Click to view our leadership team
Corporate Bios
William Yerman, Partner, CEO
As Chief Executive Officer, Billy oversees the operations of The Strata Group. He is responsible for achieving the strategic plans and policies as established by the nine Strata Group partners. Billy has more than 20 years of experience in real estate and title industry. He is a past president of the Maryland Land Title Association and of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors. Billy is currently on the Board of Trustees of Garrison Forest School and is the Chairman of the Board of Junior Achievement of Central Maryland. Billy holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Emory University and graduated from The University of Maryland School of Law.
Annette Walter, Partner, COO
As Chief Operating Officer for The Strata Group, Annette Walter manages the marketing, financial analysis, business development, and technology for eight companies with more than 300 employees and agents. Her duties include leading the development, design, operation and improvement for all of The Strata Group’s systems. Annette has more than 12 years of experience in the real estate industry. Prior to being promoted to Chief Operating Officer, Annette co-founded and served as the managing partner for the mortgage division of The Strata Group. Prior to The Strata Group, Annette worked for both Suntrust Mortgage and Amsouth Bank. In 2011 Annette was recognized by SmartCEO magazine as a “Top COO” in the Baltimore area, one of just 10 who were chosen. Later in 2011, she completed the Grinnell Executive Accelerator Leadership Program. Annette graduated from Rollins College (Winter Park,FL) with a B.A. in Spanish and a minor in Business Administration.
Michael Yerman, Partner, YWGC Realty
Real estate has been a major part of Michael Yerman’s life for thirty years. Starting in 1976, Michael was president of a real estate development firm that oversaw such Baltimore condominium projects as the The St. James, Ruxton Crossing, Stevenson Crossing, The Villages of Homeland and Bedford Commons. Prior to being an Associate Broker at Long and Foster Realtors, Michael was Chief Executive Officer of Meredith Real Estate/Better Homes and Gardens. His commitment to his profession extends to outside activities. Michael served as President of the Maryland Association of Realtors, the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors, and the Baltimore Corporation for Housing Partnership. He is currently a trustee of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors Foundation, a charitable arm of the board that works to enhance neighborhoods and encourage home ownership. Michael was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Maryland Association of Realtors in 2005.
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Marc Witman, Partner, YWGC Realty
Marc served as President of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors in 1999, and has been active on many of its committees. In 1998, he was the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors “Realtor of the Year”, and currently serves on the Maryland Association Board of Directors. A believer in reinvesting in the community, Marc was the founding president of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors Foundation, and was a 2000 director of the Greater Baltimore Alliance, the region’s economic development organization. Marc is a member of the National Association of Realtors, and the Home Builders Association of Maryland, and is a life member of the Real Estate Million Dollar Association, a graduate of the Realtors Institute (GRI), and a Certified New Home Sales Professional (CSP).
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Brandon Gaines, Partner, YWGC Realty
As one of Baltimore’s leading real estate professionals since 1977, Brandon is always looking to increase the level of service that he provides to his clients – “Even though our industry is dominated by more and more cutting edge technology, there is no substitute for professional knowledge, experience and a caring attitude towards every client. It’s all about providing the highest level of personal service to both our buyer and seller clients while maintaining the highest level of integrity”. Throughout the years, Brandon has been very involved in the greater Baltimore community and has served on a wide variety of non-profit boards. As an active alumnus of Boys’ Latin School, he currently serves as President of their Board of Trustees and also sits on the Alumni Board. In addition, Brandon has supported the real estate industry both locally and regionally by serving as President of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors in 1991 and by serving on a multitude of committees of both the local Board and the Maryland Association of Realtors. He was awarded “Realtor of the Year” honors in 1993 from the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors. Brandon is an Associate Broker and has his CRS and GRI professional designations.
