Executive Staff

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  George Scott

  President and Founder

  George Scott founded Educational Housing Services in 1987 after over 15 years in higher-education management. Creating strong student communities and promoting a thriving scholastic environment have been at the forefront of his career since the early ’70s when Scott became the youngest Executive Vice President in the history of Robert Morris College.  Recognizing the long-standing student housing shortage in New York City, George’s vision has provided hundreds of thousands of students and interns with a “home away from home.” 

  An out-of-the-box thinker, George Scott moved in with the college students at the first EHS residence so that he could better understand their unique daily needs.  This first-hand perspective, combined with Scott’s background as a higher education management professional has been essential in providing the ideal balance of structure and independence that helps college students succeed.

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  Joe LaVacca

  Controller

  Joe LaVacca has over 20 years of accounting experience and has been with EHS for nine of those years.  His past work experience including roles as Assistant Controller for the Parish of Trinity Church, Accounting Manager at Graham & James, LLP, Controller at Sanus Health Plans of NY, and Assistant Controller at Reid & Priest, LLP.  He is also a Notary Public State of New York.  Outside of work, Joe coaches CYO basketball in Staten Island.

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  Matias Pagola

  CTO, IT Department

  Matias Pagola has been with EHS for almost 12 years. With two headquarters relocations and countless changes in our infrastructure; EHS has always kept Matias busy with many exciting projects.  Prior to EHS he worked for two large IT consulting firms as well as in the Software Division of SIEMENS Argentina.

  Information Technology is of course a big part of his many hobbies; he enjoys being involved in software development and other computer and networking projects. Outside the IT world, he enjoys riding his motorcycle and fixing anything that has an engine and wheels.

   

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  Christy Gaiti-Chatfield

  VP of Student Life

  Christy Gaiti-Chatfield leads EHS's efforts to help residents maximize their New York City experience. Along with her staff Christy designs the countless recreational programs and opportunities for residents to meet one another and explore the wonders of New York safely, conveniently and affordably. Prior to arriving at EHS, Christy was responsible for the Residence Life department and eventually became the Dean of Students at Marymount Manhattan College. She has a Masters Degree in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education from New York University and Bachelor Degrees in both Psychology and Social Work from Widener University.
   

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  Faye Bean

  VP of Leasing and Marketing

  Faye Bean has over 20 years of experience in business, customer service and creative marketing.  She joined EHS in 1998 where she used her prior talent in the hospitality and marketing industries to set new standards within the company. Her expertise combines a decade of designing creative marketing campaigns, developing effective methodologies and processes for their execution and delighting as well as exceeding the expectations of her clients.  Faye attended SUNY Brockport while working towards her bachelor's degree in liberal arts.

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  Yolanda Cruz

  Director of Student Life

  Yolanda Cruz is in charge of all buildings and around 5,000+ residents. Yolanda is a native of Houston Texas, she received a BS in Psychology from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, and she has been with Educational Housing Services since May of 2006. Previously, she was the Residence Director at the St. George/Clark residences for two years, and the Residence Director at the 1760 Third Avenue Residence.  Yolanda also does a lot of 'behind the scenes' work that is vital to EHS. Before joining EHS Yolanda was a Residence Director at Marymount Manhattan College, as well as a Residence Manager at Boston University.

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  Jessica van Ginneken

  Director of Marketing

  Jessica van Ginneken has been with EHS since 2003 and has led the efforts to rejuvenate the company’s online profile. Jessica also manages EHS' offline and promotional marketing efforts, while collaborating with Colleges and Universities that turn to EHS for their housing solutions. Jessica is a Rutgers University graduate with a double major in Journalism / Communications.
   

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  Kevin Gross

  Director of Property Management

  Kevin has been with EHS since July of 2005, and has 12 years of experience in educational property management.  He attended Columbia University, and previously worked for ARAMARK Education.  Outside of the office, Kevin enjoys running and bicycling.