executive Vice President
Dan O’ Connell
Dan O’Connell brings over 40 years of real estate development and management experience. Beginning Cardinal Capital with Erich in 2002, Dan’s expertise is in the areas of acquisition, financing and development. Dan has achieved national acclaim for his work with HUD’s Affordable Housing Programs. His valuable experience in both the construction and development side of the industry, affords a skillful perspective overseeing development, construction and management of both commercial projects and affordable housing.
Dan heads the acquisition team, identifying appropriate apartment communities in need of preservation, performing the feasibility work, negotiating and handling complex financial transactions and identifying a sponsor or owner for the real estate.
Dan has a master’s degree in Business Administration and Finance.
Chris Geiger
Vice President
Chris Geiger
Chris is a dedicated member of the Cardinal team with over 35 years of experience in the real estate industry. His journey began as a licensed real estate broker and expanded into property management. In February 2006, Chris joined Astar Capital Management where he took on the role of asset manager for approximately 1,000 affordable housing units owned by a local non-profit organization, which grew to a portfolio of 2800+ units covering 70+ sites in Wisconsin.
Chris plays an integral part in Cardinal’s Development Team, contributing his expertise in developing Workforce and Market Rate projects across the country.
Chris holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and has received the following designations: Certified Occupancy Specialist, Blended Occupancy Specialist, and Certified Property Manager. His commitment to professional growth is exemplified by his involvement in various organizations. Chris has served on the Board of Directors for IREM Milwaukee – Chapter 13 and currently serves as a board member for Community Projects for Seniors.
Throughout his career, Chris has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the real estate industry. With his sharp attention to detail and extensive knowledge, Chris continues to make a positive impact in the realm of real estate, improving communities and ensuring the successful execution of projects.
Philip Rawson
Vice President of Finance
Philip Rawson
Philip is an accomplished professional with a wealth of experience in finance and accounting. In his role as Vice President of Finance and Accounting, Philip brings extensive knowledge as a controller and in business development and management. His skill set spans a wide range of financial disciplines, including financial management, accounting, cost accounting, manufacturing, budgeting, planning, reconciliations, and financial analysis.
Philip‘s background also includes a strong foundation in human resources and facility management, contributing to his comprehensive understanding of organizational operations. With his keen insight into developing and implementing business plans and programs, he has successfully worked with major organizations to achieve their goals. Philip is well-versed in resource planning and possesses a deep knowledge of GAAP, cost accounting, and internal control structures.
With his proven track record and diverse skill set, Philip continues to make significant contributions in finance and accounting. His ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and implement effective strategies ensures success and growth within our organization.
Thomas Harris
Vice President of Development
Thomas Harris
As VP of Development, Thomas generates interest in developments and initiates company growth by networking and partnering with officials on local and state levels, and developers. He also works closely with elected officials to create innovative solutions to redevelop difficult sites and to help address housing needs in rural & urban areas throughout Arkansas, Wisconsin, Alabama, Texas, Georgia, North/South Carolina, Arizona, and Colorado.
Thomas spent more than a decade working in local, county, state and federal government including serving as Chief of Staff in the Wisconsin State Senate, Director of Community Relations for the Milwaukee County Executive, and Special Assistant to Milwaukee’s Mayor. He also worked as an associate in Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, Government Affairs Department, lobbying in Wisconsin, Chicago and Washington D.C.
Karen Cohen
Vice President of Development
Karen Cohen
Kären is a highly accomplished professional with an extensive background in financial services, project management, and non-profit development and marketing. With her diverse skill set, she brings a unique perspective to her role as Vice President of Development. She is an integral part of the team, expanding Cardinal’s mission to provide housing to all economic levels. This includes new construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, and partnership opportunities.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Kären is dedicated to giving back to the community. She actively volunteers with various non-profit organizations, utilizing her skills and experience to support causes she is passionate about. Her passion for helping others, combined with her business acumen, empowers her to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves.
