For Cris
From Your Gables Family
Cris Sullivan Promoted to Chief Operating Officer 2016-
feedback from residents, tenants and third party
It is an honor and great pleasure to announce the
clients to measure how well Gables is providing
promotion of Cris Sullivan to Chief Operating
services to our customers. Most importantly Cris
Officer. Cris has been with the Gables organization
has directed our ongoing efforts to annually deliver
for the last twenty-seven years and throughout her
outstanding operating results. Cris has been an
tenure with the company has been promoted to
active representative of Gables at many industry
ever increasing positions of responsibility. Cris
wide events by speaking at conferences, being
started her career as a leasing associate and she
quoted for numerous articles and generally being
demonstrates with her continued success that
recognized as a multifamily expert. She is a thought
smart, hard-working associates within Gables have
leader within our business. Cris is highly regarded
the opportunity to rise to roles of great influence
by those who report to her as well as those with
and importance. Cris serves as a wonderful role
whom she works on a regular basis. Cris sets a high
model for all of our associates and most specifically
bar for herself and her teammates. As a result of her
our onsite team members. Over the course of
work ethic and professionalism she creates a culture
her career Cris has embodied the best of Gables
which encourage her teammates to strive to exceed
culture. She cares deeply and passionately about
those high expectations. Cris is a thoughtful and
the associates, our residents, our communities,
strategic leader and I know she will continue in her
our investors and our local markets. A high level
new role to help lead Gables to continued excellence
of enthusiasm is evident in all that Cris does on a
now and in the future. I am proud to have Cris as a
daily basis. She has led many important company
partner and friend. Please join me in congratulating
initiatives including our sustainability efforts and
Cris on her promotion.
our charitable contribution endeavors. She oversaw the development of our programs to solicit regular
Sue Ansel CEO
Cristina Sullivan stands out from her counterparts for a myriad of compelling reasons. The most powerful one is that she is a leader who attracts and mentors inspirational followers, ultimately driving the success of the company. She believes in being a cutting-edge trendsetter within both her company and the greater real estate industry. Her forward-thinking mindset not only empowers and motivates others, but is instrumental in hiring the best people to join Gables. As the Executive Vice President of Operations, Sullivan is responsible for the operating aspect of the business. Gables is comprised of approximately 32,000 apartment homes and 400,000 square feet of retail space in 16 markets. With over 1,100 associates in operations, Sullivan oversees operations nationally inclusive of marketing, facilities and retail.
Motivating
Authentic
Kind Leader
Knowledgeable
Funny
Encouraging
Energetic Professional Vivacious Sincere Inviting
Genuine Good Hearted
Sharp
Awesome
Fun
Honest Inspirational
Strong Mentor
Remarkable Influential Appreciative
Engaging Positive Passionate Happy
Caring
Supportive
Friend Loyal Witty Dedicated Enthusiastic
Amazing Compassionate Charismatic
Cris, Since you announced your retirement , I have spent many hours t hinking about what I would write t o you in a card or note t hat would express not only how I personal ly feel regarding t he impact you have had on me, but also t he impact I have seen t hat you have on ot hers. Never did I t hink t hat I would be writing t he note during a wor ldwide pandemic! However, here we are and t his past week has t hr own me and our leadership team int o crisis management. As I look back on our f irst week of t his crisis, I t hink about how much I missed your presence and your spirit. But I also t hink of t he t hings t hat I watched you do in times of crisis (alt hough you did leave during t he biggest crisis of our time, lol), and I realize t hat in part my abilit y t o stay calm and continual ly take t he temperature of Gables, is great ly due t o watching you and lear ning t hat “getting t he job done” is not enough. W hile I have al ways known t hat getting a job done is not enough, you know my natural f ire tendency is t o focus on a job and get it done. W hile t his is a strengt h, it can be a weakness as I could inadvertent ly forget t o check on t hose ar ound me. Y ou, however, were al ways t here being a great example of compassionate leadership and I watched and lear ned. Y ou encouraged me in an honest and genuine way t hat inspired me. W hile you may not be here is f lesh, you are def initely here in spirit and your legacy lives on in each one of us. Y ou don’t need t o feel guilt y for not being here. This timing was no accident. Y ou prepared a team t hat is able t o step up and t hen you gave t hem t he opportunit y t o do just t hat. That is real leadership. It was not lost on me t hat you likely could have post poned your retirement and stayed in your r ole t o “get us t hr ough t his”. But you didn’t. I don’t t hink t hat was because you are self ish and wanted t o run int o your retirement. That is not who you are. I t hink it was because you honored us and believed in us and wanted us t o move int o t he r oles G od cal led us t o. I see what you did Cris W heeler, and I appreciated it. Y ou believed in me and t hat my friend has made me feel r ooted and str ong but has also given me wings! But I stil l miss you! So go t o your next phase and be happy. Know we love you and we miss you but we wish you t he best. I hope t hat we stay in t ouch because I see you as a ment or and a friend. Y ou have impacted me and al l of t hose ar ound you. Now I can’t wait t o see what you do in t he next great phase of your life. W it h much love and respect , Donna
