Melissa L. Gerard

Bothell, WA ***** • 425-***-**** • ad12j0@r.postjobfree.com

EXPERIENCE

*/**–8/22 ESSEX PROPERTY TRUST Bellevue, WA

*/**–8/22 Vice President, Operations, Northern Division Responsible for a portfolio of diverse assets comprised of over 36,000 units in more than 150 apartment communities in Washington State and Northern California, including Class A multifamily and mixed-use real estate projects. This Division represents 54% of the Essex total Same Store revenue and NOI. Led a team of 15 which consisted of Sr. Regional Portfolio Managers, Regional Portfolio Managers, and Area Managers, with over 900 onsite team members, as well as 2 Revenue Managers.

• Responsible for profitability and performance against publicly traded REIT competitors. Essex Property Trust consistently outperformed their peer group in Same Property Revenue Growth, Expenses, and Occupancy.

• Drove strategic initiatives between Property Operations and support departments to align with the organization’s long-term goals. Primary responsibilities in 2021/2022 include: Budgeting for all Ops including selection and implementation of new software and streamlining and automating budgeting process, Employee Retention, led a task force in improving Associate Engagement, and facilitated a mentorship program targeting high potential associates and creating a career path.

• Counsel Joint Venture Partners on acquisitions, developments and renovations to maximize financial operating performance.

• Design, implement and communicate operating goals for the division, including financial objectives, operating performance, customer focus, associate engagement and peer performance.

• Increased associate engagement and retention in competitive employment market by promoting a positive, supportive and challenging culture in the region. Reduced annual employee turnover, increased the internal promotion rate and elevated associate satisfaction.

• Heavily involved in all acquisition and disposition initiatives, developed due diligence processes that produced smooth takeovers and well managed sales.

• Led the division through a significant operating initiative centralizing all Sales, Community Management, and Resident Services.

1/18–7/21 Division Manager, Pacific Northwest

Responsible for the operation of 56 apartment communities, totaling over 12,500 units in the greater Seattle MSA.

• Prepared and presented quarterly performance reporting to Senior Executives in preparation for Quarterly Earnings.

• Led team through Covid disruption while maintaining occupancy and minimizing rent loss. Navigated ever changing operating environment and kept all interested parties abreast of changes impacting our business. Maintained associate morale and leadership connection through creative means in a challenging environment.

• Successfully eliminated 5 various BMR programs that no longer benefited the organization.

• Served as a valued partner to support groups with a solid track record of meeting deliverables timely and accurately.

Melissa L. Gerard

Bothell, WA 98021 • 425-***-**** • ad12j0@r.postjobfree.com 8/03– 1/18 Regional Portfolio Manager, PNW/SLC, UT Manage property operations, including lease-up, asset renovation and capital improvement projects on 17 assets, concentrated in the City of Seattle.

• Led the site teams through the acquisition of BRE Properties by Essex Property Trust. Achieved 100% associate retention from announcement to company acquisition and over 85% retention one year later.

• Facilitated the merger of operating procedures, including system integration, overhaul of policies and practices and adaptation between two distinct and disparate cultures.

• Partnered with Capital Improvements team in creating 10-year plans to ensure asset preservation and enhance property value.

• Worked closely with Asset Management team to identify revenue generation projects, implement, and track success against underwriting.

• Ensured compliance of company standards, consistently producing highest audit scores within the company.

6/99– 8/03 Senior Regional Trainer (BRE Properties) Responsible for onboarding and continued education for all on-site associates in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico.

• Prepared training calendars to meet needs for each region.

• Facilitated classroom instruction for all new hires and current associates.

• Created, and revised, training material to maintain relevance and improve associate development.

• Led the Yardi implementation for entire organization, including developing all training and user guides, as well as facilitating necessary classroom training. 7/94– 6/99 Various On-Site Management Positions (BRE Properties) Responsible for all aspects of property operations at the site-level, including Sales, Customer Relations, Team Management, Financial Management, Recruiting and Onboarding, Capital Improvements, and Market Research.

• Produced strategic marketing and leasing plans for 5 new construction buildings and successfully leased up on target.

• Worked as a liaison between construction management and onsite property management personnel.

• Monitored property expenses through internal cost control measures.

• Led the site teams through the acquisition of Trammell Crow SW by BRE Properties. EDUCATION/DESIGNATIONS/LICENSES

2009 - present IREM CPM

Held various positions on IREM Board

1999 WESTMINSTER COLLEGE

B.A., Business