Jennifer – You’re the Best!

By Jeanette Jayne, Executive Vice-President and Managing Director – Cohen-Esrey

Please join us in recognizing the upcoming retirement of our Director of Human Resources, Jennifer Turner (2018), after nearly seven years of dedicated service. During her tenure, Jennifer led our HR team with professionalism, integrity, and a deep Commitment to supporting both our people and our mission. Under her leadership, the HR department grew in size, capability and impact, playing a vital role in the organization's success. We are grateful for her many contributions and the positive legacy she leaves behind. We wish Jennifer all the best as she begins this exciting new chapter in her life.

Her team would like to share some heartfelt comments:

Val Quezada (2024), Recruiter – Enjoy your well-deserved new chapter of relaxation and adventure. Thank you for your support, guidance and encouragement throughout these past few months. We will miss you very much!

Alexis Cruz (2024), Human Resources Coordinator – Congratulations on your retirement! Thank you for setting such a strong example for our Most Amazing HR Team. Your support has left a lasting impact on all of us. Here’s to no more alarms, no more meetings – just time for you, your family, your garden, and everything else that brings you joy!

Dee Krause (2022), Recruiting Manager – Jennifer’s steady guidance and thoughtful leadership have made a lasting impact on the whole HR team. She wasn’t just a manager – she was a mentor, helping me grow personally and professionally. She has earned every moment of her next era, and I wish her nothing but adventures and joy.

Marilee Scheid (2019), Director of Learning and Development – I want to personally thank Jennifer for the tremendous impact she’s had on my journey at Cohen-Esrey. She was the one who brought me into the organization, and through her leadership, we shaped and evolved the role I have today. Her deep knowledge of HR operations, steady guidance, and unwavering support have meant the world to me – both professionally and personally.

Sara Antar (2002), Payroll Administrator – Jennifer has been a wonderful team leader. Always professional in her actions, she’s always approachable and supportive and makes it easy to reach out for guidance. She motivates her team and recognizes achievements and maintains a positive attitude. She’ll be a tough act to follow!  I will miss her!

Gina Long (2022), Human Resources Business Partner – From the day I began my career at Cohen-Esrey, you have always given me the opportunity to learn and grow. I could not have been as successful in the last three years without your support. You have impacted my life and my career more than you will ever know.  Thank you, Jennifer, I wish you the absolute best.

A Healthy Tip

It’s summer, which means that there are thunderstorms firing up nearly every day somewhere in the country. Recently there was a report of a young man who was standing in ankle-deep water on a beach in New Smyrna Beach, FL, when he was struck and killed by lightning. What was especially odd is that the skies were clear – a storm was miles away.

Lightning on a clear day—often referred to as “bolt from the blue” lightning – may seem strange, but it is a real and documented phenomenon. Here's how and why it happens. A “bolt from the blue” is a lightning strike that originates from a thunderstorm cloud but strikes the ground far away – sometimes as far as 10 to 25 miles from the storm. From the location of the strike, the sky may appear mostly clear or even sunny, which can mislead people into thinking there’s no danger.

How does it happen?

Thunderstorms Generate Lightning

Lightning forms when electrical charges build up in a cumulonimbus cloud. Typically, the negative charge accumulates at the base of the cloud, and the ground develops a positive charge beneath it.

Lateral Lightning Travel

Instead of traveling directly downward, lightning can shoot horizontally through the upper parts of the cloud or even into the clear air surrounding it. This horizontal lightning can then bend downward and strike the ground far from the actual storm.

False Sense of Safety       

Because the strike can occur in an area where the sky is blue and no rain or thunder is present, people are often caught off guard. This makes “bolts from the blue” especially dangerous.

⚠ Safety Implications

• Don’t rely on clear skies overhead – if thunder is audible, lightning is close enough to strike.

• Follow the “30-30 Rule:” If you hear thunder within 30 seconds of seeing lightning, seek shelter. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before resuming outdoor activities.

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Whether you are at the beach this summer or somewhere else, the advice here is sound. Lightning on a clear day is a rare but serious hazard. Stay aware.

Welcome Kim!

John Hinman (2011), Managing Director of the Nexus 5 Group is pleased to announce the hiring of Kimberly Vogan as a Project Engineer. Kim brings two-and-a-half years of experience in construction support and a strong passion for keeping operations running smoothly behind the scenes. As a proud Navy veteran, Army mom, and military brat, she’s no stranger to change and challenge. Her upbringing took her around the world – from Scotland and Puerto Rico to Alaska – and later to states like Nebraska, Minnesota, Delaware, and Idaho. Along the way, she’s mastered the art of staying organized, being flexible, and adapting to whatever comes her way.

Outside of work, Kim enjoys spending time with her three kids, getting outdoors with her family and two dogs, crocheting cozy creations, watching movies, and connecting with her extended family in the area.

As a Project Engineer, Kim and will work with multifamily and commercial projects.

An Empowerment Story

By Greg Steuber (2025), Development Manager, CEDG

Greg Steuber (2025), is a Development Manager for the Cohen-Esrey Development Group (CEDG). Here is what he has to say about his Empowerment: