Our Team: Proven Leadership
PEP’s executive leadership is among the most experienced in the student housing industry and collectively have 100 years of experience in student housing and university real estate. This management team is the cornerstone of our company’s operating success, maintaining a hands-on role in managing professional resources that achieve meaningful results. Our highly motivated executives spend the majority of their time engaged with on-the-ground property teams, including weekly property meetings and regular site visits. PEP is also very experienced with institutional reporting and provides customized monthly and quarterly reports including electronic interface capabilities.
Throughout their collective careers, PEP’s senior executives have been involved in the development, acquisition, or management of more than 100,000 beds of student housing at over 100 universities across 40 states nationwide. Our breadth of experience generates winning strategies and solutions for student market analysis, strategic acquisition selection, development planning, and community operations.
Christine Pierce
CEO & Owner
Christine Pierce is an accomplished leader, strategic visionary, and passionate steward of the legacy that defines Pierce Education Properties. With over two decades of experience spanning student housing operations, investment strategy, and executive leadership, Christine exemplifies a modern CEO deeply rooted in tradition yet driven by forward-thinking innovation.
Christine’s journey is an exciting one, having served as the Chief Operating Officer for the City of San Diego’s Pension Fund. As Co-Owner of Pierce Education Properties, Christine developed a keen understanding of the intricacies that make student housing a uniquely impactful industry—from navigating shifting market dynamics to shaping communities where students thrive academically and socially.
Under her leadership, Pierce Education Properties continues to expand its national footprint, grow its third-party management platform, and deliver superior performance for investors and partners. Christine played a pivotal role in strengthening PEP’s reputation as an industry leader, culminating in recent accolades such as the Gold Nugget Merit Award for Best Student Housing or Faculty Development and the successful launch of College View in Fall 2024.
Stepping into the role of CEO & Owner during a period of profound transition, Christine has honored the vision and values established by the late founder, Fred Pierce, while fearlessly charting the course for the company’s next era of growth. She is known for her approachable yet decisive leadership style, her commitment to cultivating top talent, and her ability to inspire trust across stakeholders.
Beyond the boardroom, Christine is an advocate for empowering women in real estate, fostering strong community partnerships, and championing a culture where excellence and integrity are non-negotiable.
Christine Pierce’s tenure at the helm ensures that Pierce Education Properties remains synonymous with quality, care, and the unwavering mission to elevate the student living experience.
Jasmin Zelinko
President and COO
With over 26 years of dynamic experience in the multifamily and student housing industry, Jasmin Zelinko exemplifies what it means to rise through dedication, expertise, and visionary leadership. Jasmin began her career as a leasing consultant and steadily advanced through progressively senior operational roles across diverse residential sectors—including conventional, Section 8, Section 42, and, most significantly, student housing for the past 16 years.
Jasmin joined Pierce Education Properties in 2019 as a Regional Manager where she quickly climbed the ranks to Vice President of Operations in 2021 and immediately brought fresh energy and discipline to the portfolio. In 2023, she broadened her impact at Yugo as Senior Vice President of Operations, overseeing 46 assets nationwide and leading a workforce of over 400 employees, a testament to Jasmin’s operational precision and commitment to results.
In 2025, Jasmin returned to Pierce Education Properties as the Chief Operating Officer and was quickly promoted to President to help guide the company through its next chapter. Today, she works closely alongside CEO & Owner Christine Pierce, leading the operational strategy while overseeing marketing, leasing, HR, and accounting. Her hallmark leadership style centers on driving excellence, building strong teams, and relentlessly pursuing operational and financial success, all while staying deeply connected to residents and employees alike.
Jasmin’s career stands as an inspiration in the student housing industry—a testament to resilience, dedication, and a true passion for creating thriving communities.
Jeremy Bonds
Portfolio Operations
Born and raised in Athens, Georgia, Jeremy Bonds is the driving force behind on-site operations support across Pierce Education Properties’ national portfolio. Having held every position on-site during his career, Jeremy has a unique ability to hit the ground running wherever he is needed—making him the perfect asset to support, guide, and elevate property teams in real time.
Jeremy is the go-to resource for operational troubleshooting, the implementation of proven strategies, and hands-on training. He serves as the “eyes and ears” of the portfolio, ensuring that each property maintains operational consistency and delivers the highest standard of service. Whether he’s coaching staff, working side by side with leasing teams, or engaging with parents and students, Jeremy brings expertise, confidence, and a people-first approach that strengthens both performance and community.
Jeremy’s reach extends nationally, where he has become a trusted mentor, trainer, and problem-solver. His ability to step into any situation, adapt quickly, and drive results sets him apart as an invaluable member of the operations team.
Jeremy holds a bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Development from Georgia Southern University and a master’s degree in Adult Education and Human Resource Development. A proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., he brings with him values of leadership, mentorship, and lifelong learning. Outside of work, Jeremy enjoys spending time outdoors and making lasting memories with family and friends.
Brianna Niemeier
Portfolio Leasing & Marketing
Brianna attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she studied Psychology, before beginning her career with Pierce Education Properties in 2020 as a Leasing Professional in Michigan. From the start, she distinguished herself with an exceptional ability to connect with students and parents, ultimately leasing more than 2,500 beds in a highly competitive market. Her early success became the foundation for her growth within PEP and propelled her into her current leadership role.
Today, Brianna is the powerhouse behind leasing and marketing strategy across PEP’s national portfolio. She is the go-to resource for Leasing and Marketing Directors, providing training, guidance, and day-to-day support that empowers onsite teams to reach and exceed their goals. Brianna orchestrates the entire leasing cycle—developing and monitoring monthly, quarterly, and annual plans, ensuring accountability at every level, and quickly pivoting strategies to capture opportunities and stay ahead of market shifts.
Her expertise extends beyond planning into execution. Brianna oversees all digital marketing, advertising, and reputation management initiatives, blending data-driven decisions with her creative instincts. Whether it’s crafting a targeted campaign, analyzing performance metrics, or brainstorming fresh ideas, Brianna brings energy, insight, and innovation to every project. Under her leadership, PEP’s marketing presence has become stronger, sharper, and more impactful than ever.
Outside of her professional achievements, Brianna is also a gifted artist who loves to draw. Her creativity often finds its way into PEP’s branding and campaigns, where her unique perspective adds a memorable edge. When she isn’t shaping the future of leasing and marketing or developing the next big idea, she enjoys relaxing with her German Shepherd, Max.