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Lawrence L. Gray
Chairman and CEO
Mr. Gray joined GrayCo, Inc. as Chief Executive Officer in January of 2010 after a 17-year career in the real estate investment banking business. As t...
Mr. Gray joined GrayCo, Inc. as Chief Executive Officer in January of 2010 after a 17-year career in the real estate investment banking business. As the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gray oversees the development and execution of the Company's strategic plan and business activities. Mr. Gray works with his senior management team to establish the Company's asset allocation and develop and implement initiatives relating to portfolio strategy, acquisitions & dispositions, capital sourcing, human resources and investor relations. Mr. Gray is also Chairman of the Gray Lumber Company Board of Directors. He has been a Board member since 1998 and Chairman since May 2016. Prior to joining GrayCo, Inc., Mr. Gray held a variety of senior management positions within Wachovia Corporation's Real Estate Division (formerly First Union) including, most recently, direct responsibility for the Real Estate Investment Banking, Corporate Banking, Private Equity, Homebuilder Finance and Structured Finance groups. Prior to Wachovia, Mr. Gray worked in the real estate investment banking groups at J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley. Over the course of his investment banking career, Mr. Gray's focus was on providing strategic and financing advice and transaction execution to public and private real estate companies. During that time, he led and participated on teams that successfully completed transactions worth over $75 billion. Mr. Gray currently serves on the Lexington Realty Trust (NYSE: LXP) Board of Trustees, the Community Foundation of Richmond Board of Governors and as a Trustee of the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust. Mr. Gray has an A.B. in Economics from the University of North Carolina, a M.B.A. from the University of Virginia and lives in Richmond, Virginia with his wife and has three grown children. -
Paul H. Sheehy
President
Mr. Sheehy joined the Company in 1992 and was integrally involved with the company's early initiative of reinvesting the proceeds from the sale of tim...
Mr. Sheehy joined the Company in 1992 and was integrally involved with the company's early initiative of reinvesting the proceeds from the sale of timberland through 1031 exchanges into income producing real estate. Mr. Sheehy was involved in underwriting, valuation, and acquisition of commercial real estate through the early 1990's. From the mid-1990's, he was also responsible for the asset management and ultimate disposition of a diversified portfolio of approximately 900,000 square feet of retail, suburban office and flex office properties. During his time at GrayCo, Mr. Sheehy has overseen acquisition, financing, and disposition transactions in excess of $3.3 billion as well as asset management of the company's portfolio of garden and midrise apartment communities. He is currently responsible for all aspects of a portfolio of roughly 7,000 apartment units in five southeastern states. He also manages the company's involvement in joint venture apartment development investments in which the Company has invested in the development of over 5,200 new apartment units in 21 projects since 1999 at a total development cost in excess of $720 million. Prior to his work with the Company, Mr. Sheehy held several positions in the real estate group at NationsBank (and predecessor entities) in Richmond, Virginia. He spent five years in the Real Estate Finance Division where he focused on commercial construction lending, valuation exercises and, ultimately, credit restructurings and special asset recovery. Mr. Sheehy has a B.A. in History and German Language from the University of Virginia. -
Garland Gray, II
President, Gray Lumber Company
Mr. Gray has been with the Company his entire professional career with a focus on the rural land and timber operations. As the President of Gray Lumbe...
Mr. Gray has been with the Company his entire professional career with a focus on the rural land and timber operations. As the President of Gray Lumber Company, he is responsible for the management of the Company's timberland and farmland portfolio. In addition to his management responsibilities, he has also been a member of the Board of Directors for the past thirty years. Mr. Gray received his B.S.C.E. from the Virginia Military Institute. In addition to his activities with the Company, Mr. Gray is a former Board Member of the Museum of the Confederacy, a former Board Member of the Bank of Waverly (Virginia) and served on the Waverly Town Counsel. Mr. Gray currently lives in Richmond, Virginia with his wife Ann of 40 years and has three children. -
Russell T. Aaronson, III
Executive Vice President and Chief Counsel
Mr. Aaronson joined GrayCo in 2005, after having represented the Company as its primary outside counsel for the preceding fifteen years. In addition ...
