Dr. Mariya Letdin
Dr. Mariya Letdin is the Madeline Duncan Rolland Associate Professor of Business Administration in the Department of Risk Management/Insurance, Real Estate, and Legal Studies at Florida State University’s College of Business. With a wealth of experience in the commercial real estate industry, Letdin brings a unique perspective to her teaching and research. She is a highly respected expert in commercial real estate valuation and debt utilization, and her work has been published in prestigious journals such as the Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics and the Journal of Real Estate Research.
Letdin's extensive industry experience includes working in CMBS lending for JP Morgan, loan origination and asset management for Tremont Capital, and debt placement for HFF. She is also actively involved in academic and professional organizations such as the Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics, the Real Estate Research Institute, and the American Real Estate Society.
Letdin holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA from DePaul University, and she earned her Ph.D. in finance from Baruch College/CUNY.
Meet the Fund Managers
Jacob Kelly
Jacob Kelly, a native of Orlando, Florida, is pursuing a Master of Science in Finance (MSF) with a specialization in real estate at Florida State University's College of Business. Kelly's passion for real estate is evident in his academic and professional pursuits. He has been an asset manager for the FSU Real Estate Investment Fund (REIF) since 2023 and has gained valuable experience underwriting properties for prominent companies such as Simon Property Group, Equity Residential, and Prologis.
Kelly's dedication to the field extends beyond his studies. He is actively involved on campus as the vice president of external affairs for the FSU Real Estate Society and as a graduate assistant for the FSU Real Estate Center. Kelly has also gained practical experience through internships at Timbers Company, where he worked with the acquisitions and development team, and as a property manager/development assistant for a local developer in Tallahassee.
After completing his MSF, Kelly plans to pursue a career in real estate development.
Will Myers
Will Myers, another Orlando native, is currently enrolled in the accelerated, full-time MBA program at Florida State University's College of Business. Myers earned his bachelor’s degree in real estate from FSU in just three years, demonstrating his commitment and dedication to his studies.
Myers has a diverse range of experiences in the real estate industry. He has served as the graduate liaison for the Financial Management Association, worked as a consultant in the FSU Consulting Group, and served as a graduate assistant for the college's Center for Professional Success. He has also gained valuable insights through his work as an analyst for the FSU Real Estate Investment Fund, where he assisted in underwriting properties for companies such as Prologis, Equity Residential, and Simon Property Group.
Myers' professional experience includes internships at Keller Williams, Cape Cod 5 Mutual Savings Bank, and Truist Securities. After completing his MBA, Myers plans to return to Truist Securities in Miami, Florida.
Sierra Wicker
Sierra Wicker is a motivated student pursuing a Master of Science in Finance (MSF) with a specialization in real estate at Florida State University's College of Business. She holds bachelor’s degrees in finance and real estate from FSU, and her strong academic background is complemented by her involvement in several student-run organizations, including the Financial Management Association, the Real Estate Society, the Baptist Collegiate Ministry, and the Level Dance Company.
Wicker's dedication to her studies and passion for real estate is evident in her work as an analyst for the FSU Real Estate Investment Fund. She has gained valuable experience in underwriting REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) such as Kite Realty, Park Hotels & Resorts, American Tower, and Crown Castle.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Wicker has professional experience as an accounting intern for a local tax firm in Panama City Beach. Her well-rounded background positions her for success in the real estate industry.
Meet the Investment Committee Members
Scott Darling
Scott Darling is a highly accomplished professional in the commercial real estate industry. He serves as the president of American Realty Advisors (ARA), where he leads the firm's portfolio management team. With over 42 years of experience, Darling is a recognized expert in the field.
Prior to joining ARA, Darling held senior positions, including director of asset management and sales for Resolution Trust Corporation's California office. In this role, he was responsible for managing and selling over $60 billion in assets from savings and loan institutions. Darling's vast industry knowledge and leadership skills make him a valuable member of the investment and leadership committees at ARA.
Darling earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Florida State University and holds a J.D. from the University of Southern California School of Law.
Bill Lloyd
Bill Lloyd is the owner and president of R.K.M. Development Corp, a highly regarded retail development company specializing in build-to-suit single tenant projects and neighborhood and regional retail shopping centers. With locations in St. Petersburg, Florida; Birmingham, Alabama; and Raleigh, North Carolina, R.K.M. has developed more than two million square feet of retail valued at over $1 billion.
Lloyd's extensive experience in the industry includes working with Equitec, a California-based REIT, where he managed the Florida portfolio consisting of retail and office investments. He graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in real estate and has been with R.K.M. since 1989, becoming the president and partner in 1999.
Kyle Riva
Kyle Riva, CEO and president of Alexander Investments International, brings a wealth of experience in financing, constructing, and developing high-profile commercial real estate projects. Throughout his career, Riva has been involved in the development of diverse properties such as apartments, office buildings, retail centers, industrial properties, hotels, resorts, single-family projects, and land.
Before forming Alexander Investments, Riva served as president of Epoch Properties, Inc. for over a decade. He has also held positions such as the manager of the Central Florida office of Carey, Kramer, Silvester & Associates and vice president/branch manager of Alliance Mortgage Company. With his extensive portfolio of over 20,000 multi-family living units valued at more than $2 billion, Riva's projects have been recognized in national publications such as Housing, Professional Builder, and Florida Trend.
Riva graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in management and earned a Master of Science in management from Rollins College.
Thekla Salzman
Thekla Salzman, a principal with Salzman Real Estate Advisors, brings over 30 years of experience in commercial real estate, specializing in financial management and operations. Her extensive background includes serving as the chief administrative officer for Rialto Capital Management and the chief financial officer for Rialto Real Estate Fund Group Part. She has also held CFO positions for the Miami and Europe divisions of LNR Property and Centrum Corporation.
Salzman has a broad range of expertise in all aspects of the investment management cycle, including fundraising, investor relations, accounting, financing, treasury, tax, legal and business systems, as well as debt and credit products. She holds a Bachelor of Science in finance and accounting from Florida State University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
At Florida State University's College of Business, students have the opportunity to learn from renowned faculty members and interact with industry professionals through the Real Estate Investment Fund. This unique combination of academic excellence and practical experience prepares students for successful careers in the field of real estate. Whether seeking guidance or exploring investment opportunities, the College of Business is a hub of expertise and innovation.
