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McCormack Baron Salazar announces new key leadership

October 8, 2018 | McCormack Baron Salazar

McCormack Baron Salazar (MBS) is pleased to announce that Gary Buechler is joining the national affordable and mixed-income housing developer as Chief Operating Officer to support the company’s continued growth and success. As COO, Mr. Buechler will oversee all day-to-day operations of the company, including overseeing project management, project finance, design and construction, and business development strategy. He will expand on the company’s use of metrics and data to drive decisions while leading employees to success under its corporate mission, vision and values.

Mr. Buechler comes to MBS from the Michaels Development Company, another national leader in affordable housing development. As President of Michaels, Mr. Buechler increased revenues by 35% and reduced the time and costs associated with closing new transactions. Prior to Michaels, Gary held a number of leadership roles over a nearly 15-year tenure at Lendlease Americas.

“As a national leader in the development of mixed-income, diverse, urban communities, we are pleased to be able to recruit some of the best talent in the industry,” said Vincent R. Bennett, President of MBS. “Gary Buechler is a multifaceted, capable, and versatile executive with a commitment to our mission and to our success. As Chief Operating Officer, Gary will be a strong leader to help foster McCormack Baron Salazar’s continued growth and create communities in which all people can thrive.”

Mr. Buechler’s addition to the team will allow the current COO, Michael Duffy, to assume the role of Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of MBA Properties, Inc. (MBS’ holding company).  Mr. Duffy will take over responsibility for cross-company investor and financing relationships, project-financing underwriting, and serve as a key member of the management team of MBA Properties, Inc.  In his 13-year tenure at MBS, Mr. Duffy has helped close more than $1.8 billion in transactions, resulting in thousands of homes in mixed-income communities across the country.

“Mike’s deep understanding of the business of affordable housing, combined with the strong relationships he has formed with our investors, lenders, and project partners, make him the perfect choice to promote to the CIO role,” explained Bennett.  “He understands implicitly how to balance risk and innovation to provide sustainable, opportunity-rich communities for people from all income levels and backgrounds.”