Mr. Aaronson joined GrayCo in 2005, after having represented the Company as its primary outside counsel for the preceding fifteen years. In addition to serving on the Investment Committee and as general counsel to the Company in the structure and management of its multi-family portfolio and commingled investment funds, he manages the Company’s residential and mixed-use development investments and timberland transactions. Prior to joining GrayCo, Mr. Aaronson was a partner in the commercial real estate group of McGuireWoods, LLP. He has chaired Boards and Committees of organizations including Westminster Canterbury Richmond, Virginia Supportive Housing, Richmond Real Estate Group, Urban Land Institute and the VCU Real Estate Circle of Excellence. Mr. Aaronson received his B.A. in English Literature and Economics from the University of Virginia and his J.D. from the George Washington University Law School. A native of Washington, D.C., he now lives in Richmond with his wife Vaughan and daughters Kate and Taylor. -
Aaron T. Ellison
Executive Vice President and CFO
Mr. Ellison was named Chief Financial Officer of the Company in May 2018. He joined the Company in November 2015 as the Director of Tax after working ...
Mr. Ellison was named Chief Financial Officer of the Company in May 2018. He joined the Company in November 2015 as the Director of Tax after working with the Company for four years as an outside tax service provider. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Ellison was a Tax Partner with the accounting firm of Cherry Bekaert LLP where his clients included closely-held real estate owners and operators in addition to professional service corporations and pass-through entities in various industries. Mr. Ellison is a Certified Public Accountant and received his B.S. in Accounting from Liberty University and his M.S. in Taxation from Golden Gate University. -
Robert P. Whittemore
Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer
Mr. Whittemore joined the Company in September 2007 after a career in the investment banking industry. Mr. Whittemore is responsible for GrayCo’s inv...
Mr. Whittemore joined the Company in September 2007 after a career in the investment banking industry. Mr. Whittemore is responsible for GrayCo’s investment activity covering stabilized apartment acquisitions, joint venture apartment developments, dispositions and financing activities. Additionally, Mr. Whittemore assists in the asset management of the Company’s portfolio of apartment communities. Previously, Mr. Whittemore was a Senior Analyst with BB&T Capital Markets’ Equity Research Division. While at BB&T, Mr. Whittemore was the publishing analyst responsible for the primary coverage of the retail and hotel sectors and assisted in the coverage of the triple-net, industrial, office and multifamily sectors. Prior to BB&T, Mr. Whittemore worked as an analyst in the real estate investment banking group at Wachovia Securities and as an analyst with SNL Financial. Mr. Whittemore graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Hampden-Sydney College with a B.A. in Managerial Economics and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. -
Andrea Zullo
President of Grayco Properties
Having started with the Company in 1999, Ms. Zullo has held various roles that highlight her diverse skill set and dedication to its growth. Beginning...
Having started with the Company in 1999, Ms. Zullo has held various roles that highlight her diverse skill set and dedication to its growth. Beginning on-site as a Leasing Specialist, she has steadily progressed through the ranks to positions such as Property Manager, Regional Manager, Vice President of Operations, and now serves as the President of Grayco Properties. With 25 years of experience in property management, Andrea has excelled in fostering a strong work ethic and positive culture within her teams. Known for her impactful leadership and keen sense of urgency, Andrea is involved in all aspects of the Company’s property management activities including budgeting, revenue management, staffing, training, marketing and capital planning. She leverages her experience and current data to make informed decisions and prioritize actions in collaboration with vendors, colleagues, and executives to ensure efficient resource allocation and optimal portfolio performance. She resides in Ocala with her husband and daughter. Aside from work she enjoys boating and fishing with her family. -
Kelly D. Burton
Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer
Mrs. Burton joined the Company in August 1994. Mrs. Burton is responsible for GrayCo’s general office administration and cash management activities t...
Mrs. Burton joined the Company in August 1994. Mrs. Burton is responsible for GrayCo’s general office administration and cash management activities throughout the company’s portfolio. -
Thomas W. Godfrey, III.
Senior Vice President of Capital Markets
Mr. Godfrey joined GrayCo as a Financial Analyst in 2012 with prior experience in private wealth, property and casualty insurance, and corporate finan...
Mr. Godfrey joined GrayCo as a Financial Analyst in 2012 with prior experience in private wealth, property and casualty insurance, and corporate finance. Named Vice President in 2018, Mr. Godfrey’s primary responsibilities include corporate and portfolio level financial analysis, market research, investor relations, and fund administration. Mr. Godfrey is a graduate of the College of William & Mary with majors in both Government and Finance. -
Joshua D. Taylor
Vice President of Tax
Mr. Taylor was named Vice President of Tax in 2021 after originally joining GrayCo in 2018 as Director of Tax. Prior to joining GrayCo, he spent twelv...
