Govind Chandak – CEO
Govind Chandak co-founded The Focus Properties, Inc. in 2006. He is a 40-year veteran of the hospitality and commercial real estate industry. Mr. Chandak and his various companies have owned and managed hotels affiliated with Marriott, Hilton, Intercontinental, Starwood, Choice and Cendant. His other business interests include single family and multifamily residential development, retail and office investment, and commercial property management. His conservative investment strategy, knack for recognizing inherent value, and strong accounting background, helped lay the foundation for Focus.
Currently as CEO, Govind serves largely in an advisory role to the executive member team. His 40 years of experience navigating economic cycles and strong relationships with lending institutions sets the tone for how Focus reacts to market conditions with their investments.
Govind is proud to have strong civic and community ties to North Carolina. Govind is a past two term board member of the NC Banking Commission and NC Higher Education Commission. Govind and his wife, Madhu, have been married over 50 years and have 2 children and 5 grand-daughters.
Prateek Chandak – President
Prateek Chandak co-founded The Focus Properties, Inc. in 2006 and is responsible for the overall vision and growth of Focus. In his role as President, Prateek is continually underwriting opportunities for development and acquisitions, analyzing budgets and financial reports, advising and reviewing on all contractual matters, creating and maintaining relationships with lenders and industry peers, and planning ways to increase the company's profitability. Working hand in hand with the rest of Focus’ executive team members, Prateek sets policies and strategic direction for the company, both for the near term and for the foreseeable future.
Prior to joining Focus, Prateek worked as an associate at the international law firm of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP in Charlotte, NC and was tasked with assisting institutional clients with commercial mortgage backed securitization. Upon returning to Raleigh in 2004, he joined KANE Realty Corporation as a development associate and worked on the successful adaptive, mixed use redevelopment called North Hills.
Prateek holds a B.A in economics and a J.D. in law. When not working, Prateek enjoys spending time with his 3 beautiful daughters, watching Tar Heel sports, playing basketball and traveling.
Sean Singhi – VP of hospitality
Sean Singhi is responsible for the company’s overall hospitality portfolio performance. He oversees all operations in support of Focus’ portfolio of full-service and select-service hotels. Sean is a 26 year veteran of the hospitality industry and has held several senior leadership positions. These positions include both property-level and corporate leadership roles in Operations, Sales, Marketing and Revenue Management. Sean has worked extensively with Hilton, Starwood, Marriott, IHG and Choice brands.
Prior to joining The Focus Properties, Sean was working at Hilton Worldwide Corporate as a Director of Brand Management & Performance Support for 12 years overseeing a portfolio of Hilton Garden Inn Brands & Hampton Inn Brands in North America, the Middle East and South Asia.
Sean has a proven track record of managing efficient, profitable hotels and is led by a strong belief that service ultimately drives the bottom line. He is a visionary of next-generation sales, marketing and revenue management strategies. He has been instrumental in turning the properties around by bolstering infrastructure for sustained and future growth.
Sean holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Masters of Business Administration.
Nisha Chandak Kheterpal – VP of Finance & retail
Nisha Chandak Kheterpal is responsible for overseeing the company’s corporate accounting and finances. In addition, she oversees the operations, management and leasing of the retail division. Prior to joining The Focus Properties, Nisha was a practicing attorney in New York City for seven years. Her legal background has given her the ability to effectively negotiate leases on behalf of Focus as well as the attention to detail needed to manage the company finances.
Nisha has both her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In her free time, Nisha enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, cooking and traveling.
Anthony Carey – Director of OperationS & HR
Anthony Carey joined The Focus Properties in July 2009. He is a versatile hotel executive with over 30 years of experience in hotel operations. He has a demonstrated talent for analyzing problems, developing and simplifying procedures, and finding solutions. Anthony has a proven track record in growing guest satisfaction, increasing guest loyalty, strengthening profitability, improving associate moral and decreasing turnover. He is skilled in new business development and successful in identifying existing opportunities for additional revenues.
Anthony is very involved in the community and is currently serving on Marriott’s General Managers Advisory Council and chairs the Orange County Visitors Bureau.
Michelle Castro – Director of Sales and Marketing
Michelle Castro is the Corporate Director of Sales for The Focus Properties. She directs all marketing and sales strategies, overseeing our growing hotel loyalty program, consumer and field marketing activities, advertising, public relations and e-commerce. Since 2017 she has led the on-site sales team by designing action steps focused on maximizing revenues, establishing corporate accounts, strategizing and implementing correct marketing tactics. Michelle also serves as Vice President of Membership for the Carolinas Chapter of MPI.
Sean Parker – Director of Revenue and accounting
Sean Parker joined The Focus Properties in June of 2016 and holds the position of Corporate Director of Revenue Management. He has over 25 years of hotel experience which have spanned both operational and administrative aspects of the industry. Sean has a passion for problem solving and assisting people in a compassionate yet professional way. His honesty, integrity, and professionalism are qualities many people appreciate. Those who interact with Sean realize quickly that he is a good listener with a sense of humor that is infectious. Personal interests include playing music and spending time with family and friends.
Donna Maclennan - Property Manager
Donna MacLennan is responsible for managing approximately 250,000 square feet of retail, office, and residential space in the Triangle. Her experience in managing executive office space and her background in the hospitality industry enhance her abilities to oversee the operations of our commercial and residential properties. Donna joined The Focus Properties, Inc in January 2018 where she works diligently to maintain a strong relationship with our tenants. In addition to her role as property manager, she also manages our corporate office by providing support to our team members in day-to-day operations.
Donna earned her BS at NC State University. A native of North Carolina, she resides in Cary where she attends and serves at Hope Community Church. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her rescue dog, Tasha. Her hobbies include birding, hunting, fishing, camping, and gardening.
Marius Barbee - Facilities Manager
Marius Barbee joined The Focus Properties in July 2009 and holds the position of Facilities Manager. He has over 25 years of experience with specific expertise in mechanical, electrical and plumbing infrastructure, energy management systems, fire life safety systems, large scale project renovations, new hotel openings, and sustainable capital projects. He is an integral part of the acquisition and development process performing due diligence evaluations. Personal interests are golfing and attending UNC Sporting events.