Christina River Exchange is named after the Christina River in Wilmington, DE and celebrates the areas historical robust trading routes dating back to 1638.
Meet Our Team
Our procurement team has over 10 years of interior design and global hospitality procurement experience - AND we have over 20 plus years of experience in development and construction management. This combined expertise allows us to take a more comprehensive, integrated approach and gives us the ability to solve the most complex FF&E challenges. You can have the peace of mind that your FF&E needs are being handled by a professional and knowledgeable team.
Michelle Schwandt
Co-Founder | Director
Michelle Schwandt is Co-Founder & Director of Christina River Exchange, responsible for leading and managing day-to-day project, operations and business development functions within the company. Michelle is focused on leveraging CRE’s expertise in all major hotel brands and relationships industry-wide to exceed Client’s expectations with respect to budget, quality and schedule. Prior to co-founding CRE, Michelle was a Senior Executive Vice President for MBNA America, holding leadership positions in Marketing/Business Development, Customer Service and Education. Earlier in her professional career, Michelle completed nine years of active duty in the U.S. Army, was an Army Aviation Officer, and served one tour of duty in the Gulf War. Her current affiliations include NEWH Philadelphia Chapter and Council of Advisors for Christina Care Health System.
Alma Mater: The United States Military Academy (B.S.)
What I enjoy most about my job: The opportunity to work with so many terrific people during a project – and then seeing it through to completion as a team.
My favorite project: Fairfield Inn & Suites, New York Midtown. I love this project because of the team that is currently working on the project. It’s the most collaborative and cohesive team I’ve ever worked with – weekly project calls are truly enjoyable and we get so much accomplished.
My favorite activity outside of work: Spending time with my husband and daughter fishing, boating, playing golf, and visiting Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
NEWH is the premier networking resource for the hospitality industry, providing scholarships, education, leadership development, recognition of excellence, and business development opportunities. It’s about Scholarship, Education, and Business Networking.
Brenda Layne
Procurement Manager
Brenda joined CRE as a Procurement Specialist in November 2017. Brenda received her A.S. in Design and B.S. in Business Management. Her combined experience in both design and business provides her a strong ability to effectively work with Clients through all aspects of the FF&E Cycle to achieve budget, design and schedule. Brenda also has an in-depth knowledge of floor plans and specifications which goes hand in hand with successful procurement management. Brenda’s projects include the Hotel DuPont Lobby and Meeting Room, Canopy Pike & Rose, Canopy Portland, Virgin Nashville, Homewood Suites Wilmington, and Doubletree Wilmington.
Alma Mater: West Chester University (B.S.) and Harcum College (A.S.)
What I enjoy most about my job is: Being able to interact with different people every day. It’s rewarding to develop such strong relationships with the people you work with - whether they’re a vendor, designer, or freight forwarder, we all share in the common goal of completing a successful project!
My favorite Project: Virgin Hotels Nashville. I worked on this for 3 years, so being able to see it from start to finish was really rewarding. The Design was incredible. I especially liked all of the local touches. I was able to travel to site a couple of times. Being able to see the project in person rather than just on paper is amazing
My favorite activity outside of work: Anything that relates to Interior Design. I have a passion for helping my friends and family give their homes and workspaces the facelifts they deserve!
Sabrina Stuhl
Procurement Manager
Sabrina joined CRE as a Procurement Specialist in October 2019. She previously worked as a Bid & Purchasing Manager for the artwork manufacturer, Kaleidoscope Design Factory. Her four years of experience in the manufacturing industry gives her a unique perspective on the FF&E Procurement Cycle, specifically relating to approvals, lead times, and schedules. Sabrina looks forward to assisting the team in all aspects of the FF&E Cycle. Sabrina received her B.A. in Art History with minors in German and Museum Studies. Sabrina has previously managed 101 dupont place, Virgin Hotels New Orleans, Le Cavalier at the Green Room, and Swedesford Park.
Alma Mater: Florida State University (B.A.)
What I enjoy most about my job is: Seeing the end result! I love it when a plan comes together.
My favorite project: Can I pick all of them? They all have things I love about them! If I had to choose – 101 dupont place is my favorite, because I love that I was able to see this transformation just blocks from our HQ.
My favorite activity outside of work: Going for a run or sprawling out on the couch and binge watching tv.
Bridgette pappert
Procurement Specialist II
Bridgette joined CRE in May 2022 as the Procurement Specialist after studying at Temple University to earn her Design Certificate. As a Wilmington transplant and lover of architecture, Bridgette saw the recent growth within the city and wanted to join a company that is so focused on its revitalization.
Alma Mater: Temple University
What I enjoy most about my job is: Visiting the sites to see progress on a project. The people I work with are great too!
My favorite activity outside of work: Working out and listening to music.
Andrew Chin-A-Loy
New Business Specialist II
Andrew started CRE in January 2023 as a Procurement Specialist. Prior to joining CRE, Andrew worked in customer service at the global compliance company CSC.
Alma Mater: Wilmington University
What I enjoy most about my job is: collaborating with the team and partners to achieve the overall vision for the project.
My favorite activity outside of work: Golfing
Megan Handlon
Procurement Accountant
Megan started CRE in May 2023 as a Procurement Accountant. Prior to joining CRE, Megan worked as an Office Manager/Bookkeeper at Nu-Art Graphics, Inc in West Chester.
Alma Mater: Drexel University
What I enjoy most about my job is: being a part of a solid, growing company that is rooted in Delaware but branching out to improve the world around it
My favorite activity outside of work: Hang out with her family, cook and watch her girls crushing their sports!
