--- title: Team --- [Skip to main content](https://www.investwithfirst.com/team#main-content) [![First Investors Logo](https://www.investwithfirst.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Primary%20Logo-02.png?width=250&height=80&name=Primary%20Logo-02.png) ![First Investors Logo Navy](https://www.investwithfirst.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Primary%20Logo-02.png?width=213&height=68&name=Primary%20Logo-02.png) ![First Investors Logo Navy](https://www.investwithfirst.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Primary%20Logo-02.png?width=173&height=55&name=Primary%20Logo-02.png) ![First Investors Logo Navy](https://www.investwithfirst.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Primary%20Logo-02.png?width=213&height=68&name=Primary%20Logo-02.png)](https://www.investwithfirst.com?hsLang=en) - Show submenu for About About - [Our Story](https://www.investwithfirst.com/our-story) - [Our Team](https://www.investwithfirst.com/team) - [Contact](https://www.investwithfirst.com/contact-us) Open main navigation Close main navigation - Show submenu for About About - About - [Our Story](https://www.investwithfirst.com/our-story) - [Our Team](https://www.investwithfirst.com/team) - [Contact](https://www.investwithfirst.com/contact-us) - [Login](https://app.junipersquare.com/i/firstinvestors) [Get Started](https://www.investwithfirst.com/get-started) [Login](https://app.junipersquare.com/i/firstinvestors) [Get Started](https://www.investwithfirst.com/get-started?hsLang=en) # Operators First, Stewards Always Behind every investment is a team of experienced hands who know what it takes to protect capital and create value—because we've done it across decades, cycles, and markets. ## Meet Our Leadership Proven investors. Disciplined operators. Trusted partners. Our executive team brings together deep experience in hotel investment, operations, capital markets, and brand partnerships. *Click on a profile to view the leader's bio.* ### [![Sam Schwartz Headshot](https://www.investwithfirst.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Headshots/Sam%20Headshot.jpg?width=543&height=547&name=Sam%20Headshot.jpg) Sam Schwartz Executive Chairman](https://www.investwithfirst.com/team-sam-schwartz?hsLang=en) ### [![David Duncan\_2025](https://www.investwithfirst.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Headshots/David%20Duncan_2025.png?width=543&height=547&name=David%20Duncan_2025.png) David Duncan Chief Executive Officer](https://www.investwithfirst.com/team-david-duncan?hsLang=en) ### [![Stephen Schwartz Headshot](https://www.investwithfirst.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Headshots/Steve%20Headshot.jpg?width=543&height=547&name=Steve%20Headshot.jpg) Stephen Schwartz Chairman Emeritus](https://www.investwithfirst.com/team-stephen-schwartz?hsLang=en) ### [![Marissa Ballan](https://www.investwithfirst.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Headshots/Marissa%20Ballan.png?width=543&height=547&name=Marissa%20Ballan.png) Marissa Ballan Executive Vice President of Investments & Capital Markets](##) ### 3,500+ Associates. One Aligned Platform. ###### Our investment strategy is executed in close partnership with First Hospitality, an award-winning operator managing 60+ hotels nationwide. [Join Our Mailing List](https://www.investwithfirst.com/subscribe?hsLang=en) [View First Hospitality's Team](https://www.firsthospitality.com/about/our-team) ## The Culture Behind the Results At First, culture is the foundation for how we deliver—with consistency, clarity, and accountability. These values shape how we operate as a team, creating stability for our people and predictability for the partners who trust us with their capital. ### Drive to Win We approach every investment and partnership with ambition, accountability, and a bias for action. ### Desire to Serve Hospitality is at our core—we exist to create value for investors, guests, team members, and brand partners. ### Deliver with Passion Excellence is not negotiable. We bring energy and pride to everything we do. ### Own the Outcome We take responsibility for results and hold ourselves to the highest standards across investments and operations. ### Keep it Real Authenticity, transparency, and humility ground our decision-making and our relationships. ## Let's Start the Conversation Talk directly with a senior team member by scheduling a 15 minute introductory call or join our mailing list to stay informed on upcoming investment opportunities, market insights, and hospitality trends. [Schedule a Call](https://www.investwithfirst.com/book-a-meeting-sam-schwartz?hsLang=en) [Join Mailing List](https://www.investwithfirst.com/subscribe?hsLang=en) [![First Investors Logo Navy](https://www.investwithfirst.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Primary%20Logo-02.png?width=250&height=80&name=Primary%20Logo-02.png)](https://www.investwithfirst.com?hsLang=en) - [Legal Disclosures](https://www.investwithfirst.com/legal-and-disclosures) - [Contact](https://www.investwithfirst.com/contact-us) ©2026 First Investors. All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](https://www.investwithfirst.com/privacy-policy?hsLang=en) -