Corona Partners

Our Team

Corona partners connects investment to the values
of the business organization.

Christopher Strom

Christopher Strom

Managing Principal

Leslie Billhymer

Leslie Billhymer

Principal

Lauren Leonard

Lauren Leonard

Project Manager

Kayla Dargan

Kayla Dargan

Assistant Project Manager

Jamie Berg

Jamie Berg

Project Manager

Colin Best

Colin Best

Assistant Project Manager

Core Values

Individual Respect

Individual Respect

Accountable and high-performing teams are built on a foundation of respect for individual team members; we can be tough on problems and soft with people.

Success is More than Cost and Time

Success is More than Cost and Time

A truly successful project aligns cost and schedule priorities with the goals and purpose of the project: on time, on budget, on mission.

Continuous Learning Drives Results

Continuous Learning Drives Results

The best projects are made by teams that embrace the opportunity to learn and grow throughout the project.

Communication is Our Core Business

Communication is Our Core Business

Technical knowledge and practical experience are the basis of all of our work but project excellence is only possible with proactive and intentional communication.

Rigorous Sustainability

Rigorous Sustainability

Now is the time for our buildings to perform better for us.

Success is Built on the Unseen

We take a comprehensive approach to every project to ensure that our work directly serves the mission of the organization.

  • on time
  • |
  • on budget
  • |
  • on mission

Colin Best

Assistant Project Manager

Colin is a graduate of Temple University’s Facilities Management program, has a deep interest in design and the ability to understand and incorporate and translate construction details and information in his work.  In the past 3 years, he has worked on the corporate client side and for an architecture firm before joining the Corona Partners Team. Outside of work, Colin can be found rock climbing and drumming in his spare time.

Jamie Berg

Project Manager

Jamie has more than 15 years of experience in all aspects of the design and construction industry. Trained as an architect, Jamie has experience in construction, property management and as an owner. At Related in New York City, Jamie was responsible for construction projects across a 200-building residential portfolio and oversaw property management for properties. Locally, Jamie was the project manager for a Center City high-rise hotel, multiple projects at the University of Pennsylvania, and 292-unit center city residential development.

Kayla Dargan

Assistant Project Manager

Kayla is a graduate of The University of Georgia, with an academic background in computer science and fashion merchandising. The intersection of science and art is where she draws inspiration both professionally and recreationally. She began her career in project management in the financial tech sector, overseeing treasury management software upgrades and migrations for large domestic and international corporations. She later transitioned into real estate project management, with professional goals of sustainable development and community engagement. She is continuing education with Boston Architectural College for completion of her real estate development professional certificate, with an emphasis in sustainability.

Lauren Leonard

Project Manager

Lauren has more than 15 years of experience in real estate development and project management. She has overseen the development of some of the City’s iconic new development properties, including The Beacon, a 98-unit high rise built on the former Brown Brothers Harriman Bank building; The Granary, a 310,000 sf, 227-unit apartment building in Logan Square, and the Cambria, a 233-unit hotel on the Avenue of the Arts. She has worked for the City of Philadelphia, KIPP and the Miquon School.
 
In addition to her work in real estate, Lauren founded the community-based theater company Earlie Bird Productions (EBP) and is currently Managing Editor and a contributor at Root Quarterly, a subscription-only printed journal of art and ideas that celebrates Philadelphia writers and artists.

Leslie Billhymer

Principal

Leslie has more than 15 years of experience in real estate, design, and construction. She has worked in complex technical and regulatory environments and is one of the Philadelphia region’s foremost experts on energy efficiency. She is certified as a Certified Passive House Consultant from PHIUS and a Certified Energy Manager from AEE. 
 
At the core of Leslie’s work is the value buildings hold for their users and communities. She employs a people-centered, whole-building approach to project management and works to make sure that the project team has all of the information it needs to make a project that is uniquely suited to the needs of her clients. Her clients include a national network of preschools, the City of Philadelphia, Jefferson University, private developers, and Elwyn. Leslie was formerly a Senior Research Associate for the University of Pennsylvania at the Energy Efficiency Building Hub at the Navy Yard.

Christopher Strom

Managing Principal

Chris has more than 30 years of experience in real estate and construction. He has led projects for large and small organizations across the country, always with a focus on matching real estate investment with operational objectives.

Most recently he led Corona Partner’s work for Ironstone Real Estate at the 320,000 sf redevelopment of 4601 Market Street, he is helping Elwyn remake its portfolio of more than 300 properties to better serve its mission, he is leading resident coordination at Hopkinson House for their 30 month HVAC renovation project, and he recently led the creation of a $500 million capital plan for Rebuild Philadelphia. In addition to his active work, Chris has recent experience
with some of the region’s most prominent institutions including Drexel, CHOP, Jefferson, and the Philadelphia 76ers.