Bell Partners has named industry veteran Cindy Clare its new COO.
Effective Dec. 4, Clare took over the position from retiring Bell executive Gwyneth Coté. Clare, whose careers spans over 30 years in the multifamily industry, now reports directly to Bell’s president, Lili Dunn.
For the past 12 years, Clare has served as president of property management at McLean, Va.–based Kettler, responsible for nearly 30,000 apartment units in seven states as well as the District of Columbia. She helped Kettler grow its platform; enhance new-development and lease-up capabilities; and develop training programs. She also led its third-party business development initiative and established policies and procedures necessary to operate Kettler’s management platform.
Prior to her work at Kettler, Clare was vice president of residential properties for the Mark Winkler Co. and senior property manager for Charles E. Smith Residential Realty.
“We place the highest priority on continuing to attract outstanding senior executives to our company,” said CEO Jon Bell in a statement. “Consequently, we're very pleased to welcome Cindy Clare to the Bell management team. Cindy brings with her a wealth of experience and a stellar reputation within the multifamily industry. Our retiring COO, Gwyneth Coté, leaves very big shoes to fill, but we're confident that Cindy, given her track record, will hit the ground running.”
Clare is a recognized leader within the multifamily industry. In 2011, she was named one of The Washington Business Journal’s “Women Who Mean Business.” In 2015, she was honored as one of the “10 Most Influential Women in Real Estate” by Multifamily Executive. Clare was also recently chosen as chairman of the National Apartment Association.
“We're all looking forward to working with Cindy and to introducing her to our associates, investors, and property management clients,” said Dunn shortly before Clare assumed her new position. “We're certain they will be impressed with her experience and knowledge of the industry. At the same time, we wish Gwyneth Coté much happiness in her retirement. Gwyneth has been a wonderful colleague and good friend who continually demonstrated her commitment to our team and Bell’s success.”
