Frederick W. Pierce, (Founder - In Memoriam)
President and CEO (1995-2024)

Fred Pierce was President and CEO of Pierce Education Properties (“PEP”), a leading national student housing investment and operating company listed amongst the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America (2018 & 2019). Mr. Pierce was selected as one of 24 national “Student Housing Pioneers” by Real Estate Forum (2013), received Ernst & Young’s San Diego Region “Entrepreneur of the Year®” Award for the Real Estate & Construction Industry (2012), was named one of “50 Influential Leaders in San Diego” by the San Diego Daily Transcript (2017, 2018 & 2019), was included amongst the “San Diego 500 Influential Business Leaders” (2018, 2019 & 2020) by the San Diego Business Journal, was a finalist for the “Most Admired CEO” by the San Diego Business Journal (2018 & 2019), and received the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s “Moving San Diego Forward Award” (2019) on behalf of the Friends of SDSU for his work on the successful SDSU West ballot initiative (Nov. 2018). Fred was twice awarded San Diego State University’s (“SDSU”) “Distinguished Alumni Award” from SDSU Alumni Association (2021) and Fowler College of Business (1999).

PEP operates a nationwide portfolio of approximately 8,300 beds. PEP was ranked in 2020 by Student Housing Business Magazine as the 13th largest owner and 17th largest manager of student housing in the U.S. and had been listed by the magazine as an “Industry Titan” every year since 2016. In 2020, PEP ranked #6 nationally amongst student housing companies in J. Turner’s “Online Reputation Assessment (ORA) Power Rankings.” Since 2007, PEP completed more than $1.1 billion in acquisitions representing approximately 27,000 beds, ranking it among the leading buyers of student apartments in the country during that period. For over 10 years, the firm served as master developer of the award-winning, 131-acre, multi-billion-dollar College Community Redevelopment Project at SDSU together with SDSU Foundation. PEP earned numerous national and international awards for its projects including three “Gold Nugget Awards of Merit” from the Pacific Coast Builders Conference (“PCBC”) and the “Award of Excellence” as The Outstanding University Real Estate Project in the country from the Association of University Real Estate Officials. He was also honored with the prestigious Beta Theta Pi Oxford Cup, the highest award bestowed by the fraternity, recognizing his distinguished service and achievements. Fred was also posthumously awarded an honorary doctoral degree from Franklin Pierce University—bestowed during the university’s 60th Commencement on May 10, 2025—in recognition of his visionary leadership as former Board Chair and his lasting contributions to student success.

Prior to founding PEP, Fred was a principal and Chief Financial Officer of Los Angeles-based Platt Companies where he directed the acquisition and financing of $400 million in real estate assets. Prior to that, Fred was Western Regional Director of Real Estate Consulting for Price Waterhouse, as well as Director of Real Estate Investment Consulting for KPMG Peat Marwick/Goodkin Group. Fred was a Trustee Emeritus of the 482,000-student, 23-campus California State University (CSU) System and also served as Past President of the Board of Trustees of the City of San Diego’s Pension Fund (SDCERS, $8.4 Billion), where he also chaired its Real Estate Investment Committee. Fred was Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Franklin Pierce University and Chairman of the NMHC Student Housing Research Fund Advisory Board. He was a Board Member of The Campanile Foundation (SDSU’s Endowment), SDSU’s Fowler College of Business Board (former Chairman), SDSU’s Corky McMillin Center for Real Estate, SDSU Mission Valley Campus Residential Advisory Board, Sonoma State University’s Wine Business Institute, University of Georgia’s Residential Property Management Advisory Board, and the Beta Theta Pi Foundation. Fred was also a former Board Member of INVESCO’s $350 million Real Estate Fund I, and Past President of the CSU Alumni Council, SDSU Alumni Association, and Poway Unified School District Foundation Board. Fred completed real estate finance studies in the MBA program at SDSU and earned a bachelor’s degree in finance, cum laude, from SDSU.

Christine Pierce
President and CEO

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 President and CEO 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
Chief Operating Officer

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 Chief Operating Officer to help guide the company through its next chapter. Today, she works closely alongside President & CEO 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.

Neal Singer
Chief Asset Management & Development Officer

Neal Singer is the driving force behind the strategic stewardship and dynamic development of Pierce Education Properties’ student housing portfolio. With over three decades of diverse experience in real estate development, asset management, and consulting, Neal brings unmatched expertise and a hands-on approach that ensures every Pierce community delivers both exceptional resident experiences and strong investor returns.

As Chief Asset Management and Development Officer, Neal oversees the performance of Pierce’s national student housing assets and directs the company’s development pipeline. His leadership blends disciplined financial oversight with an eye for design and functionality, ensuring that every project aligns with market demands and the company’s commitment to quality.

Before joining Pierce in 2018, Neal spent 28 years as President of his own successful real estate consulting firm, Portfolio Realty Advisors, Inc. (PRA). There, he led projects spanning real estate development and brokerage, asset and property management, feasibility analyses, entitlement processing, project construction management, and expert witness services. Notably, PRA acted as the development consultant to the NTC Foundation leading the design, permitting, and renovation construction of the historic buildings at Liberty Station in San Diego, CA—projects that demonstrate Neal’s ability to blend historic preservation with vibrant modern use.

Since joining Pierce, Neal’s leadership has elevated the company’s development achievements, including the award-winning Topaz Student Apartments, which earned the prestigious Gold Nugget Merit Award for Best Student Housing or Faculty Development in 2025. Neal’s commitment was evident in every detail—from collaborating with architects and designers, to hand-selecting furniture, reviewing color palettes, and ensuring common areas reflected the highest standards of comfort and style.

Neal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. He is highly respected within the industry for his integrity, meticulous project oversight, and passion for creating communities that students proudly call home.