With her wealth of experience, strategic mindset, and commitment to social impact, Kären is a valuable asset to Cardinal’s mission. Her collaborative approach, coupled with her dedication to excellence, makes her an indispensable member of the team in achieving their vision of providing housing opportunities for all.
Alaina Beger
Director of Marketing
Alaina Beger
Alaina joined Cardinal as the Marketing & Design Specialist in 2022, bringing over 10 years of experience in marketing and property management. She earned her Associate Degree in Graphic Design from Madison Area Technical College. Her career in property management began in 2010, as a leasing coordinator in Little Rock, Arkansas, assisting with the lease-up of two new apartment communities before moving to the role of assistant manager.
Alaina was born and raised in Wisconsin, loves to craft, and makes jewelry. She also enjoys outdoor activities like camping, biking, and kayaking.
Alfred Denney
Accounts Payable
Alfred Denney
Joining the Cardinal team as an Accountant in 2020, Alfred Denney brings over 13 years of experience in accounts payable, gained from his previous position at Cascio Interstate Music. Alfred earned his Associate Degree in Accounting from MATC. He enjoys the family atmosphere at Cardinal and appreciates their “employee-first” approach.
Alfred enjoys taking walks and spending time with his wife Loryn and their dogs Wyle and Willa. He also enjoys Sim Racing online and playing video games, board games, and poker with friends.
Amy Schultz
Assistant Director of Permanent Housing
Amy Schultz
Amy Schultz serves as Cardinal’s Assistant Director of Permanent Supportive Housing and brings over 14 years of experience in Social Services and a passion for working with vulnerable populations. Amy’s dedication and expertise is invaluable as she oversees 10 permanent supportive housing buildings in Milwaukee. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, traveling, and spending time with her three high school children
Angie Miller
Director of Permanent Supportive Housing
Angie Miller
Angie Miller joined the Cardinal team in 2015 and serves as Director of Permanent Supportive Housing. With 23 years of experience working in supportive housing with the homeless population and individuals with mental health/AODA challenges, she brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her new role. Having served as a property manager for 6 of our Permanent Supportive Housing buildings for over 8 years, Angie’s leadership and expertise have been instrumental in our success. Now overseeing 10 Permanent Supportive Housing buildings, she continues to make a positive impact. Angie’s Tax Credit Specialist Certification further exemplifies her qualifications and capabilities.
Ann Scallon
Accounts Payable
Ann Scallon
Ann Scallon values the mission here at Cardinal, as well as the fast-paced and evolving environment of the housing industry. Joining Cardinal in December of 2012, she helps to lead the Accounts Payable team for our Property Management Division. In addition, Ann maintains our national vendor relationships and assists with onboarding new employees. She holds a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with a double major in Marketing and Management.
Ann enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, attending the kid’s sporting events, volunteering, gardening, and reading.
Bob Bichler
Information Technology Manager
Bob Bichler
Over the last twenty years, Bob has helped numerous companies with their IT needs. From simple desktop support to strategic planning and everything in between. At his core, he gets great satisfaction in helping people understand and utilize technology in ways that help them excel at achieving their tasks and goals. He enjoys troubleshooting problems, explaining technical concepts to everyone, regardless of their technical expertise, and assessing current environments and creating plans to simplify and improve them.
Dana McMullin
Development Coordinator
Dana McMullin
Katie Voss
Housing Consultant
Katie Voss
Katie Voss is a member of our Property Management team for over 17 years, serving as a Housing Consultant and Regional Manager. She loves being a part of Cardinal, because the company believes in providing supportive housing and social services. Katie oversees Apache ASL Trails Apartments in Tempe, Arizona. She earned her Associate degree from Fox Valley Technical College and has continued her education at Cardinal, including, IREM, Fair Housing, and Section 42 training.
In her spare time, she is very involved in advocacy for Wisconsin Association of the Deaf (WAD). She also enjoys traveling with her husband, Dave, and their dog Jasper, as well as spending time with family and friends.