Cris-
A s Maya Angelou said “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I hope you know how impactful the way you have made so many people feel at Gables over the years has been. Whether it is on site personnel, corporate team members or industry colleagues whenever your name comes up people’s faces light up and I believe that is due to the way you have made each of them feel in your individual interactions. For me personally during my time at Gables you have made me feel listened to and valued which I will always appreciate and hope to emulate in my interactions with others. A s I have told you already, we will miss you very much but I am so happy for you to have an opportunity to live life to the fullest and enjoy this next chapter. I wish you much continued happiness ahead! -Carolyn
Sometimes you come acr oss someone And t hink “W hat a delight!” Then t hat person over time, Simply fal ls out of sight. Somehow your pat hs cr oss again, And t hat person in your life plays a special r ole. So, you f ind yourself t hinking, “W hat a beautiful soul.” Cris, I wil l carr y you in my heart and mind, W hich wil l forever transcend time. And as you begin a new and exciting chapter of married life, May your new time be truly divine! Those you encounter, W il l be t ouched by your joy and grace, And t hey wil l forever remember, Y our beautiful face. For me, I was lucky as can be, To have you at Gables alongside watching out for me. As a leader and a friend, you br ought me such glee, Y our company and laughter wil l al ways be cherished. How I wil l miss t hee... G iG i
Cris You have touched so many lives both professionally and personally, most which you probably will never fully realize. That is your greatest legacy touching lives and encouraging people to reach their potential. You have led with class, persistence, grace, and strength and have taught those who have the pleasure of being led by you, to do the same. Thank you for the friendship and the lasting impression you have made on me, my family and so many others. Rob Presley
Congratulations to you! I have always admired you, respected you as a leader, and have looked up to you for years. You deserve this! Kevin Patterson
Gables Residential’s Executive Vice President Cris Sullivan Honored in Real Estate Forum’s “2015 Women of Influence” Gables is proud to recognize Executive Vice President Cris Sullivan for her selection to Real Estate Forum’s “2015 Women of Influence.” Cris was selected from a group of over 350 female real estate executives, and is part of a powerful group of professionals that are thriving in the business, and are paving the way for generations to come. Cris stands out for a myriad of compelling reasons. She’s a leader who attracts and mentors inspirational followers, ultimately driving the success of the company. She believes in being a cuttingedge trendsetter within both her company and the greater real estate industry. Her forward-thinking mindset not only empowers and motivates others, but is instrumental in hiring the best people to join the Gables team. As the Executive Vice President of Operations, Cris is responsible for the operation of approximately 32,000 apartment homes and 400,000 square feet of retail space in 16 markets. Congratulations to Cris, and thanks for all of the hard work that you continue to do!
Cris, I wish you all the best as you venture into retirement. I’m so happy for you and Chris that you both have an opportunity to reap the benefits of hard work and dedication. I know you will have many amazing adventures ahead of you (let me know if you’d like any Kiwi contacts for your trip to New Zealand)! I feel fortunate to have had an opportunity to work with you over my twenty years with Gables. I can remember the first time I met you; I was still part of HG Smithy C ompany, learning how to become a trainer and sitting in on a training class in Boca. You and another RM came into the class to speak to the participants, and you were captivating, inspiring, and certainly unforgettable. You have a beautiful aura that people sense and feel right away. While we’ve not directly worked together, I’m grateful for the experiences we’ve had together. I will remember the GLI adventures over the years, the dinners we’ve both attended (and created in Denver), as well as the conversations and experiences you’ve shared with me and other participants. Your Gettysburg ensemble has fond ly become legendary! You have humbly lead Gables with passion and grit and have forever woven yourself into the fabric of Gables Residential. Your leadership, work ethic, and certainly, your sense of style will never be forgotten. The friendships you’ve created will carry on. You have left an impressionable mark - Thank you! Good luck and Godspeed to you and Chris.
