Jonathan Rose, a national developer of affordable and mixed-income housing, has promoted a decade-plus company veteran as president, chief investment officer and managing partner.
Brandon Kearse, who joined the New York-based firm in 2015 as an associate director before rising to become a partner and co-investment chief, was named to the new position after playing a “pivotal” role in helping to expand the portfolio of the firm, founded in 1989, to nearly 20,000 affordable and mixed-income housing units across 14 states and Washington, D.C.
Kearse’s promotion comes as affordable housing and preservation have become key issues across the country and especially in cities such as New York. Billed as a “mission-driven” real estate investment firm, Jonathan Rose last year closed a $660 million impact fund, adding to a total of more than $1.5 billion it’s raised to buy and preserve affordable and mixed-income multifamily housing.
The company’s namesake founder and current president, Jonathan Rose, continues as the firm’s chief executive and chair of the investment committee, while Carolyn Au, the operating chief, will serve as managing partner, chief risk officer and chief compliance officer.
Chris Edwards continues as managing partner, chief construction officer and head of Rose Community Builders, the firm’s construction company.