BARRISTER’S MANAGEMENT TEAM

Vince H. Otte
Chairman
Chief Executive Officer

Vince acquired AOMI in 1990 and changed its name to Barrister Executive Suites, Inc. In recognition of his turnaround of the company, Otte received the “Entrepreneur of the Year” from Inc. magazine in 1993. Under his tenure, Barrister has grown from 11 locations to over 20 locations.

In the late 1980’s, Vince was a founder and partner of the Pacific Equity Development Corporation, a merchant banking firm specializing in arranging financing, leveraged buyouts, acquisitions and divestitures for companies with revenues ranging from $10 to $200 million. Otte was treasurer for Ducommun Inc., a $500 million company from 1978 to 1982. He was a vice president for Wells Fargo and Union Bank from 1972 to 1978.

Vince received his MBA from University of California, Berkeley. He also earned an advanced degree in credit & finance management from Stanford Business School and a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University.

 

Derek Otte
Chief Administrative Officer
Chief Financial Officer

As Chief Administrative Officer, Derek prospects new locations for expansion, sets the strategy for lease renewals, aids locations in meeting future market trends, and heads the project management department. As Chief Financial Officer, Derek oversees the accounting department and ensures the financial integrity of Barrister Executive Suites, Inc.

Derek began his career in 2007 as a sales associate at Newmark Knight Frank, a commercial real estate advisory firm. He started his career with Barrister as the Sales and Marketing Manager before serving as the Vice President of Portfolio Management from 2017 to 2019. Derek oversaw the development of the CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system that puts the company at a distinct competitive advantage. In 2019, he assumed the additional roles of CAO and EVP. In 2023, he added CFO to his title and responsibilities.

Outside the boardroom, Derek, a four-time All-American athlete, may be found engaged in a variety of fitness activities from beach volleyball to basketball to cycling races.

Derek holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and an Executive Masters of Business Administration from Pepperdine University.

 

Luzanne Otte
Chief Communications Officer

Brought on at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, Luzanne has kept all 20+ Barrister locations up to compliance with every local, state and health guideline. She helps bridge the communication gap between the suites and Barrister’s corporate office. Luzanne excels in providing employees with the knowledge needed to navigate these unprecedented times, all while keeping them motivated to continue providing the best customer service.

Before coming on board, Luzanne worked in the Office of General Counsel for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles for nearly a decade. She enjoys spending the little free time she has going on hikes with her Pomeranian, Tallulah Marlene.

Luzanne holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a Double Major from the University of Southern California, a Master of Arts degree from Harvard University, and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Notre Dame.

 

Jerome Chau
Chief Technology Officer
Area Manager

Jerome provides a unique skill set which includes Contract Negotiation, Budgeting and Project Management. He has over 20 years’ experience in the Commercial Real Estate industry, holding former positions in Sales, Finance and Information Technology. He is currently responsible for overseeing all Voice and Data Networks for all Barrister locations and leading the overall direction of Technology for the company. Prior to joining Barrister, Jerome was a Broker with CB Richard Ellis in the Central Los Angeles Region. In 2021 Jerome was awarded another title, Area Manager of North LA County, running all operations and leasing for the area.

Jerome earned a bachelor of arts in Economics from UCLA.

 

Barbi Davis
Director of Sales

Barbi handles all new clients interested in leasing office space at any of Barrister’s 20+ locations. Whether it is an 800 call or an online enquiry, she finds the right space at the right location for the right price for each and every prospect. After scheduling the tour, she hands over the opportunity to the on-site manager.

Since becoming Director of Sales, Barbi has increased Barrister’s revenue of new monthly deals by 56%. Her knowledge of office space and the industry comes from nearly 3 decades of experience. Barbi quickly advanced positions after starting with Barrister as a receptionist in 1993. She most recently held the title of Area Manager for Barrister’s northeast LA County valley locations.

 

Tiffany Taylor
Director of Lease Processing

Tiffany has her hand in everything from collections to deposit refunds, to terminations. Of course, her title gives away what makes up the majority of her workload, processing new agreements. As Director of Lease Processing, Tiffany must review everything signed by our clients including, but not limited to, Leases, Renewals, Amendments, Switch of Spaces, Service Agreements, and much more.

In 2001 Tiffany left a competitor to come work for Barrister as a Client Service Specialist at our corporate office and the rest is history.

Tiffany enjoys spending time with her dog, Tommy, and watching the San Fransisco 49’ers play.

 

Taylor Shepherd
Director of Marketing & Digital Content

Taylor came to Barrister with a diverse background in operations, sales, and marketing. Originally starting as a Suite Manager at one of Barrister’s Torrance locations in 2015, she quickly stood out and was promoted to the Corporate Office as the new Marketing Manager in 2017.

Today, Taylor is the Director of Marketing and Digital Content and handles every aspect of promoting Barrister to increase revenue. Whether it’s managing web/internet presence, graphic design, new client or current tenant campaigns, or in-person events, Taylor is able to market each of Barrister’s locations and all of its services offered in the best way possible.

Taylor grew up in Manhattan Beach and currently resides in Torrance. She enjoys spending time with her daughter and watching the LA Dodgers, Kings, Rams, and even sometimes, the Lakers, play.