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Cindy Conklin & Bob Merbler, Partners, YWGC Realty
Cindy Conklin and Bob Merbler have achieved extraordinary success in Baltimore City and are consistent leaders in City residential real estate sales. After 5 years at T. Rowe Price in the early 1980’s. Cindy began her career in real estate at O’Conor, Piper & Flynn in 1985 which later became Coldwell Banker. In 2007, Cindy and Bob joined the partnership of The Strata Group and Yerman Witman Gaines & Conklin Realty. Cindy remains the same successful and driven agent, loyal to her clients and a part of the community. Cindy is dedicated to community activities, and serves as a volunteer with Christ Lutheran Place (a women & children’s shelter), Port Discovery Children’s Museum, and is on the Alumnae Council for Dickinson College.
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Peter Burstein, Partner, RETE
Peter is a partner and the CEO of Real Estate Title and Escrow. He is responsible for the growth and day-to-day operations of the firm. Mr. Burstein is also a founding member of Real Estate Title and Escrow’s related law firm, Strata Law, LLC. Mr. Burstein is a member of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of Comprehensive Housing Assistance Inc. (CHAI), an agency of the Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore. He is a past Chairman of CHAI’s Homeownership and Loan Committee and currently chairs its Community Development Committee. Mr. Burstein holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from The George Washington University and graduated with honor from The University of Maryland School of Law. Mr. Burstein is a member of the Maryland and Virginia Bars.
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Jimmy Yerman, Partner, Mortgage Master Inc
With nearly 20 years experience in the mortgage industry, Jimmy knows how to “wow” his clients. As a principal of Mortgage Master Inc, he has the training, skills and technical support to handle all of your mortgage needs. As a direct lender with extensive industry relationships, Mortgage Master Inc has control over the loan process and can provide access to a wide array of products at very competitive rates. With expertise in all types of mortgage products, Jimmy takes the time to explain the process to each of his clients. Jimmy’s attention to detail is something his customers seem to appreciate the most, which is main reason they continue to consider him their mortgage lender for life.
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Stefanie Tartaglia, Chief Financial Officer
Stefanie oversees the financial operations for all of The Strata Group entities including forecasting and trending, tax planning and the analysis of new opportunites in the market. She holds a degree in Business Management from the University of Delaware where she received numerous academic acknowledgements. She is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi Chapter 5 Honors Society and the Golden Key Honors Society. Stefanie joined The Strat Group in 2007 shortly after it began operations as the director of Finance & Accounting. After a brief hiatus due to her husband's military career, she returned the The Strata Group in April 2009 in her current role.
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Cindy Penn, Director of Business Development and Events
Cindy is responsible for developing and maintaining the Strata Group’s external strategic partnerships as well as working closely with our internal partners to maximize our relationships. She began her career in real estate as Marketing Director for Magill Yerman/Better Homes and Gardens, later known as Meredith Real Estate/Better Homes & Gardens. After several years in the non-profit industry, she returned to real estate to work with Brandon Gaines in 2003, and has been with the Team since. Cindy holds her real estate license and is a member of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.
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Pat Rudick, Finance/Human Resources
As director of Human Resources and Finance, Pat's daily operational duties include the implementation and operation of systems necessary to maintain proper records, affording adequate accounting controls and services throughout the organization. A native of Baltimore, Pat is a proud mother and grandmother of nine. Prior to joining The Strata Group, Pat owned and operated a furniture store for 18 years. Pat remains active in Spina Bifida of Maryland.
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Joseph Cservek, Esq., In-House Counsel
A licensed Maryland Attorney for 30 years, Joe is responsible for the management of all legal matters involving the Strata network of companies. Prior to joining The Strata Group, Joe worked for The Fountainhead Title Group and RGS Title, LLC. for nearly 24 years; serving as CEO/President of its Northern Division for two of those years. In addition to his extensive real estate background, Joe was admitted to the Maryland State Bar in 1980 and holds a Maryland Real Estate Associate Broker's license.
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Sam Thomsen, Web Developer
As The Strata Group’s Web Developer, Sam creates and maintains all of the company websites. He also designs, develops, and deploys The Strata Group’s internal web-based systems and initiatives. Sam graduated from Stevenson University with a B.S. in Computer Information Systems.
