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
James Taylor Jr., former CEO of Brixmor Property Group Inc. (NYSE: BRX), whose leadership, professionalism, and commitment to the industry left a lasting impact on colleagues, companies, and the association he served for many years, passed away on June 14.
Taylor retired as CEO of Brixmor in December 2025 after nearly a decade leading the company. In announcing his passing, Brixmor described him as a “transformative leader” whose vision, integrity, and humanity helped shape both the company and the broader real estate industry. His participation with Nareit, meanwhile, reflected his longstanding commitment to supporting the association’s advocacy, investor outreach, and educational initiatives.
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE: AVB) and Equity Residential (NYSE: EQR) announced the executive leadership team that will lead the combined company following the closing of their previously announced merger, expected in the second half of 2026. Benjamin Schall, president and CEO of AvalonBay, will serve in the same role for the combined company. Michael Manelis, currently COO of Equity Residential, will serve as executive vice president and COO. Kevin O'Shea, currently CFO of AvalonBay, will become EVP and CFO.
Matthew Birenbaum, currently chief investment officer of AvalonBay, will serve as executive vice president and chief development officer. Sean Breslin, currently COO of AvalonBay, will serve as executive vice president and chief investment and growth officer. Scott Fenster, currently executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary of Equity Residential, has been named executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary.
Pamela Thomas, currently executive vice president of portfolio and asset management at AvalonBay, will hold the same position. Alaine Walsh, currently executive vice president, human capital and administration at AvalonBay, will hold the same position. Ted Schulman, currently executive vice president and general counsel of AvalonBay, will serve as executive vice president of legal affairs, working closely with leadership through the integration process, before transitioning to a senior advisor role.
Dynex Capital, Inc. (NYSE: DX) announced that Douglas Neal has been appointed as an independent director to the board of directors. Dynex described Neal as an experienced executive, investor, advisor, and independent director with a long track record of supporting companies through growth, capital formation, and strategic transformation. He currently manages real estate investments and advises early-stage property technology companies, Dynex added.
Equinix, Inc. (Nasdaq: EQIX) named Edward Tang as vice president, corporate development for the Americas. Tang previously served as vice president, corporate development, global, at Vantage Data Centers. Prior to that, he served as Equinix’s director of corporate development for APAC.
Public Storage (NYSE: PSA) named Ray Pittman as its senior vice president of development. "Public Storage is built to capture external growth opportunities across acquisitions, development, expansion and lending," CEO Tom Boyle said. "Ray is a proven leader with a wealth of real estate expertise, and he will help drive our industry-leading development and expansion platform."
Summit Hotel Properties, Inc. (NYSE: INN) said that executive vice president and CFO, William ("Trey") Conkling would be leaving the company effective June 15 for personal reasons. To support an orderly transition, Conkling will remain available to the company in an advisory capacity through Sept. 30. "Trey has been a valued member of our executive leadership team over the past five years, and we appreciate his many contributions to Summit during his tenure," said Jonathan Stanner, president and CEO.
Sun Communities, Inc. (NYSE: SUI) announced the appointment of Ileana McAlary as general counsel, executive vice president, and secretary. McAlary joins Sun Communities from SpartanNash (Nasdaq: SPTN), a Fortune 400 food solutions company, where she served as executive vice president, chief legal and compliance officer, and corporate secretary.
Ventas, Inc. (NYSE: VTR) announced that Chairman and CEO Debra Cafaro received the Cyrus McCormick Making History Award for Historic Corporate Achievement at the Chicago History Museum’s 32nd Annual Making History Awards. The Cyrus McCormick Making History Award for Historic Corporate Achievement recognizes business leaders and organizations whose work has made enduring contributions to Chicago’s economic and civic life. Michael Anderson, interim president and CEO of the Chicago History Museum, noted that “through hard work, enduring determination, and exceptional strategic leadership, Cafaro has built Ventas into one of Chicago’s leading public companies, delivering tremendous value along the way.”
Ventas also announced named Andrew Wattula as executive vice president, outpatient medical & research and CEO of Lillibridge Healthcare Services, a wholly-owned property management and leasing subsidiary of Ventas, effective as of August. Most recently, he served as COO at Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. (NYSE: HPP).