Lansing, Michigan-based real estate development and management firm Gillespie Group recently made two key promotions.
Continuing to work alongside Pat Gillespie, founder and chief executive officer of Gillespie Group, Rachel Michaud has been promoted to the position of president and chief operating officer and Tricia Walthorn to the position of chief financial officer.
Michaud has been a key part of the Gillespie Group team for over 25 years, most recently holding the position of vice president. Recognized in 2022 as a Notable Women in Construction, Design & Architecture by CRAIN’s Detroit Business, Michaud has been instrumental in the success of the company in all aspects from business development to operational management.
As President & COO, Michaud’s focus is on the strategic growth of the organization along with the continued elevation of the leadership practices within. An eye to the future, she will oversee the executive team with a key focus on client, partner, and community stakeholder relationships.
Walthorn, who previously held the director of finance role with the firm, has a proven track record of leading Gillespie Group through its nearly 200% growth since joining the team in 2010. During her tenure, Walthorn has led the organization thru complex financing, tax and incentive executions, accounting and property management software migrations, portfolio acquisitions/dispositions, and has helped the firm revamp policies and procedures to scale efficiency and maximize overall growth.
As CFO, Walthorn will continue to lead the firm through the execution of its growth strategies around development, financing, acquisition, asset management and technology advancement.
