Meet the Team – hocher

Meet Our Executive Team

At Hocher Holdings, our businesses are guided by a leadership team that combines deep industry experience, a hands-on approach, and a commitment to the values that have defined our family-owned company for decades. From hospitality and transportation to innovative manufacturing, our executives bring expertise, vision, and a personal dedication to excellence in every decision. Get to know the people who lead our family of companies and help bring our mission to life every day.

David Hocher

President & Owner

Raised on Staniel Cay, David Hocher is President and Owner of Makers Air, Staniel Cay Yacht Club, and WaterMakers Inc., where he has built a family of businesses inspired by his heritage and love for the Bahamas. His companies provide essential connections, from freight and travel access to clean drinking water, making life easier for communities across the islands. Through these roles, he helps create jobs, deliver vital resources, and support the growth of the Out Islands. His work reflects a legacy of stewardship while fostering his passion for family, travel, and the Bahamas.

Jessica Cohen

Chief Financial Officer

Jessica Cohen is a seasoned Chief Financial Officer with a talent for guiding organizations through growth and transformation. Her experience spans industries including aviation, hospitality, manufacturing, education, and the nonprofit sector, where she has delivered innovative financial strategies and greater efficiency. At Hocher Holdings, she leads an international portfolio through a shared services model that extends her impact well beyond finance. Known for her collaborative style, Jessica builds strong teams and fosters a culture of accountability, innovation, and lasting success.

Marisa Nickie

People & Culture, Director

Marisa Nickie is a strategic HR and talent acquisition leader with extensive experience shaping people strategies that drive organizational growth and employee engagement. She has led global HR teams across diverse industries—including cosmetics, manufacturing, retail, and tech—implementing innovative programs in leadership development and cultural transformation. As Director of People & Culture, Marisa is passionate about building inclusive, high-performing workplaces, strengthening employee engagement, and aligning people strategies with business goals to foster long-term success.

Mike Pace

Business Analytics, Director

Michael Pace is an accomplished analytics and technology leader with deep expertise in financial reporting, business intelligence, and enterprise system transformation. He has spearheaded major technology implementations—including NetSuite, Salesforce, and PowerBI—delivering real-time insights and process automation that drive smarter decision-making and operational efficiency. Michael specializes in data migration, systems integration, and executive dashboard development, ensuring organizations harness the full power of technology to achieve growth and impact.

Marlon Aponte

Senior Accounting Manager

Marlon Aponte is a skilled Senior Accounting Manager with extensive experience overseeing multimillion-dollar accounts and complex financial operations. At Hocher Holdings, he leads end-to-end accounting processes, manages cash flow for a multi-subsidiary organization, and ensures compliance through both domestic and international audits. He is also instrumental in driving efficiencies, implementing technology solutions like NetSuite, and guiding a high-performing accounting team. Known for his diligence and strategic insight, Marlon helps streamline operations and provides financial clarity that supports growth across the organization.

Sarah Swainson

Business Development, Director

Sarah Swainson is a strategic Director of Business Development with more than 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality. At Hocher Holdings, she drives growth for Watermakers Inc., Makers Air, and Staniel Cay Yacht Club by building new revenue streams, forging strategic partnerships, and expanding markets in Florida and the Bahamas. She blends her expertise in luxury guest experiences with strong business development skills, managing pipeline forecasting, CRM reporting, and brand visibility at trade shows and industry events. Sarah also serves on the Boards of the Exuma Chamber of Commerce and the Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board, where she helps strengthen the region’s hospitality landscape.