Sincerely – Rebecca
Cris, Your legacy at Gables will live on forever. I feel so fortunate and blessed to have had you as a mentor and leader. I truly can’t imagine Gables without
you,but feel grateful I was able to work with you these last five years. Cheers to you on your retirement! I can’t think of anyone more deserving. I wish
you nothing but the best and hope you enjoy every minute. Thank you for everything and I sincerely hope our paths cross in the future.
All my love, Maggie
TOWER PARK PARK TOWER Austin, Austin, TX TX
17 PARK PARK 17 Dallas,Dallas, TX TX
COLUMBUS CENTER COLUMBUS CENTER Gables, FL Coral Coral Gables, FL
CRIMSON CRIMSON Houston, Houston, TX TX
POINTPOINT LOMALOMA San Diego, San Diego, CA CA
PLAZA PARK PARK PLAZA Austin, Austin, TX TX
OLD TOWN NORTH OLD TOWN NORTH Alexandria, Alexandria, VA VA
CITY VISTA CITY VISTA Washington, Washington, DC DC
BROOKHAVEN BROOKHAVEN Brookhaven, Brookhaven, GA GA
CHERRY CREEK CHERRY CREEK Denver, Denver, CO CO
MIDTOWN MIDTOWN Atlanta, Atlanta, GA GA
MCKINNEY MCKINNEY AVE AVE Dallas,Dallas, TX TX
POINTE 14 POINTE 14 Arlington, Arlington, VA VA
Cris, Thanks for all of your contributions to Gables over the years. You have been an amazing leader and I have always found you to be an inspiration to so many people (me included). While I appreciate your leadership and your endless contributions to the company, I’ve appreciated and treasured your friendship and support over the years more than anything. I can’t imagine how different and boring the last 11 years would have been without you in it and I’m glad I don’t have too. Hosting the National Meetings was always easier with you by my side, which is one of the reasons I call you the “Sue Whisperer”. While Gables will continuously change and evolve, I feel like your insights, passion, and influence are such an integral part of the company’s DNA that they will live on. Thank you for everything and best of luck with your next life chapter. Please don’t ever be a stranger since I think of us as lifelong friends. Philip
Gables Residential Promotes Cristina F. Sullivan to Executive Vice President - Operations ATLANTA, GA June 19, 2012 -
Sue Ansel, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gables Residential commented,
Gables Residential, a leader in the management
“We are fortunate to have a proven, respected,
and development of multifamily apartment
and esteemed leader like Cris as part of our
communities has announced the appointment
management team. Cris possesses strong
of Cris Sullivan as the company’s Executive Vice
leadership qualities, business expertise and
President – Operations.
keen insight to Gables Residential along with a true passion for excellence and
Cris Sullivan most recently served as Gables’
customer service.”
Senior Vice President and Executive Director - Operations. In her twenty-four year career
Cris began her career with Gables Residential’s
with Gables, Cris has fostered a culture of
predecessor, Trammell Crow Residential, as
excellence in delivering customer service to
a leasing consultant in 1988 and has held
Gables’ clients and residents. Her promotion
numerous positions in property operations,
will consolidate the leadership of the national
learning and development and brokerage. She
marketing, leasing and management functions
has led the Gables Charitable Contributions
that service the wholly owned, joint venture
Committee and is active in a number of
and third-party owned portfolios for the
charities personally and professionally. In
residential and retail operations. In addition,
2011, Cris was a recipient of the South Florida
she is responsible for overseeing facilities
Business Journal “Woman Extraordinaire
management.
Award”. She is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University and holds a Florida Real Estate Broker’s License.
