Each month, Nareit highlights recent executive career moves, board changes, and other notable individual achievements and developments within the REIT and publicly listed real estate market.
If you would like Nareit to share your news, please get in touch here.
In Memoriam
COPT Defense Properties (NYSE: CDP) announced the passing of its former CEO and trustee, Roger Waesche, Jr. In December 1984, Waesche joined the REIT’s predecessor entity and was instrumental in taking the company public in 1998. During 30-plus years at the company, he served in a number of capacities including CFO, COO, and as CEO from 2011 until his retirement in 2016.
“His keen intellect and deeply thoughtful approach to every circumstance contributed not only to the company’s transformation, but the development of a team that he led, which now serves as one of his lasting legacies. He demonstrated and exemplified every day what it is to be a true gentleman,” said Stephen Budorick, COPT Defense’s president and CEO.
Americold Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: COLD) said Christopher Papa will join the company as executive vice president and CFO, effective Feb. 23. He currently serves as executive vice president and CFO at CenterPoint Properties, a developer, owner, and manager of industrial real estate.
CareTrust REIT, Inc. (NYSE:CTRE) announced the promotions of key personnel, including: Derek Bunker to CFO, Joe Layne to senior vice president, corporate counsel, and Rory Williams to senior vice president, portfolio management. Among several new hires, Kyle Bennion was named senior vice president investments, transactions counsel.
Dynex Capital, Inc. (NYSE: DX) welcomed Meakin Bennett as COO. With more than two decades of experience leading large‑scale operations, digital transformation, and risk‑management initiatives in highly regulated financial institutions, Meakin joins Dynex from Fannie Mae, where she oversaw core single‑family operations and major technology programs.
She previously held senior roles at Morgan Stanley and is a U.S. Navy veteran, bringing a disciplined, mission‑driven approach that will help further strengthen Dynex’s operating platform for the next phase of growth
Extra Space Storage Inc (NYSE: EXR) named Noah Springer as president. Springer was previously an executive vice president and the chief strategy and partnership officer. He has been with Extra Space for nearly 20 years. Springer is responsible for the company’s third-party management program, joint venture programs, human resources department and, with the promotion, the company’s operations function will also report to Springer.
Getty Realty Corp. (NYSE: GTY) said Mark Olear, executive vice president, chief investment officer and COO, will retire effective Feb. 27. Robert J. (RJ) Ryan, senior vice president of acquisitions, has been selected to succeed Olear as chief investment officer. The position of COO will not be backfilled. “I want to congratulate Mark on a successful real estate career spanning more than 40 years. He has led the transformation of our portfolio over the last decade and positioned us for continued success,” said Getty President and CEO Christopher Constant.
Healthcare Realty Trust Inc. (NYSE:HR) announced the appointment of Daniel Gabbay as executive vice president and CFO. Since 2024, Gabbay served as a managing director in the real estate investment banking group of RBC Capital Markets, with primary coverage responsibility of the health care REIT sector. Prior to joining RBC, he served as a managing director in the real estate investment banking group at Barclays.
Kimco Realty (NYSE: KIM) said David Jamieson has been appointed to the company’s board of directors. Jamieson is executive vice president and COO of the REIT. With this appointment, Kimco’s board has expanded to include 10 members.
Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBRA) reported that Darrin Smith was appointed Sabra’s chief investment officer, secretary, and executive vice president. Smith succeeds Talya Nevo-Hacohen, Sabra’s former chief investment officer, treasurer, and executive vice president in connection with her retirement on Dec. 31, 2025.
Tanger Inc. (NYSE: SKT) announced that Justin Stein is now executive vice president, chief revenue officer, and Jessica Norman is executive vice president, chief administrative officer, general counsel ,and secretary.
UDR, Inc. (NYSE: UDR) named Ellen Goitia to its board of directors. Goitia is a certified public accountant and served as the partner-in-charge for KPMG’s Chesapeake business unit audit practice and a member of the firm’s audit leadership team from October 2011 until her retirement in May 2016.