Our Professionals

John J. Hughes, Jr., Esq., President

(914) 761-1776 ext. 210 jhughes@gamericantitle.com

John J. Hughes, Jr. was formerly Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sleepy Hollow Bank. An attorney admitted to the Bar since 1980, John has decades of experience in all legal and financial issues concerning commercial and residential real estate. He is a member of the American, New York State and Westchester County Bar Associations, as well as numerous local business organizations. John is proud of the Great American Title Agency and proud to be a part of the Title Insurance industry.

John is a graduate of Georgetown University and Boston College of Law.  He attended Graduate School of Business Administration of New York University.  He is admitted to the New York and Supreme Court Bar.

Sander Koudijs, Senior Vice President & Sales Executive

(914) 761-1776 ext. 214 skoudijs@gamericantitle.com

Sander Koudijs has over 16 years experience in the real estate business. He is an industry recognized sales executive who believes in earning his business by adding value for his clients. Sander works directly with his Realtor, Lender and Attorney base to help facilitate a smooth transaction for all those involved. As an avid and accomplished golfer, he helps his clients both on and off the course with strategic introductions that enable them to increase their business.

 Lilyanna Pekic, Executive Vice President of Sales

(914) 761-1776 ext. 203 lpekic@gamericantitle.com

Lilyanna Pekic has been serving the unique needs of her clients since 2006. She has a sterling reputation for her service and professionalism which she developed through 20+ years as a licensed real estate broker, specializing in the Bronx. She has the professional and personal knowledge as well as practical experience in many aspects of sales to assist all her clients seeking guidance in their title insurance needs.

 Chris Pierro, Senior Sales Representative

(914) 761-1776 cpierro@gamericantitle.com

Chris Pierro is a 38 year veteran in the title insurance industry. He has worked over the years for First American Title, Lawyers Title, Stewart Title as well as Judicial Title Insurance Agency. Chris brings in depth knowledge of the commercial market, particularly commercial investments and redevelopment as well as residential and real estate development. Chris brings unique perspective, insight and knowledge of title issues.

Erica Balko, Production Manager & Closing Coordinator

(914) 761-1776 ext. 206 ebalko@gamericantitle.com

Having nearly two decades of experience in the title insurance industry has made Erica a consummate, experienced and dedicated title professional. Her career in title insurance began at PFC Title Insurance Agency, Ltd., where Erica served in the capacity of Recording Manager, Closing Coordinator and Title Administrator. She continues these responsibilities on a more expansive level here at Great American, where she manages the production and closing departments. She understands the entire title process from application to post closing, and is a pivotal part of the both departments.

Alba Zhina, Accounting Manager

(914) 761-1776 ext. 205 azhina@gamericantitle.com

Alba Zhina comes to the Great American with an extensive background in accounting and finance. Her experience includes her past position as a compliance officer for a financial service firm where she was responsible for the coordination and monitoring of the Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program: Employee compliance with policies and procedures, and assisting regulators with audits and examinations. Her accounting knowledge and her ability to be precise and diligent has been an asset to the title accounting procedures required of her at the company.

Elisabeth Baker, Inside Sales 

(914) 761-1776 ext. 202 Ebaker@gamericantitle.com

Elisabeth comes to Great American with nearly 15 years of experience in the medical and insurance industries. Holding various positions, including office manager and EMR training coordinator, Elisabeth has been able to cultivate the necessary work ethic and customer service skills to exceed expectations.

Jody Fay, Vice President & Sales Executive 

jfay@gamericantitle.com

Professionally, Jody is a real estate attorney with over thirty-three years’ experience in real estate and title insurance. Over the years, Jody served as Counsel to Attorney’s Title Insurance Agency, General Counsel to Washington Title Insurance Company, Chief Counsel at Skyline Title and Vice President and Chief Counsel of The Kelsey Company. Jody is thrilled to be joining The Great American Title Agency, Inc. as a Vice President and Sales Executive.

Jody’s other career components have and do include teaching. Jody has taught real estate law and a title-closing course at The Steven Newman Real Estate Institute at Baruch College in Manhattan. She has also taught real estate law at the ABA certified paralegal program at Westchester Community College in Valhalla New York and continues to teach CLS and CE programs in NYS and CT.

Since 1993, Jody has been an active member of The Westchester Women’s Bar Association where she completed two years as President. She is a member of The American Bar Association, The New York State Bar Association, The Connecticut Bar Association. She also served as a delegate to the NYS Bar Association in addition to being a member.

Jody has lectured extensively on real estate topics for The Learning Annex, various bar associations, the Office of Court Administration, The National Academy of Continuing Legal Education, Pace Law School and The Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors.

Jody resides in Guilford Connecticut with her husband Lionel and Saint Bernard Ollie.