Leadership Overview
Cortland has 9 executives leading key functions including investment strategy, property development, marketing, human resources, and operational management.
Focused on delivering resident-centered housing solutions, Cortland drives excellence in multifamily real estate through vertically integrated investment, development, and management services across the United States and the United Kingdom.
Focused on delivering resident-centered housing solutions, Cortland drives excellence in multifamily real estate through vertically integrated investment, development, and management services across the United States and the United Kingdom.
Leadership Roles at Cortland
Stephen DeFrancis - Chief Executive Officer
Stephen DeFrancis, the Chief Executive Officer at Cortland, directs the overarching investment strategy and long-term vision for the firm. DeFrancis architects the company's expansion across the United States and the United Kingdom, ensuring that all multifamily real estate acquisitions align with high-growth market opportunities. By overseeing the integration of development and property management, the Chief Executive Officer maintains a cohesive operational model that prioritizes resident satisfaction. Stephen DeFrancis monitors capital allocation and portfolio performance to maximize value for stakeholders. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends to refine the firm's competitive positioning. Through rigorous oversight of asset performance, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health of the organization. DeFrancis drives the company's commitment to quality housing, ensuring that every community meets the rigorous standards established by the firm. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of innovation and operational excellence across all global markets.
Mike Levy - Owner & Chief Executive Officer
Mike Levy, the Owner & Chief Executive Officer at Cortland, manages the foundational ownership structure and strategic direction of the enterprise. Levy architects the firm's approach to large-scale multifamily development, ensuring that every project reflects the company's commitment to superior living environments. By coordinating with the investment team, the Owner & Chief Executive Officer identifies key opportunities for portfolio growth within the United States and the United Kingdom. Mike Levy oversees the alignment of corporate goals with daily property management activities to ensure consistent service delivery. This leadership role involves balancing long-term asset appreciation with immediate operational efficiency. Through the implementation of robust financial frameworks, the Owner & Chief Executive Officer supports the firm's mission to redefine the resident experience. Levy drives the strategic initiatives that maintain the company's status as a leader in the real estate sector. Ultimately, the Owner & Chief Executive Officer ensures the sustained success and market relevance of the entire organization.
Pete Koelle - President
Pete Koelle, the President at Cortland, directs the day-to-day operations and overall business performance of the firm. Koelle architects the operational strategies that govern the management of multifamily communities across the United States and the United Kingdom. By overseeing the integration of property management and development services, the President ensures that the company delivers consistent value to residents and investors. Pete Koelle monitors operational metrics to identify opportunities for efficiency and growth within the portfolio. This leadership role involves coordinating with other C-suite executives to align departmental goals with the company's overarching mission. Through the application of industry expertise, the President drives the firm's commitment to high-quality housing and superior service. Koelle executes the operational plans that support the company's market expansion. Ultimately, the President secures the operational stability and long-term success of the organization by maintaining a focus on excellence in every aspect of the business.
Karen Sheldon - Executive Business Partner To the President
Karen Sheldon, the Executive Business Partner To the President at Cortland, directs the administrative and strategic support functions for the office of the President. Sheldon architects the communication channels and scheduling priorities that enable the President to focus on high-impact decision-making. By overseeing the coordination of executive meetings and project reviews, the Executive Business Partner To the President ensures that the leadership team remains aligned on key objectives across the United States and the United Kingdom. Karen Sheldon monitors the flow of critical information to facilitate efficient operations. This leadership role involves managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support the firm's business goals. Through the proactive management of executive priorities, the Executive Business Partner To the President drives the effectiveness of the leadership team. Sheldon executes administrative strategies that enhance the overall productivity of the executive office. Ultimately, the Executive Business Partner To the President secures the operational continuity of the firm's leadership functions.
