Our Team

Robert Skinner has served in numerous key leadership roles since joining The Towbes Group in 1997. He currently serves as the company’s CEO. During his tenure, The Towbes Group successfully closed one of the largest leasing transactions in Santa Barbara County history.

He is one of the founders and managing principals of Towbes Capital Partners, the real estate investment division of the Towbes Group. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Agility Capital, a venture-debt fund he co-founded in 1999. Along with Michael Towbes, he formed and is managing partner of Twenty One East Victoria Investments, a firm focused on opportunities created by California’s central coast technology industry. As a community leader, Mr. Skinner has served on the Boards of Directors of Montecito Bank & Trust, The Towbes Foundation, Barrister Executive Suites, the Santa Barbara Foundation, Camerata Pacifica and the development committee for the Santa Barbara Zoo.

Prior to joining The Towbes Group, Mr. Skinner was an attorney with White & Case specializing in real estate transaction and bankruptcy work in the Los Angeles and New York offices. His legal expertise encompasses complex business litigation and construction and real estate law. Robert is a graduate of the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Juris Doctorate.

Michelle Konoske serves as The Towbes Group’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and is a vital component of the Senior Management Team. Since 1999, Michelle has been a key player in the organization. As COO, Michelle is responsible for operational controls, leading the administrative and reporting procedures, and managing the organization’s leadership to continue the efficiency of the company. As CFO, Michelle oversees the entire accounting department, which includes the preparation of monthly financial statements for more than 40 projects managed by The Towbes Group.

Michelle is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the California Society of Certified Public Accounts. She also serves on the Finance Committee for the Granada, a premier performing arts center in Santa Barbara.

Jay Bardessono serves as the Vice President of Information Technology at The Towbes Group, with over 23 years of hands-on experience related to information systems and information technologies. Jay provides essential insight and leadership for the continued development of an innovative, robust, and secure information technology environment. His extensive experience in operations, enterprise computing, and telecommunications influence the projected technology strategy for the TG residential portfolio, commercial properties, and corporate office. Additionally, at The Towbes Group, Jay has been an integral player in implementing new systems such as virtual models, smart apartments, and full-stack Yardi integration, among other things.

Amy Dunn, born and raised in Santa Barbara is no stranger to the Towbes name.  A former employee of Montecito Bank and Trust, she built a career in the banking industry, working in various departments, including but not limited to Retail, Construction, Loan Servicing, Finance, and finally landing where her passion lies in Human Resources.  With over 8 years of experience in Human Resources, Amy holds certifications in payroll and human resources.

Amy is a graduate of Washington State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.  She enjoys spending as much time as she can with family and friends, being outdoors, hiking, walking, spending time at the beach, and baking.

For the past twenty years, Peter has worked as a commercial real estate manager. He has also been acting as managing partner of Goodell Investments LLC, a commercial real estate management firm. Before this, he served as vice president/CFO of Goodell Packing Corporation, a citrus processing organization affiliated with Sunkist Growers Inc.

A Goleta native, Peter, and his wife have raised their family locally and feel blessed to have been able to take advantage of all that the Santa Barbara area has to offer.

Danell Navarro serves as the Director of Residential Properties at The Towbes Group. Her career in property management extends nearly three decades, demonstrating a long-standing dedication and expertise in the field. Danell has contributed significantly to The Towbes Group over the past 17 years, recently assuming her current role as director. She has played pivotal roles in various projects and has been integral in overseeing various lease-ups – she is key in driving the operational excellence and high service standards of our residential property division.

Danell holds an Accredited Resident Manager (ARM certification), a California Real Estate Sales Person license, and a Tax Credit Specialist (TCS) accreditation from the National Center for Housing Management. Danell has also served on the board of IREM’s local chapter 102, among others.

Bri Webster serves as the Marketing Director at The Towbes Group, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s commercial and residential marketing strategies. Since joining The Towbes Group in January 2023, Bri has brought her expertise and innovation to the team, leveraging her seven years of experience in the real estate industry. Her career experience is diverse including property types such as; value-add, mixed-use, affordable, and lease-ups. Her leadership in marketing continues to contribute to the growth and success of the company, making her a key asset in its ongoing evolution.

