Meet Our Leaders

Co-Founder with 30 Years of Experience
David G. Archibald

As one of the two co-founders of EAST Capital Partners, David brings 30 years of investment experience having successfully executed over $4.0 billion in real estate transactions. David focuses on the company’s overall strategy as well as overseeing all day-to-day operations with his business partner, Drew. This includes negotiating high-value joint ventures, spearheading asset and property management, overseeing leasing and capital projects—including ground-up developments—and maximizing value through strategic asset dispositions.
Before founding EAST Capital Partners, David served as Chief Investment Officer at Ivy Realty, where he led the firm’s investment strategy for 16 years. Under his leadership, Ivy invested across industrial, office, residential, and retail assets, with a particular focus on value-add and opportunistic investments.
David’s expertise extends back to his tenure as President of Geometry Realty, Inc., a New York City-based investment management firm. There, he held senior leadership roles in acquisitions and asset management. He began his career as a lending officer in M&T Bank’s Commercial Real Estate Department, building a solid foundation in real estate finance that continues to inform his strategic approach.
David holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Lafayette College and a Master of Science in Real Estate Finance from New York University’s Schack Institute of Real Estate.
David splits his time between his home in Pelham, NY and Little Compton, RI with his wife Andrea, and two sons Ethan and Avery.
As co-founder of EAST Capital Partners, David brings 30 years of investment experience and a track record of successfully executing over $4.0 billion in real estate transactions. David focuses on the company’s overall strategy as well as overseeing all day-to-day operations with his business partner, Drew. This includes negotiating high-value joint ventures, spearheading asset and property management, overseeing leasing and capital projects—including ground-up developments—and maximizing value through strategic asset dispositions. Before founding EAST Capital Partners, David served as Chief Investment Officer at Ivy Realty, where he led the firm’s investment strategy for 16 years. Under his leadership, Ivy invested across industrial, office, residential, and retail assets, with a particular focus on value-add and opportunistic investments. David’s expertise extends back to his tenure as President of Geometry Realty, Inc., a New York City-based investment management firm. There, he held senior leadership roles in acquisitions and asset management. He began his career as a lending officer in M&T Bank’s Commercial Real Estate Department, building a solid foundation in real estate finance that continues to inform his strategic approach. David holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Lafayette College and a Master of Science in Real Estate Finance from New York University’s Schack Institute of Real Estate. David splits his time between his home in Pelham, NY and Little Compton, RI with his wife Andrea, and two sons Ethan and Avery.

Co-Founder with 20 Years of Experience
Drew T. DeWitt

As one of the two co-founders of EAST Capital Partners, Drew brings 20 years of investment experience having successfully executed over $4.2 billion in real estate transactions, with a particular focus on alternative assets and special situations. His career has spanned real estate acquisitions, dispositions, development, capital markets, and asset management across both conventional and impact products. Together with David, Drew is responsible for driving the firm’s key initiatives, including identifying new investment opportunities, raising investment capital, managing acquisitions and financings, overseeing development projects, and leading asset and property management. Additionally, Drew directs the firm’s dispositions and ensures the seamless execution of its daily operations.
Prior to founding EAST Capital Partners, Drew served as Executive Vice President at Ivy Realty, where he led the acquisitions department, managing investments in industrial, cold storage, life sciences, residential, and office assets. Before Ivy, Drew served as Senior Vice President and Head of Investments at Rouse Properties (NYSE: RSE), a $2.8 billion real estate investment trust (REIT). In this role, he led strategic initiatives, including acquisitions, dispositions, and the development of new joint ventures.
Drew began his career in impact investing at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, where he acquired over $1.1 billion in assets and advanced to Vice President of Acquisitions, managing real estate investments on behalf of pension funds and other institutional investors.
Drew holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance, graduating with Dean’s Honors and Distinction from New York University’s Stern School of Business, and a Master of Science in Real Estate Finance from New York University’s Schack Institute of Real Estate. He is a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) and a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM).
Outside of his professional achievements, Drew lives in Westport, CT, with his wife, Jade, and their twin daughters, Mia and Grey.
Drawing on two decades of investment experience, Drew co-founded EAST Capital Partners and has successfully executed over $4.2 billion in real estate transactions, with a specific focus on alternative assets and special situations. His career has spanned real estate acquisitions, dispositions, development, capital markets, and asset management across both conventional and impact products. Together with David, Drew is responsible for driving the firm’s key initiatives, including identifying new investment opportunities, raising investment capital, managing acquisitions and financings, overseeing development projects, and leading asset and property management. Additionally, Drew directs the firm’s dispositions and ensures the seamless execution of its daily operations. Prior to founding EAST Capital Partners, Drew served as Executive Vice President at Ivy Realty, where he led the acquisitions department, managing investments in industrial, cold storage, life sciences, residential, and office assets. Before Ivy, Drew served as Senior Vice President and Head of Investments at Rouse Properties (NYSE: RSE), a $2.8 billion real estate investment trust (REIT). In this role, he led strategic initiatives, including acquisitions, dispositions, and the development of new joint ventures. Drew began his career in impact investing at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, where he acquired over $1.1 billion in assets and advanced to Vice President of Acquisitions, managing real estate investments on behalf of pension funds and other institutional investors. Drew holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance, graduating with Dean’s Honors and Distinction from New York University’s Stern School of Business, and a Master of Science in Real Estate Finance from New York University’s Schack Institute of Real Estate. He is a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) and a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM). Outside of his professional achievements, Drew lives in Westport, CT, with his wife, Jade, and their twin daughters, Mia and Grey.

