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Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Ben’s professional journey to Seabrook Island feels like destiny fulfilled. Ben’s connection to Seabrook Island is deeply personal and long-standing. As a property owner on the island years ago, he grew up with a Seabrook Island backdrop alongside many cherished memories.
Throughout his career, Ben has demonstrated exemplary leadership and strategic foresight. His tenure at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolina Sun Real Estate proved his ability to drive significant growth and operational excellence. His ability to lead, mentor, and drive initiatives has been pivotal in his roles, shaping a career marked by meaningful impact and enduring relationships. Ben has served on the Board of Directors for several organizations: South Carolina Association of Realtors (2011-2013 & 2018-2024), Charleston Trident Association of Realtors (2011-2013 & 2023, 2024), and Incoming President (2024) Charleston Multiple Listing Service.
Jen Cookke is an accomplished real estate professional with over 25 years of experience in corporate real estate, development, and entrepreneurship. Having worked for Fortune 500 companies in corporate real estate and later transitioning to real estate entrepreneurship, Jen has developed and managed a significant portfolio of privately held commercial properties.
Jen holds a B.S. from Boston University, an MBA and MS in Real Estate from MIT, and a Doctorate from Vanderbilt University. She is a faculty member at MIT’s Sloan School of Management and regularly contributes to national publications, including CNN, the Wall Street Journal, and Forbes. In addition to her work as an expert witness and corporate board member, Jen specializes in strategic planning, emerging real estate ventures, and sustainable development.
David Blackman brings over 30 years of experience in real estate asset management, banking, and corporate leadership. After retiring in 2021, David continues to lend his expertise to the Seabrook Island Real Estate Board. He previously served as CFO, President & CEO, and other senior roles within a real estate asset management firm that managed six public Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and one Mortgage REIT, overseeing a portfolio of more than $40 billion in assets. His professional experience spans a diverse range of real estate sectors, including hotels, office buildings, medical facilities, and industrial properties.
David’s banking career included roles in real estate construction lending, investment banking, and REIT corporate banking. He has also served as a director on multiple public company boards, including The Charlotte Mecklenburg Housing Trust and the Church Street Condominium Trust. David and his wife became Seabrook residents in December 2023, after living in downtown Charleston, where they renovated two historic homes. Outside of real estate, David enjoys cycling, hiking, and reading.
Donna Reinbolt is a highly experienced real estate professional with a career spanning nearly four decades. Licensed as both a broker and attorney in multiple states, Donna’s expertise includes corporate law, real estate transactions, and board governance. She has served on several boards and committees in Houston and Seabrook, and is the Director Emeritus of the Lymphoma Research Foundation.
Donna and her husband, Paul, have owned a home on Seabrook Island since 2017. She actively participates in the local community and joined the Seabrook Island Real Estate (SIRE) Board in 2023, where she currently serves as Secretary. In her free time, Donna enjoys dining out, wine tasting, and socializing with new people, ideally all at once.
James Ott is a real estate industry veteran with more than 40 years of experience in development, brokerage, and community management. Currently overseeing operations at a real estate management company that manages private recreational communities and utility services, James is also the broker-in-charge for a Pennsylvania-based country club and association. He holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in educational administration and has served as a board member and trustee for various institutions, including lending institutions and real estate companies.
James and his wife, Debbie, became permanent residents of Seabrook Island in 2022 after first visiting in 2003. The Otts have worked with Seabrook Island Real Estate for multiple transactions, and James looks forward to contributing his knowledge and expertise to the board.
Christopher Byczek is a seasoned real estate attorney with extensive experience in both residential and commercial transactions. Admitted to practice law in New York and Florida since 1974, he earned his degrees from Villanova University and St. John’s Law School. Over the course of his career, Christopher has represented buyers and sellers of real estate, served as a closing attorney for major New York banks, mortgage bankers, and lenders, and worked closely with real estate brokers.
A resident of Seabrook Island since 2012, Christopher has actively engaged in the community, notably serving as a board member of the Seabrook Island Greenspace Conservancy. He is excited to contribute his expertise to the Seabrook Island Real Estate (SIRE) Board, where he looks forward to supporting and advising local real estate agents.
Val Nasano’s career spans several industries, from radio broadcasting to real estate investing. After earning his commercial pilot’s license in 2001, Val transitioned into real estate, focusing on property management and investment. He is the President of Rose Realty Company of Hackensack, Inc. and a principal of Carolina Retail Centers LLC, where he oversees commercial shopping centers across the Southeast.
Val relocated to Charleston in 2006 and divides his time between Mount Pleasant and Seabrook Island. His diverse background, combining media, real estate, and entrepreneurial expertise, brings a unique perspective to the Seabrook Island Real Estate Board.