Mr. Taylor was named Vice President of Tax in 2021 after originally joining GrayCo in 2018 as Director of Tax. Prior to joining GrayCo, he spent twelve years in public accounting including a National Tax Office rotation at BDO USA LLP. He has extensive experience providing tax services to privately-held and publicly-traded businesses in multiple industries including real estate, private equity, and hedge funds. He specializes in partnership taxation and has also advised clients on tax-efficient entity structures, mergers and acquisitions, analyzing and modeling partnership agreements, and accounting method changes. Mr. Taylor holds a B.S. in Accounting from Virginia Commonwealth University. Outside of work, he enjoys home improvement projects and wheel throwing pottery but loves spending time with his wife and daughter the most. -
Paul K. Whiting
Vice President and Chief Information Officer
After 20 years in the technology field, Mr. Whiting joined the GrayCo team at the end of 2017. Starting as a technology consultant working with a mult...
After 20 years in the technology field, Mr. Whiting joined the GrayCo team at the end of 2017. Starting as a technology consultant working with a multitude of clients around the Richmond area, Paul went on to fulfill various technology roles at a public accounting firm, eventually making his way to IT Solutions Architect Manager. He currently manages all of GrayCo’s technological needs as their Director of Technology. Paul received his degree at Penn State and lives in Richmond with his wife and two crazy cats. They enjoy travelling to places far and near in their time away from work. -
Michael S. Buchanan
Director of Financial Reporting
Mr. Buchanan was named Director of Financial Reporting in September 2021 after having been with the Company since August 2004 as Vice President and Co...
Mr. Buchanan was named Director of Financial Reporting in September 2021 after having been with the Company since August 2004 as Vice President and Controller. He manages the financial reporting process for the Company including reporting to internal management, owners, co-investors, and lenders along with overseeing all financial statement engagements with our outside CPA firm. Previously, Mr. Buchanan worked in the accounting industry for ten years including serving as a Senior Tax Accountant in the corporate tax group of LandAmerica Financial Group, Inc. and as a Tax Specialist with Ernst & Young LLP. Mr. Buchanan holds a B.S. in Accounting from Christopher Newport University and a Masters in Accountancy (Taxation Track) from Virginia Tech. In his leisure, he is an avid furniture builder and holds a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu which he enjoys studying along with his two children. -
Todd G. Hyman
Construction Manager
Mr. Hyman joined the Company in 2019 with over 20 years of multi-family management experience. Broad range of experience includes capital improvements...
Mr. Hyman joined the Company in 2019 with over 20 years of multi-family management experience. Broad range of experience includes capital improvements projects, new construction, quality control and asset preservation, in all phases of both new and existing projects. Prior to joining GrayCo, Mr. Hyman was a Director of Construction with a REIT, Apartment Management Investment Company (Aimco). While at Aimco, Mr. Hyman was responsible for capital planning, capital improvement, and CapEx projects for garden and midrise communities in nine states. Previously, Mr. Hyman worked for an engineering consulting firm overseeing asset and construction management for the Atlanta Housing Authority. Mr. Hyman received a B. S. in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University. -
Joel A. Dean
Project Manager
Mr. Dean joined GrayCo as Project Manager in July 2024. His experience includes over thirty years in management and ownership roles: specializing in c...
Mr. Dean joined GrayCo as Project Manager in July 2024. His experience includes over thirty years in management and ownership roles: specializing in contractor and customer interactions, sales and purchasing negotiations, and system implementations. With over fifteen years’ experience in construction, Joel has managed the breadth of development projects ranging from single-family and townhome communities to apartment community unit and amenity renovations. He joins us from a real estate and investment firm where he oversaw multi-family apartment and amenity renovations from design to execution. Mr. Dean has developed his career across industries and operated two of his own business ventures as CEO of J. Dean Homes, Inc and J. Dean Tools, Inc. Joel retains a North Carolina Commercial General Contractor’s license as well as a North Carolina Real Estate license. He achieved a Bachelor of Science from Pensacola Christian College. Mr. Dean resides in Graham NC with his wife and three sons. -
Lori U. Livingston
Assistant Treasurer
Mrs. Livingston joined the Company in 2011. She is a Certified Public Accountant with over twenty years of experience.
