Austin, Texas — American Campus Communities has promoted Jennifer Beese to the position of president and chief operating officer. Beese succeeds Jim Hopke, who retired as president on August 24.
Beese joined the company in 1999 and most recently served as executive vice president and COO. In her new role, Beese will report directly to CEO Bill Bayless and will provide executive oversight of day-to-day business operations; advance the company’s portfolio and asset management functions; and focus on furthering the Austin, Texas-based firm’s operating platform while continuing to oversee marketing, leasing, property operations, functional support services, human resources, corporate administration and company culture.
Lonnie Ledbetter — who previously served as senior vice president of human resources, organizational development and culture — is also being promoted to executive vice president and chief purpose and inclusion officer.