Carol Hoeller - Chief Marketing Officer
Carol Hoeller, the Chief Marketing Officer at Cortland, directs all brand strategy and resident engagement initiatives across the company's portfolio. Hoeller architects the digital and physical marketing campaigns that define the firm's presence in the competitive multifamily real estate market. By overseeing the brand identity, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that every apartment community communicates the company's commitment to resident-focused living. Carol Hoeller monitors market sentiment and consumer behavior to tailor outreach efforts across the United States and the United Kingdom. This leadership role involves collaborating with the development team to position new assets effectively within their respective regions. Through the optimization of marketing channels, the Chief Marketing Officer drives lead generation and supports high occupancy targets. Hoeller executes strategies that elevate the firm's reputation as a premier provider of housing services. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer secures the brand's market position by aligning communication efforts with the company's core mission of delivering exceptional living experiences.

Kevin Ingham - Chief Human Resources Officer
Kevin Ingham, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Cortland, directs the talent acquisition, organizational development, and employee engagement strategies for the firm. Ingham architects the internal frameworks that support a high-performance culture across the United States and the United Kingdom. By overseeing workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the company attracts and retains top-tier talent capable of managing complex multifamily assets. Kevin Ingham monitors employee performance metrics and professional development programs to align staff capabilities with the firm's growth objectives. This leadership role involves fostering an inclusive environment that reflects the company's commitment to excellence. Through the implementation of robust HR policies, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives organizational efficiency and supports the well-being of the entire team. Ingham executes initiatives that strengthen the company's internal infrastructure. Ultimately, the Chief Human Resources Officer secures the human capital necessary to maintain the firm's competitive edge in the real estate industry.
Thomas Kramer - Senior Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff
Thomas Kramer, the Senior Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff at Cortland, directs the execution of high-priority initiatives that support the firm's operational goals. Kramer architects the project management workflows that bridge the gap between executive vision and daily property management activities. By overseeing cross-departmental collaboration, the Senior Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff ensures that all strategic projects align with the company's mission across the United States and the United Kingdom. Thomas Kramer monitors project milestones and resource allocation to maintain efficiency and meet critical deadlines. This leadership role involves providing direct support to the executive team to facilitate informed decision-making. Through the coordination of complex tasks, the Senior Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff drives the successful implementation of new business processes. Kramer executes strategies that enhance the firm's operational agility. Ultimately, the Senior Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff secures the alignment of all internal projects with the company's long-term growth strategy.
Grace Connell - Director, Strategic Project Implementation & Chief of Staff
Grace Connell, the Director, Strategic Project Implementation & Chief of Staff at Cortland, directs the tactical rollout of key business initiatives. Connell architects the operational plans that translate high-level strategy into actionable tasks for the property management and development teams. By overseeing the implementation of new technologies and processes, the Director, Strategic Project Implementation & Chief of Staff ensures that the firm remains at the forefront of the multifamily real estate industry. Grace Connell monitors the progress of strategic projects across the United States and the United Kingdom to ensure consistent performance. This leadership role involves managing the flow of information between the executive office and operational departments. Through the rigorous tracking of project outcomes, the Director, Strategic Project Implementation & Chief of Staff drives continuous improvement in service delivery. Connell executes plans that optimize internal workflows. Ultimately, the Director, Strategic Project Implementation & Chief of Staff secures the successful integration of new initiatives into the company's existing operational framework.
Amanda Delevett - Managing Director
Amanda Delevett, the Managing Director at Cortland, directs specific investment initiatives and operational workflows within the multifamily portfolio. Delevett architects the execution of complex development projects, ensuring that each asset meets the firm's stringent quality benchmarks. By overseeing cross-functional teams, the Managing Director facilitates seamless communication between property management and investment departments. Amanda Delevett monitors regional performance metrics to optimize occupancy rates and resident retention across the United States and the United Kingdom. This leadership role involves managing stakeholder expectations and ensuring that project timelines remain on track. Through the application of data-driven insights, the Managing Director refines operational processes to enhance overall efficiency. Delevett drives the implementation of strategic goals that support the company's broader mission of delivering exceptional housing. Ultimately, the Managing Director secures the operational integrity of the firm's diverse real estate holdings while fostering a collaborative environment that promotes continuous improvement and long-term value creation.
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