Mrs. Livingston joined the Company in 2011. She is a Certified Public Accountant with over twenty years of experience. -
Mike Hartsfield
Property Accounting Manager
Mr. Hartsfield joined GrayCo in October 2021 as Property Accounting Manager. Mike started his accounting career as a tax associate at KPMG. He transit...
Mr. Hartsfield joined GrayCo in October 2021 as Property Accounting Manager. Mike started his accounting career as a tax associate at KPMG. He transitioned to the private sector of accounting in 2015 as a General Ledger Accountant, and has worked as an Accounting Manager and Controller for companies in the Richmond area. Mr. Hartsfield is a Certified Public Accountant, and received a BBA from the University of Richmond, and an MBA Virginia Commonwealth University. He and his wife live in Henrico and have two children. -
Brandy W. Dickerson
Senior Property Accountant and A/P Manager
Mrs. Dickerson joined GrayCo in August of 2014 as a Senior Property Accountant. Prior to GrayCo, Mrs. Dickerson worked as a Senior Accountant at the a...
Mrs. Dickerson joined GrayCo in August of 2014 as a Senior Property Accountant. Prior to GrayCo, Mrs. Dickerson worked as a Senior Accountant at the accounting firm Cherry Bekaert LLP. Mrs. Dickerson is a Certified Public Accountant and received both her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Accountancy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Brandy and her husband live in Chesterfield, Virginia with their two children. -
James K. Massara
Senior Property Accountant and FP&A Analyst
Mr. Massara was promoted to Property Accountant in August 2022 after originally joining GrayCo, Inc. in January 2022 as a Staff Accountant. Prior to j...
Mr. Massara was promoted to Property Accountant in August 2022 after originally joining GrayCo, Inc. in January 2022 as a Staff Accountant. Prior to joining GrayCo, he worked as a Staff Accountant for a national accounting firm focused on providing audit services for CMS. He graduated cum laude from Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.S in Accounting and a B.S. in Business, with a concentration in Finance. -
Caitlyn R. Wallace
Property Accountant
Ms. Wallace graduated cum laude from Longwood University in 2018 with a B.S. in Business Administration, with a concentration in Accounting. She worke...
Ms. Wallace graduated cum laude from Longwood University in 2018 with a B.S. in Business Administration, with a concentration in Accounting. She worked for several years as a Staff Accountant at Myers & Stauffer LC, focusing on cost report reviews, year-to-year risk analysis, and Medicaid rate setting consulting for Nevada, Virginia, and Indiana. Ms. Wallace joined GrayCo, Inc in 2022 as a Property Accountant. -
Jessica R. Both
Property Accountant
Ms. Both joined GrayCo in June 2024 as a Property Accountant. She began her career in 2014 in the private sector of accounting, working in multiple in...
Ms. Both joined GrayCo in June 2024 as a Property Accountant. She began her career in 2014 in the private sector of accounting, working in multiple industries and enjoyed being a freelance Bookkeeper. In 2021 she transitioned into working as an Auditor at the accounting firm Yount, Hyde, & Barbour, prior to coming to GrayCo. She received her B.S. in Accounting from Virginia Commonwealth University. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, reading, working with local rescues to foster kittens, and spending time with her own three cats. -
Carey C. Saunders
Executive Assistant
Mrs. Saunders joined the company in 2016 after eight years in an administrative capacity with a local accounting firm. Prior to this, she served as a...
Mrs. Saunders joined the company in 2016 after eight years in an administrative capacity with a local accounting firm. Prior to this, she served as a Special Assistant to former U.S. Representative Harold Ford, Jr. in his district office in Memphis, TN. Mrs. Saunders graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in Communication and Information Sciences, with a concentration in Public Relations. She resides in Richmond with her husband, daughter, and dog. -
Christian R. Longood
Associate
Mr. Longood joined the company in June 2021. He graduated cum laude from the College of William & Mary with a B.B.A. in Finance and B.A. in English.
Mr. Longood joined the company in June 2021. He graduated cum laude from the College of William & Mary with a B.B.A. in Finance and B.A. in English. -
Paul E. Mortemousque
Financial Analyst
Mr. Mortemousque joined the company as an Analyst in July 2024. Previously, Mr. Mortemousque worked as an Associate for Carr Properties where he was r...