Bri holds a Bachelor’s degree from Chapman University and is a licensed real estate professional. Her combination of academic knowledge and practical experience equips her with a unique understanding of the real estate landscape, allowing her to drive impactful marketing initiatives that align with The Towbes Group’s goals.

Andreas Hauke, a seasoned professional with four decades of experience in construction and facility management, is the Director of Facilities and Services at The Towbes Group. Andreas excels in anticipating and resolving issues, leading teams effectively to ensure smooth operations and project completion. He oversees tasks ranging from managing technicians to leading community restoration efforts.

Originally from Germany, Andreas has extensive expertise in various aspects of construction, including single-family homes and tenant improvement projects. Andreas’ dedication and proactive approach are instrumental in The Towbes Group’s delivery of high-quality services to clients and communities.

Ernesto Cardenas is the Director of Construction at The Towbes Group, where he oversees all aspects of construction operations, including staff management, budgeting, departmental activities, and project direction. He provides strategic oversight for the implementation of building systems across a diverse range of construction projects within the residential and commercial portfolios. Ernesto also plays a pivotal role in managing capital improvement initiatives through the Property Services Group, facilitating tenant improvements for both private parties and tenants of properties managed by The Towbes Group.

As the Responsible Managing Employee for the A and B Contractor’s Licenses of The Towbes Group, Ernesto brings a wealth of experience gained over his tenure. He has held various key positions within the organization, including Assistant Superintendent of Construction, Superintendent of Construction, Project Superintendent Residential, Facilities Director, and Project Superintendent of Construction. His extensive professional portfolio encompasses new construction, commercial buildings, single-family and multi-family projects, as well as residential rehabilitation projects.

Summer serves as Commercial Property Manager at The Towbes Group. She began her career in Real Estate in Santa Barbara in 2016 with over 5 years of experience in Commercial Property Management. Her portfolio includes properties located in Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, and Santa Maria, totaling around 500,000sf. She ensures all her properties are in premium condition and oversees all leasing and capital projects.

Summer is a graduate from Auburn University, with a bachelors of science in Geology. She is a licensed California Real Estate Salesperson and a certified California Notary Public. In her leisure time, Summer enjoys yoga, pilates, hiking, traveling, scuba diving, surfing, and spending time with her family.

Tristan Rymer is a seasoned professional with 18 years of experience in residential property management. Her expertise spans across various sectors, including multifamily, senior living, Rural Development, HOME, and Tax Credit housing. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to providing quality housing solutions while ensuring compliance with industry regulations. As a Regional Manager for The Towbes Group, her portfolio includes properties located in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Goleta.

Tristan holds Accredited Residential Manager (ARM®) and Tax Credit Specialist (TCS) certifications.

Madison Good is a seasoned professional with more than a decade of experience in property management. She currently holds a Regional Manager title at The Towbes Group. Previously a property manager at The Towbes Group, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. As Regional Manager, Madison oversees various aspects of property operations, including leasing, resident relations, and financial management.

Born and raised in Santa Barbara County, along with her extensive background in various property management positions, Madison is a valuable asset to The Towbes Group, contributing to its success in the industry.

As a licensed attorney, Kim Shlens has spent a significant amount of time as a real estate transactional associate with respected law firms and, for nearly a decade, managed the entire real estate portfolio of Santa Barbara Bank & Trust (now Union Bank). Her property investment acumen has been fine-tuned as a principal in her family’s real estate development business, as well as in the purchase and sale of investment properties.

Ms. Shlens is a graduate of the Eller College of Management, University of Arizona, with a Bachelor in Science in Business Administration, and Western State University, with a J.D. She also holds a real estate broker license with the California Department of Real Estate. In her leisure time, Kim enjoys traveling, surfing, hiking, and spending time with her family and friends.