Keith Swetlik
Vice President Construction Development
Keith Swetlik
Having owned and operated his own Construction Company for over 10 years, Keith joined Cardinal in 2019 as a Project Manager with the hands-on skill, training, and experience to also transition into the field as a Project Site Superintendent. Keith has managed both rehabilitation and new construction projects. Recent accomplishments include serving as one of Cardinal’s Site Superintendents for a 263 unit – 46-million-dollar new construction project in Middleton Wisconsin, as well as a Site Superintendent for a 1900’s hotel conversion into luxury apartments in Janesville, Wisconsin. He is also a licensed contractor in the State of Wisconsin. Keith enjoys golfing, DIY projects, and spending time with family and friends in his free time. He also loves to be on a cruise ship or the beach as much as possible.
Lennie Mosley
Reception & Front Desk
Lennie Mosley
Nick Pung
Property Management Assistant Controller
Nick Pung
Nick Pung joined the Cardinal team in 2022 and serves as a Property Management Accountant. Nick is a spring 2022 graduate from UW-Green Bay and holds a Bachelors in Accounting and Finance. His favorite place to travel is Florida, and he enjoys hiking, hanging out with family, and watching sports.
Ryan McRae
Vice President Construction Development
Ryan McRae
Ryan joined Cardinal in March of 2008 as a Project Manager. Ryan participates in project pre-development, reviews building plans, solicits and reviews bids, negotiates contracts, manages project budgets and schedules, submits and reviews RFI’s and submittals, submits pay applications and coordinates draw inspections. Ryan recently was the Project Manager for three new construction projects consisting of 400 units and 60 million dollars of construction costs which each finished in 2021. Ryan’s previous projects include various HUD, RD, and tax credit rehabs in both Wisconsin and Iowa and new construction tax credit projects in Wisconsin and Colorado. Ryan is a Certified Green Built Homes Verifier, is 30-hour OSHA certified, holds an Associate’s Degree in Real Estate and is a licensed Real Estate Salesperson.
Stephanie Schuh-Athorp
Controller
Stephanie Schuh-Athorp
Stephanie Schuh-Athorp joined the Cardinal team in 2023 and serves as our Controller. Stephanie is a certified public accountant (CPA) with a degree in International Business and Marketing from Lakeland College (now Lakeland University) and an accounting degree from UW-Milwaukee. Outside of her professional journey, Stephanie immerses herself in books, podcasts, and keeps active by participating in mud runs, color runs, and triathlons. Her dedication, expertise, and passion make her an invaluable asset to our accounting team.
Tanya Puyleart
Asset Manager
Tanya Puyleart
Tanya Puyleart serves as an Asset Manager at Cardinal and brings extensive experience in the real estate industry. Tanya is skilled in Tax Credit and Section 8 housing, both seniors and family. She enjoys mentoring new team members by guiding them through all paperwork required for move-ins and recertifications and required reporting. A few of her focuses are writing and following property budgets, monitoring monthly financial reports, maintaining high occupancy numbers, and assuring high customer satisfaction.
Tara Macpherson
Managed Services Accounts Payable
Tara Macpherson
Tramaine Robinson
Corporate Assistant Controller
Tramaine Robinson
Tramaine is a dedicated and hardworking development accountant known for his commitment to excellence. With a strong drive and determination, he consistently strives to excel in everything he undertakes.
One of Tramaine’s greatest motivations is observing the challenges that people face on a daily basis. Rather than viewing these obstacles as insurmountable hardships, he embraces an optimistic perspective, recognizing that hidden opportunities lie within these challenges, waiting to be discovered and leveraged for success.
Equipped with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Lakeland College, Tramaine has developed a solid foundation in financial management and analysis. This educational background empowers him to navigate the complexities of business operations with expertise and precision. He seamlessly combines his academic knowledge with his entrepreneurial spirit, constantly seeking innovative solutions to enhance effectiveness and drive growth.