Mr. Mortemousque joined the company as an Analyst in July 2024. Previously, Mr. Mortemousque worked as an Associate for Carr Properties where he was responsible for the Asset Management of a 6M SF Office and Multifamily portfolio. Prior to Carr Properties, Mr. Mortemousque worked as an analyst at Collier’s International on the Transaction Services team. Mr. Mortemousque holds a master’s in science in Finance and a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Virginia -
Alyssa Nantz
Vice President of Operations
Ms. Nantz began her career with GrayCo Properties in 2004 and has been a Multifamily professional for over 25 years. Throughout her experience with Gr...
Ms. Nantz began her career with GrayCo Properties in 2004 and has been a Multifamily professional for over 25 years. Throughout her experience with GrayCo, Alyssa has supported teams across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee serving as a Property, District and Senior Regional Manager. She has excelled in creating teams, fostering both financial and professional growth, planning, and accountability. Alyssa’s responsibilities include overseeing all areas of operational performance and support for marketing, recruiting, training, and capital projects. Alyssa received her bachelor's degree in Education from Appalachian State University and resides in Mooresville, NC where she enjoys lake life, interior design, and traveling to new and exciting places. -
Kristi Sheppard
Chief People Officer
Kristi Sheppard is a seasoned Human Resources executive with over 20 years of experience driving people-centered strategies and cultivating organizati...
Kristi Sheppard is a seasoned Human Resources executive with over 20 years of experience driving people-centered strategies and cultivating organizational excellence. As the Chief People Officer at GrayCo Properties, LLC., she helps in fostering a culture of engagement, collaboration, and innovation across the organization. With a robust background as a standalone Head of Human Resources, Kristi has spent the past decade specializing in the property management industry. Her expertise spans talent acquisition, leadership development, employee relations, and strategic workforce planning, ensuring the company attracts, retains, and develops top-tier talent to meet its business goals. Kristi holds an MBA in Human Resources Management and the SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) credential, underscoring her commitment to advancing HR practices aligned with business objectives. Her forward-thinking approach to HR management emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, positioning GrayCo as an employer of choice in the competitive property management landscape. Kristi is committed to empowering people and delivering exceptional value to the employees, residents, and stakeholders that make GrayCo a leader in the industry. -
Maggie Hyland
Director of Training
In 2024, Maggie joined GrayCo as the Director of Training, bringing her expertise and commitment to enhancing operational excellence. She is also a me...
In 2024, Maggie joined GrayCo as the Director of Training, bringing her expertise and commitment to enhancing operational excellence. She is also a member of Grace Hill's Training Advisory Board, collaborating with industry leaders to modernize training strategies and improve organizational performance. With 18 years of experience in property management, Maggie Hyland’s career began as a Leasing Consultant, quickly advancing into management roles where she successfully led teams to exceed performance metrics and maintain strong occupancy rates. Driven by a passion for professional growth, she transitioned into training leadership, specializing in developing comprehensive programs, streamlining policies and performing compliance audits to empower teams to perform with confidence. Maggie also worked 2 years at a real estate tech company, where she developed training programs, created resources, and facilitated the rollout of new technologies to drive company-wide improvements. Maggie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, with a minor in Communication Studies, from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania (2007). She currently resides in Sarasota with her husband. In her free time, Maggie enjoys cooking, attending improv shows and musicals at the local theatre, and watching sunsets on the beach. -
Donna Bolewitz
Director of Marketing
Donna began her career with GrayCo in 2011. She is responsible for all aspects of branding (advertising, marketing, social media, and online reputatio...
Donna began her career with GrayCo in 2011. She is responsible for all aspects of branding (advertising, marketing, social media, and online reputation management) for a portfolio that includes over 6100 units located in 5 states. She is involved with training, coaching, and mentoring team members. Before joining GrayCo, she was with Apartment Finder Magazine & Apartment Finder.com for over 17 years. At Apartment Finder, she was a Senior Publisher for six markets. Her responsibilities included advertising sales, giving over-the-top customer service, and growing her teams & markets. Donna began her property management career as a leasing consultant and was a multi-site manager for multifamily and commercial units. Donna has been active with several local, state & national apartment associations for 30+ years. She currently serves as President of the South Carolina Apartment Association. Donna holds CAM & CALP designations and BIC licenses in NC & SC. Donna enjoys spending time with her husband and son, hiking, traveling & watching the Steelers.