Chief Financial Officer with 26 Years of Experience
Edwin K. Chin

As the Chief Financial Officer at EAST, Edwin brings over 26 years of experience in finance, strategic planning, and operational management. In his role, Edwin oversees all aspects of the firm’s financial operations, including financial planning, risk management, record-keeping, and financial reporting.
Prior to joining EAST, Edwin spent 24 years with JPMorgan Asset Management (JPMAM) in the Finance Group of Real Estate Americas. While at JPMAM, he served as the Executive Director/Regional Controller overseeing the financial management, accounting and reporting for investments across all sectors located in the Central Region of the United States. All investments rolled up to various Open End Commingled Pension Trust Funds as well as various Closed-End Vehicles and Separately Managed Accounts. During his time at JPMAM, he spent ten years as Fund/Portfolio Controller for many Closed-End Funds and Separately Managed Accounts across all equity and mezzanine investment strategies. In this role, he oversaw the quarterly/annual financial management, performance reporting and analysis as well as managing all fund operations. Edwin started at JPMAM as a Sector Controller overseeing the financial reporting of the Office/Industrial investments located in the West/Midwest regions. He began his career at Ernst & Young, LLP providing consulting and accounting advisory/audit services to real estate industry clients.
Edwin holds a B.S.B.A. in Accounting and Management Information Systems as well as an M.B.A. in Finance and International Management from Northeastern University. Edwin currently lives in Central New Jersey with his wife June and their four children.
As the Chief Financial Officer at EAST, Edwin brings over 26 years of experience in finance, strategic planning, and operational management. In his role, Edwin oversees all aspects of the firm’s financial operations, including financial planning, risk management, record-keeping, and financial reporting. Prior to joining EAST, Edwin spent 24 years with JPMorgan Asset Management (JPMAM) in the Finance Group of Real Estate Americas. While at JPMAM, he served as the Executive Director/Regional Controller overseeing the financial management, accounting and reporting for investments across all sectors located in the Central Region of the United States. All investments rolled up to various Open End Commingled Pension Trust Funds as well as various Closed-End Vehicles and Separately Managed Accounts. During his time at JPMAM, he spent ten years as Fund/Portfolio Controller for many Closed-End Funds and Separately Managed Accounts across all equity and mezzanine investment strategies. In this role, he oversaw the quarterly/annual financial management, performance reporting and analysis as well as managing all fund operations. Edwin started at JPMAM as a Sector Controller overseeing the financial reporting of the Office/Industrial investments located in the West/Midwest regions. He began his career at Ernst & Young, LLP providing consulting and accounting advisory/audit services to real estate industry clients. Edwin holds a B.S.B.A. in Accounting and Management Information Systems as well as an M.B.A. in Finance and International Management from Northeastern University. Edwin currently lives in Central New Jersey with his wife June and their four children.

Senior Real Estate Manager
Wendy Simon
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Wendy is responsible for EAST’s real estate portfolio in Port Saint Lucie, FL, overseeing all aspects of property management and leasing. In Wendy’s 20 years of experience in commercial property management, Wendy has managed a variety of asset types, including Class A Office, Small Bay Industrial, Mixed-Use Assets, and Retail Shopping Centers. Wendy joined EAST following senior level roles at Shopcore Properties, a Blackstone Company, Stiles Property Management and Inland Diversified. As a graduate of Florida International University with a concentration in Real Estate, Wendy has extensive knowledge in all aspects of real estate. In the pursuit of excellence, she led her team to win BOMA Fort Lauderdale and The Palm Beaches highly coveted Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY) award three years in a row.
Wendy holds a Florida Real Estate License and professional designation as a Certified Retail Real Estate Professional (CRRP). Wendy has been happily married to her husband, Joe Simon, since 2012 and is grateful to be stepmom to his two daughters, Ciara and Chantell, and Grandma Wendy to six amazing grandchildren. Originally from the Bronx, New York, she settled in South Florida in 1992 and for the past 15 years has called Port Saint Lucie, FL home.
Wendy is responsible for EAST’s real estate portfolio in Port Saint Lucie, FL, overseeing all aspects of property management and leasing. In Wendy’s 20 years of experience in commercial property management, Wendy has managed a variety of asset types, including Class A Office, Small Bay Industrial, Mixed-Use Assets, and Retail Shopping Centers. Wendy joined EAST following senior level roles at Shopcore Properties, a Blackstone Company, Stiles Property Management and Inland Diversified. As a graduate of Florida International University with a concentration in Real Estate, Wendy has extensive knowledge in all aspects of real estate. In the pursuit of excellence, she led her team to win BOMA Fort Lauderdale and The Palm Beaches highly coveted Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY) award three years in a row. Wendy holds a Florida Real Estate License and professional designation as a Certified Retail Real Estate Professional (CRRP). Wendy has been happily married to her husband, Joe Simon, since 2012 and is grateful to be stepmom to his two daughters, Ciara and Chantell, and Grandma Wendy to six amazing grandchildren. Originally from the Bronx, New York, she settled in South Florida in 1992 and for the past 15 years has called Port Saint Lucie, FL home.

