American Campus Communities Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

American Campus Communities has 6 executives leading key functions including technology, operations, finance, marketing, and corporate strategy.

Focused on delivering superior student living environments, American Campus Communities prioritizes the development and management of high-quality housing assets to enhance the academic experience across the United States.

Leadership Roles at American Campus Communities

  • Chief Financial Officer - Dan Crownover
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Brian Nickel
  • Chief Operating Officer - Brian Mayer
  • President - James Hopke
  • Chief Technology Officer - Jorge De Cardenas
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer - Kimberly (Kimmy) Kelley
  • Dan Crownover - Chief Financial Officer

    Dan Crownover, the Chief Financial Officer at American Campus Communities, directs the financial strategy and capital allocation for the organization. Overseeing treasury functions and investor relations, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the fiscal health of the company while supporting large-scale development projects. This leadership role involves managing complex debt structures and optimizing the balance sheet to facilitate sustainable growth. By providing rigorous financial oversight, Dan Crownover enables the company to pursue strategic acquisitions and property expansions across the nation. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the board to communicate financial performance and long-term value creation to stakeholders. Through the implementation of disciplined budgeting and forecasting processes, the Chief Financial Officer drives profitability and maintains the financial stability required for industry leadership. This commitment to financial excellence supports the ongoing mission of delivering high-quality student housing solutions while maximizing returns for investors and partners in the competitive real estate market.
    Dan Crownover

    Brian Nickel - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Brian Nickel, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at American Campus Communities, directs the corporate financial planning and risk management frameworks. Overseeing financial reporting and internal controls, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency and regulatory compliance across all business units. This leadership role involves evaluating investment opportunities and assessing the financial viability of new development projects. By managing capital resources, Brian Nickel supports the strategic expansion of the housing portfolio into key university markets. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer works closely with the executive team to align financial objectives with the broader corporate mission. Through the application of advanced financial modeling, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer drives efficiency and mitigates operational risks. This focus on financial discipline ensures the long-term sustainability of the company, providing the necessary resources to maintain high-quality standards in every student housing community.

    Brian Mayer - Chief Operating Officer

    Brian Mayer, the Chief Operating Officer at American Campus Communities, manages the daily operations and performance of the extensive student housing portfolio. Overseeing property management teams, the Chief Operating Officer ensures high occupancy rates and superior service standards across all regional markets. This leadership role involves streamlining maintenance workflows and enhancing resident satisfaction through proactive community management. By analyzing operational metrics, Brian Mayer identifies opportunities for cost efficiency and revenue growth within the portfolio. The Chief Operating Officer coordinates with regional directors to maintain consistent brand quality and operational compliance. Through the execution of strategic leasing initiatives, the Chief Operating Officer drives portfolio-wide performance and supports the overarching mission of providing high-quality student housing. This focus on operational rigor ensures that every community meets the rigorous standards expected by university partners and residents, ultimately securing the long-term value of the real estate assets under management.

    James Hopke - President

    James Hopke, the President at American Campus Communities, directs the overall business strategy and organizational execution for the company. Overseeing the integration of development, operations, and finance, the President ensures alignment with the core mission of providing premier student housing. This leadership role involves guiding the executive team through complex market challenges and identifying new growth opportunities across the United States. By fostering strong relationships with university partners, James Hopke secures the long-term success of the housing portfolio. The President coordinates with the board to define the strategic vision and drive performance across all departments. Through the implementation of high-level operational standards, the President ensures that every community delivers exceptional value to residents and stakeholders. This focus on leadership and strategic direction maintains the position of the company as the industry leader in student housing, consistently delivering high-quality living environments that support academic success and community growth.

    Jorge De Cardenas - Chief Technology Officer

    Jorge De Cardenas, the Chief Technology Officer at American Campus Communities, directs the digital infrastructure and information systems supporting the national student housing portfolio. Overseeing the integration of smart building technologies, the Chief Technology Officer ensures seamless connectivity for residents across diverse campus locations. This leadership role involves architecting scalable data platforms to optimize property management efficiency and resident engagement. By implementing robust cybersecurity protocols, Jorge De Cardenas protects sensitive corporate and resident information from emerging digital threats. The Chief Technology Officer collaborates with executive leadership to align technological investments with long-term growth objectives. Through the deployment of advanced property management software, the Chief Technology Officer drives operational excellence and enhances the overall living experience. This strategic focus on innovation maintains the competitive edge of the company within the real estate sector, ensuring that technological capabilities consistently support the evolving needs of modern student housing communities.

    Kimberly (Kimmy) Kelley - Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer

    Kimberly (Kimmy) Kelley, the Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at American Campus Communities, directs the brand strategy and leasing outreach programs for the entire portfolio. Overseeing national marketing campaigns, the Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent messaging that resonates with students and university partners. This leadership role involves leveraging digital platforms and market research to drive occupancy and brand awareness. By analyzing consumer trends, Kimberly (Kimmy) Kelley optimizes the marketing funnel to attract residents across diverse geographic regions. The Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with property management teams to execute localized leasing strategies that meet specific community goals. Through the development of innovative promotional initiatives, the Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer drives demand and strengthens the market position of the company. This strategic focus on brand equity ensures that the organization remains the preferred choice for high-quality student housing nationwide.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding American Campus Communities Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads American Campus Communities?
    American Campus Communities is led by Dan Crownover (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Brian Nickel (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Brian Mayer (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of American Campus Communities’s executive team?
    The executive team of American Campus Communities includes leaders such as Dan Crownover (Chief Financial Officer), Brian Nickel (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Brian Mayer (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does American Campus Communities have?
    American Campus Communities has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in American Campus Communities’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of American Campus Communities includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Chief Technology Officer.