Salita Development is led by a group of high energy individuals with vast experience ranging from: investment banking & finance, construction management, hospitality development, and food & beverage operations. Team members are experienced at identifying unique opportunities, assembling the right mix of resources, implementing plans, and delivering results. The principals of Salita have the knowledge, expertise, and skills to develop best-in-class hotel properties. 

Senior Development Team

Eric Nordness  |  President

Eric Nordness founded Salita Development in 2003. As founder Eric’s first action was acquiring the rights to develop and franchise the Sheraton Chicago Northbrook Hotel as a part of the Willow Festival master planned retail development.  Eric leveraged his background in investment banking to raise the capital necessary to develop and build the hotel.  He worked with GE Capital Franchise Finance to structure the construction debt and various private equity relationships to finance the remainder of the capital stack.  Eric has also led the financing and business strategy for the Fremont Hotel development in the city of Chicago and the joint venture development for the select service hotel development on West 37th Street in New York City.  Eric has an extensive background in real estate finance, venture capital, private equity and entrepreneurial strategy.  Eric started his career at Robertson, Stephens & Co, a San Francisco headquartered full-service investment banking firm. At Robertson he worked in the asset management division of the firm, which included both private equity and public investment vehicles. At the time Robertson Stephens Investment Management had over ten billion dollars under management.  In addition to finance Eric has lead several start-up ventures, including Suburban Online, a local internet service provider, and Lumberyard Productions, a motion picture production company.  Lumberyard produced the feature film “Now You Know” with Kevin Smith’s View Askew productions and sold the film to Miramax/Disney. Eric started college as a member of the Arizona State University football team and completed his B.B.A. at the University of Iowa majoring in finance.  He also holds a M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, with concentrations in both finance and economics.  Eric enjoys skiing, live music and art.          

Anne Nordness  |  Director of Operations

In 2004 Anne Nordness joined her brother Eric as a Partner in Salita Development. As Director of Operations she is responsible for all aspects of development from architecture and design through construction and hotel opening.  She has managed several developments through architecture & interior design, working hand in hand with brand families such as Sheraton and Wyndham. Her role also involves managing the entitlement and permitting process to ensure efficiency and compliance with the appropriate regulatory bodies. Anne was responsible for the on time & on budget delivery of the Sheraton Chicago Northbrook which has won many accolades for design and customer service.  Previously, she worked for Congressional Quarterly Inc., headquartered in Washington D.C. Her roles at CQ included: assistant editor for CQ.com, primarily covering appropriations and elections, and assistant managing editor and project manager for the company's signature reference work, Politics in America, published by CQ Press. Anne attended the University of Colorado's honors program, graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in political science. She also completed studies at the American Intercontinental University in London with a focus on international relations and holds a masters of public administration from the University of Colorado. Travel, literature, design and music are among her favorite pastimes.

Matthew Mering  |  Director of Development

Matt Mering has served as Salita Development’s Director of Development since 2006, where he leverages his background in hospitality operations and finance. As Director of Development, Matt is responsible for sourcing new deals, analyzing and underwriting potential acquisitions, coordinating due diligence, capital raising, project management and asset management.  To date, he has analyzed over $750M of potential full service and select service hotel developments & acquisitions.  Matt has also led entitlement and permitting process for the Fremont Hotel development working closely with the architectural and legal team to ensure completion of the City of Chicago special use process.  Prior to Salita, Matt was the operating partner for Reserve nightclub, an upscale lounge and nightclub he co-founded in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood.  He was previously a management consultant for Accenture working out of both their Chicago, IL & Melbourne, Australia offices.  Matt’s hospitality career began with Club Med where he held various management positions throughout their North American resorts.  Matt holds a M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, with a concentration in finance and a bachelor of arts from Michigan State University. Outside of Salita Matt is a member of the Steppenwolf Theatre’s Auxiliary Council, plays competitive hockey, and enjoys various culinary pursuits.