Property Manager
Maria Aquino
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Maria Aquino is a seasoned Property Manager with over 15 years of expertise in the real estate industry. Before joining the EAST team, she held key positions at Cushman & Wakefield and Transwestern, where she honed her expertise in managing large-scale portfolios exceeding 3 million square feet, demonstrating her proficiency in operational efficiency and property performance. Skilled in leading platforms such as Yardi, MRI, and AppFolio, Maria excels in tenant relations, vendor management, lease compliance, and contract negotiations, making her an indispensable member of our team.
Her expertise extends to sustainability initiatives, including LEED certifications and Energy Star compliance, reflecting her dedication to energy-efficient and environmentally conscious practices. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and proactive management style, Maria ensures the wellbeing of both properties and tenants under her care.
Currently pursuing her Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) license, Maria is committed to continuous learning and staying ahead of industry trends. Her passion for real estate and unwavering dedication to excellence distinguish her as a leading professional in property management.
Maria Aquino is a seasoned Property Manager with over 15 years of expertise in the real estate industry. Before joining the EAST team, she held key positions at Cushman & Wakefield and Transwestern, where she honed her expertise in managing large-scale portfolios exceeding 3 million square feet, demonstrating her proficiency in operational efficiency and property performance. Skilled in leading platforms such as Yardi, MRI, and AppFolio, Maria excels in tenant relations, vendor management, lease compliance, and contract negotiations, making her an indispensable member of our team. Her expertise extends to sustainability initiatives, including LEED certifications and Energy Star compliance, reflecting her dedication to energy-efficient and environmentally conscious practices. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and proactive management style, Maria ensures the wellbeing of both properties and tenants under her care. Currently pursuing her Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) license, Maria is committed to continuous learning and staying ahead of industry trends. Her passion for real estate and unwavering dedication to excellence distinguish her as a leading professional in property management.

Property Manager
Emilio Suaya

Emilio serves as a property manager on our Miami team, bringing 40-years of management experience across various roles in retail, contractor management, and operations. Emilio also brings a unique background, having owned a retail business in the past, giving him keen insights into the tenant perspective as a user of real estate, lease negotiations and tenant expectations. Emilio is a graduate of Miami Dade Community College and resides in Aventura, FL with his wife and is the proud father of three daughters and six grandchildren.
Emilio serves as a property manager on our Miami team, bringing 40-years of management experience across various roles in retail, contractor management, and operations. Emilio also brings a unique background, having owned a retail business in the past, giving him keen insights into the tenant perspective as a user of real estate, lease negotiations and tenant expectations. Emilio is a graduate of Miami Dade Community College and resides in Aventura, FL with his wife and is the proud father of three daughters and six grandchildren.

Senior Building Engineer
Jorge Gonzalez

Jorge Gonzalez, Senior Building Engineer. With over 30 years of experience, Jorge brings extensive experience in facilities management, previously working with COFE Properties and other major real estate owner/operators in the South Florida market. Jorge currently oversees the day-to-day facilities for EAST’s south Florida portfolio and is an invaluable resource to our Florida operations.
Jorge Gonzalez, Senior Building Engineer. With over 30 years of experience, Jorge brings extensive experience in facilities management, previously working with COFE Properties and other major real estate owner/operators in the South Florida market. Jorge currently oversees the day-to-day facilities for EAST’s south Florida portfolio and is an invaluable resource to our Florida operations.

Assistant Building Engineer
Pedro Ruiz

Based in our Miami office, Pedro came to EAST with extensive experience in multi-family property maintenance and facility management and is a licensed HVAC professional. Given his experience and professional designations in HVAC and OSHA Regulations & Maintenance, Pedro has applied these skills with a hands-on approach to repairs and preventive maintenance, ensuring comfort and efficiency for the properties he oversees in Florida.
Based in our Miami office, Pedro came to EAST with extensive experience in multi-family property maintenance and facility management and is a licensed HVAC professional. Given his experience and professional designations in HVAC and OSHA Regulations & Maintenance, Pedro has applied these skills with a hands-on approach to repairs and preventive maintenance, ensuring comfort and efficiency for the properties he oversees in Florida.