Scottsdale, Ariz. – Harvard Investments, a real estate investment and development company based in Scottsdale, Ariz., announced the promotions of six key team members and one new hire in response to the firm’s rapid expansion. With more than 40 years engaged in community and property development throughout the Southwest, Harvard has grown across five states in six asset classes including the launch of its single-family rental community brand FirstStreet™.
Tim Brislin, a strategic leader with Harvard Investments for 15 years, has been promoted from Vice President to Senior Vice President. Brislin's responsibilities are to provide expertise and leadership to the Harvard Communities division, and to facilitate the strategic development and growth of Harvard Investments alongside the senior leadership team.
“Tim has been a consistent high performer with Harvard for 15 years and has demonstrated his ability to not only successfully navigate complex projects with both mastery and integrity, but also serve as a powerful leader and mentor to newer Harvard team members. Within our industry he actively applies his leadership skills with ULI and Valley Partnership,” said Craig Krumwiede, President and CEO of Harvard Investments. “Our additional promotions of Byron, Christian, David, John, Rhonda and hiring of Cayley reflect our firm’s philosophy. I’ve found that when you hire the best, be open to ideas, and never micro-manage, great things happen. Tim and these six strong team members have proven their ability to maintain Harvard’s high standards while bringing new insight to amplify our recent growth.”
Additional promotions and a new hire at Harvard Investments include:
- Christian Passalacqua has been named Entitlement & Development Manager. Previously Harvard’s Land Acquisition Manager, Passalacqua has demonstrated high-level abilities in the execution of his duties, in particular the successful underwriting and closing of the Estrella development in Goodyear, Ariz., one the largest active master-planned community purchases in Arizona history. His responsibilities are expanding to include the oversight of multiple Harvard Communities’ projects.
- Bryon Jones has been promoted from Senior Accountant to Division Controller for Harvard Communities. In his new role he oversees the accounting functions of Harvard’s master-planned communities division (Harvard Communities). Jones has shown exemplary skill, dedication and leadership in managing Harvard’s complex accounting responsibilities. This well-deserved promotion positions him to make continued positive strategic impacts within the team and with valued partners.
- Cayley McLean has been hired as Harvard’s Financial Analyst/Land Acquisition Manager to provide high-level financial analysis for Harvard Communities including the new Estrella development. Previously a Land Acquisition Manager for Taylor Morrison, McLean has an impressive background in financial consulting and transitioned to apply her skills to real estate development. She is also contributing to Harvard as a Land Acquisition Manager overseeing acquisition and planning on key projects.
- David Sansevere has been promoted from Senior Project Accountant to Accounting Manager for Harvard FirstStreet. Sansevere has a tremendous ability to learn and understands the complex accounting functions of Harvard’s build-to-rent division. In his new role, he is applying his strong accounting experience to multiple new projects aligned with Harvard’s recent growth.
- John Horton has advanced from Development Associate/Analyst to his new role of Development Manager for Harvard FirstStreet. He possesses excellent financial analysis abilities and is integral to the underwriting of new projects, as well as the management of existing assets. He also excels in the development aspect of his role including the financing, construction and management of Harvard’s assets.
- Twelve-year Harvard team member Rhonda Wells has been elevated from Executive Assistant to Office Manager. An incredibly valued employee, Wells is responsible for the many key functions of Harvard’s high-performing, energetic office that facilitate the success of the company’s various projects. Rhonda’s tremendous problem-solving capabilities, organizational skills, character and deep understanding of Harvard’s team, history and philosophy make her a highly regarded team member.
Krumwiede added, “During this time of incredible market growth, we’ve focused on enhancing our best-in-class team with employees who are dedicated, curious and prepared to tackle and maximize opportunities across the Southwest, while maintaining the integral vison of Harvard to build communities people will be proud to embrace for generations. We’re incredibly grateful to have each of these stellar individuals as part of our Harvard team.”
Harvard Investments’ master-planned residential communities include The Lakes at Rancho El Dorado in Maricopa, Verde Trails in Avondale, Cadence at Gateway in Mesa, Desert Oasis in Surprise, the newly acquired Estrella in Goodyear, Mariposa near Albuquerque, and Gregg Ranch outside of Austin. Harvard’s FirstStreet™ single-family rental properties include FirstStreet at Happy Valley in Phoenix, FirstStreet at the Ballpark in Goodyear and Quarter on Simmons in Las Vegas. Additional Class A office, investment properties and commercial real estate projects abound in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas. Learn more about Harvard Investments at: https://www.harvardinvestments.com