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William Yerman, Partner, CEO
As Chief Executive Officer, Billy oversees the operations of The Strata Group. He is responsible for achieving the strategic plans and policies as established by the nine Strata Group partners. Billy has more than 20 years of experience in real estate and title industry. He is a past president of the Maryland Land Title Association and of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors. Billy is currently on the Board of Trustees of Garrison Forest School and is the Chairman of the Board of Junior Achievement of Central Maryland. Billy holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Emory University and graduated from The University of Maryland School of Law.
Annette Walter, Partner, COO
As Chief Operating Officer for The Strata Group, Annette Walter manages the marketing, financial analysis, business development, and technology for eight companies with more than 300 employees and agents. Her duties include leading the development, design, operation and improvement for all of The Strata Group’s systems. Annette has more than 12 years of experience in the real estate industry. Prior to being promoted to Chief Operating Officer, Annette co-founded and served as the managing partner for the mortgage division of The Strata Group. Prior to The Strata Group, Annette worked for both Suntrust Mortgage and Amsouth Bank. In 2011 Annette was recognized by SmartCEO magazine as a “Top COO” in the Baltimore area, one of just 10 who were chosen. Later in 2011, she completed the Grinnell Executive Accelerator Leadership Program. Annette graduated from Rollins College (Winter Park,FL) with a B.A. in Spanish and a minor in Business Administration.
Michael Yerman, Partner, YWGC Realty
Real estate has been a major part of Michael Yerman’s life for thirty years. Starting in 1976, Michael was president of a real estate development firm that oversaw such Baltimore condominium projects as the The St. James, Ruxton Crossing, Stevenson Crossing, The Villages of Homeland and Bedford Commons. Prior to being an Associate Broker at Long and Foster Realtors, Michael was Chief Executive Officer of Meredith Real Estate/Better Homes and Gardens. His commitment to his profession extends to outside activities. Michael served as President of the Maryland Association of Realtors, the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors, and the Baltimore Corporation for Housing Partnership. He is currently a trustee of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors Foundation, a charitable arm of the board that works to enhance neighborhoods and encourage home ownership. Michael was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Maryland Association of Realtors in 2005.
-Top-
Marc Witman, Partner, YWGC Realty
Marc served as President of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors in 1999, and has been active on many of its committees. In 1998, he was the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors “Realtor of the Year”, and currently serves on the Maryland Association Board of Directors. A believer in reinvesting in the community, Marc was the founding president of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors Foundation, and was a 2000 director of the Greater Baltimore Alliance, the region’s economic development organization. Marc is a member of the National Association of Realtors, and the Home Builders Association of Maryland, and is a life member of the Real Estate Million Dollar Association, a graduate of the Realtors Institute (GRI), and a Certified New Home Sales Professional (CSP).
-Top-
Brandon Gaines, Partner, YWGC Realty
As one of Baltimore’s leading real estate professionals since 1977, Brandon is always looking to increase the level of service that he provides to his clients – “Even though our industry is dominated by more and more cutting edge technology, there is no substitute for professional knowledge, experience and a caring attitude towards every client. It’s all about providing the highest level of personal service to both our buyer and seller clients while maintaining the highest level of integrity”. Throughout the years, Brandon has been very involved in the greater Baltimore community and has served on a wide variety of non-profit boards. As an active alumnus of Boys’ Latin School, he currently serves as President of their Board of Trustees and also sits on the Alumni Board. In addition, Brandon has supported the real estate industry both locally and regionally by serving as President of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors in 1991 and by serving on a multitude of committees of both the local Board and the Maryland Association of Realtors. He was awarded “Realtor of the Year” honors in 1993 from the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors. Brandon is an Associate Broker and has his CRS and GRI professional designations.
