David Neef Joins Cocke Finkelstein To Lead New Student Housing Division

by Scott Reid

Atlanta — David Neef has joined Cocke Finkelstein Inc., (CFI), as managing director, student living division, which has been named Campus First Student Living.

Neef will develop this new division, which will focus on the development, operation and management of CFI’s growing portfolio of off-campus apartments.

With more than 15 years experience, Neef has operated more than 40,000 student housing beds in 35 states, and in most major collegiate markets. “I am excited about the potential of this business segment for Cocke Finkelstein,” said Neef. “Although we will embody the core values espoused by CFI, we will operate Campus First Student Living as a wholly separate entity focused on finding unique opportunities where we feel we can add value to residents, owners and other stakeholders in the off-campus housing segment of the marketplace.”

Most recently, Neef was principal and the chief operating officer at Innovative Real Estate Companies, where he worked to create a boutique organization from the ground up. Innovate has said its philosophy was to heavily focused on management while growing NOI.

Prior to co-founding Innovative, Neef was vice president at Asset Campus Housing (ACH), where he was helped grow the company from a small firm, to one of the largest student housing operators in the country. During this time, Neef worked with a wide range of owners and investors across the country to grow the business while still maintaining operational oversight on many company assets.

He started his career with Fairfield Residential at the ground level, working at all site level positions and quickly ascending the corporate ranks. Neef is a graduate of Texas A&M University. 

CFI is a privately held Atlanta-based real estate and investment management firm, founded in 2004.

You may also like