Harvard Investments advances innovation, excellence with promotions, strategic team growth

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. (March 27, 2025) – Harvard Investments, a leading real estate development firm, proudly announces its commitment to planned growth as well as fostering talent internally with two new hires and the promotion of three dedicated team members.

Harvard Investments continues to strengthen its foundation for innovation and excellence with the following advancements:

• Nathan Shooks was promoted to Director of Development, Harvard FirstStreet;
• Cayley Wade was promoted to Senior Development Manager, Harvard Communities;
• Branden Lamb was promoted to Senior Financial Analyst, Harvard Investments;
• Janeen Hermanson was hired as Division Controller, Harvard Communities;
• Riley Bayze was hired as Financial Analyst, Harvard Investments.

Shooks takes on an expanded role leading new development and capital markets for the growing Harvard FirstStreet build-to-rent division.

Shooks earned a bachelor of science degree in finance from Northern Arizona University. He is active in ULI Arizona, Valley Partnership, NAIOP Arizona, and NHRC. A native of Fountain Hills, Arizona, Shooks is a graduate of the Valley Partnership Advocates program. He is a 2-year employee of Harvard Investments.

Wade takes on expanded responsibilities as lead for existing Harvard Communities projects and new opportunities.

Wade, a native of Tempe, Arizona, holds a bachelor of science degree in accounting from the University of Arizona. She is active in WESTMARC, ULI Arizona, and Valley Partnership. Wade has been with Harvard Investments for 3 years.

Lamb takes on expanded role in financial modeling and forecasting, cash flow management, ERP system reporting, and will assist finance on the growing build-to-rent division. He has been with Harvard Investments for one year.

A native of Phoenix, Lamb holds a bachelor of science degree in finance from Arizona State University.

Hermanson joins Harvard Investments from national homebuilder Taylor Morrison, where she served as division assistant controller. In her new role she oversees accounting operations for Harvard Communities. She works closely with the internal development/finance teams, tax, and audit partners.

A native Arizonan, Hermanson earned a degree from the Keller Graduate School of Management, DeVry University.

Bayze joins Harvard Investments from investment firm Vanguard. His duties now include financial reporting, managing project cashflows, underwriting for new deals, and assisting in general financial operations.

A Tucson native, Bayze earned a finance degree from UA in 2022.

PHOTO: Left top: Nathan Shooks, Director of Development; right top: Branden Lamb, Senior Financial Analyst; middle: Cayley Wade, Senior Development Manager; bottom left: Riley Bayze, Financial Analyst; bottom right: Janeen Hermanson, Division Controller.