-Top-
Cindy Conklin & Bob Merbler, Partners, YWGC Realty
Cindy Conklin and Bob Merbler have achieved extraordinary success in Baltimore City and are consistent leaders in City residential real estate sales. After 5 years at T. Rowe Price in the early 1980’s. Cindy began her career in real estate at O’Conor, Piper & Flynn in 1985 which later became Coldwell Banker. In 2007, Cindy and Bob joined the partnership of The Strata Group and Yerman Witman Gaines & Conklin Realty. Cindy remains the same successful and driven agent, loyal to her clients and a part of the community. Cindy is dedicated to community activities, and serves as a volunteer with Christ Lutheran Place (a women & children’s shelter), Port Discovery Children’s Museum, and is on the Alumnae Council for Dickinson College.
-Top-
Peter Burstein, Partner, RETE
Peter is a partner and the CEO of Real Estate Title and Escrow. He is responsible for the growth and day-to-day operations of the firm. Mr. Burstein is also a founding member of Real Estate Title and Escrow’s related law firm, Strata Law, LLC. Mr. Burstein is a member of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of Comprehensive Housing Assistance Inc. (CHAI), an agency of the Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore. He is a past Chairman of CHAI’s Homeownership and Loan Committee and currently chairs its Community Development Committee. Mr. Burstein holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from The George Washington University and graduated with honor from The University of Maryland School of Law. Mr. Burstein is a member of the Maryland and Virginia Bars.
-Top-
Jimmy Yerman, Partner, Mortgage Master Inc
With nearly 20 years experience in the mortgage industry, Jimmy knows how to “wow” his clients. As a principal of Mortgage Master Inc, he has the training, skills and technical support to handle all of your mortgage needs. As a direct lender with extensive industry relationships, Mortgage Master Inc has control over the loan process and can provide access to a wide array of products at very competitive rates. With expertise in all types of mortgage products, Jimmy takes the time to explain the process to each of his clients. Jimmy’s attention to detail is something his customers seem to appreciate the most, which is main reason they continue to consider him their mortgage lender for life.
-Top-
Stefanie Tartaglia, Chief Financial Officer
Stefanie oversees the financial operations for all of The Strata Group entities including forecasting and trending, tax planning and the analysis of new opportunites in the market. She holds a degree in Business Management from the University of Delaware where she received numerous academic acknowledgements. She is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi Chapter 5 Honors Society and the Golden Key Honors Society. Stefanie joined The Strat Group in 2007 shortly after it began operations as the director of Finance & Accounting. After a brief hiatus due to her husband's military career, she returned the The Strata Group in April 2009 in her current role.
-Top-
Cindy Penn, Director of Business Development and Events
Cindy is responsible for developing and maintaining the Strata Group’s external strategic partnerships as well as working closely with our internal partners to maximize our relationships. She began her career in real estate as Marketing Director for Magill Yerman/Better Homes and Gardens, later known as Meredith Real Estate/Better Homes & Gardens. After several years in the non-profit industry, she returned to real estate to work with Brandon Gaines in 2003, and has been with the Team since. Cindy holds her real estate license and is a member of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.
-Top-
Pat Rudick, Finance/Human Resources
As director of Human Resources and Finance, Pat's daily operational duties include the implementation and operation of systems necessary to maintain proper records, affording adequate accounting controls and services throughout the organization. A native of Baltimore, Pat is a proud mother and grandmother of nine. Prior to joining The Strata Group, Pat owned and operated a furniture store for 18 years. Pat remains active in Spina Bifida of Maryland.
-Top-
Joseph Cservek, Esq., In-House Counsel
A licensed Maryland Attorney for 30 years, Joe is responsible for the management of all legal matters involving the Strata network of companies. Prior to joining The Strata Group, Joe worked for The Fountainhead Title Group and RGS Title, LLC. for nearly 24 years; serving as CEO/President of its Northern Division for two of those years. In addition to his extensive real estate background, Joe was admitted to the Maryland State Bar in 1980 and holds a Maryland Real Estate Associate Broker's license.
-Top-
Sam Thomsen, Web Developer
As The Strata Group’s Web Developer, Sam creates and maintains all of the company websites. He also designs, develops, and deploys The Strata Group’s internal web-based systems and initiatives. Sam graduated from Stevenson University with a B.S. in Computer Information Systems.
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