It would not be possible to list al l the actual happenings, incidents, moments or conversations that have made their way into my life. I can however share that your impact on me as a woman, mother, leader, friend and mentor is immeasurably positive. Starting with “The Book”, you shaped my path to become a better leader and taught me that it remains work in progress... Our food and recipe exchanges wil l remain in my mind and on my taste buds. Nothing like breaking great bread with even better friends!!! You have touched so many with such grace, power and meaning each day. You truly lived 30 years of “W hatever your hands do, do with al l your heart” and we are al l the better for it. Wishing you many years of love, happiness and blessing Cris!! Thanks for al l you have given to Gables, our families and me!!! Mary Ona
Cris, It has been a true pleasure and privilege to work with you over the past 25+ years. Your passion for Gables, your knowledge of the multifamily industry and your professional growth over the years is remarkable. My wish for you is that the years ahead are better and more fulfilling than you can imagine. Alla Prossima!
Dana Kansol
2011 Sout h F l or i da W oman Extraordi naire
Cris, “Behind every successful woman is herself.” This quote makes me think of you, Cris. Your story of how you started onsite and worked your way up to C-Level has been so motivating and inspirational. You led by example and for that – we thank you. W hat I personal ly appreciated the most about you was that you were not just open to hearing new or different ideas – but actual ly open to implementing them! It’s been so refreshing to have that progressive style of leadership that “wal ks the wal k”. It also meant so much to me when you’d pul l me aside to acknowledge extra efforts or thought I put into a particular project (like for the Gables Seaport lease up presentation). It felt so good to feel heard and it makes my job so much more fulfil ling. Thank you for everything and we hope you enjoy your retirement – you have earned it! Dana Podgurski
Cris, your career within GABLES, and impact within our industry as a whole has paved a
pathway of great inspiration! Your brilliance
and guidance created a model of excellence that I believe will remain for generations to come.
You were not just a boss to us, but a mentor and a friend. Your presence will be missed. Happy Retirement to you. Anna Frenzel (inspired since 2015)
REPUBLIC SQUARE Austin, TX SEAPORT Boston, MA
UPTOWN TOWER Dallas, TX SPEER BLVD Denver, CO UPPER KIRBY Houston, TX PONCE PONCE
Coral Gables, FL Coral Gables, FL
ASHLEY GABLES BUCKHEAD Atlanta, GA
VISTA Denver, CO
RESIDENCES Denver, CO
TANGLEWOOD Houston, TX
RIVER OAKS Houston, TX
WILTON PARK Ft. Lauderdale, FL
WATER STREET Irving, TX
POST OAK Houston, TX
VILLA ROSA Dallas, TX
ARSENAL STREET ARSENAL STREET 6464 SAN FELIPE Watertown, MA Watertown, MA Houston, TX 6464 SAN FELIPE Houston, TX
Dear Cris, I am sure everyone has mixed emotions about your next chapter, a feeling of happiness for you to enjoy many adventures and interests with your soulmate which you so richly deserve while the other feeling is that of loss of one of our finest who for over 31 years has contributed so much to Gables success. You have been an inspiration to so many with your caring leadership and ascension through the ranks demonstrating what can be achieved with hard work and a positive collaborative approach to accomplishing challenging goals. Your commitment to excellence has earned you the admiration of your associates and recognition as a highly respected thought leader in the multifamily industry. Cris, your passion, enthusiasm, leadership, and your friendly smile will be missed by our entire team. I wish you and Chris only the best and hope our paths cross on occasion so we can enjoy reminiscing about our memorable time at Gables. Dennis
Gables Promotes Sullivan to Senior Vice President May 4, 2004-
team building and professionalism have
Company targets Established Premium
Announced today that Cristina F.
contributed significantly to the success
Neighborhoods(TM) (“EPNs”), generally
Sullivan, Vice President of Asset
of Gables. She represents the ideals
defined as areas with high per square
Management Operations, has been
and culture of excellence that we are
foot prices for single-family homes. By
promoted to the rank of Senior Vice
constantly striving for as an organization.”
investing in resilient, demand-driven
President. She will remain in the Boca Raton corporate office and will continue to oversee Gables’ REIT operations in the East and fee-management operations in the District of Columbia.
With a mission of Taking Care of the Way People Live(R), Gables Residential has received national recognition for excellence in the management, development, acquisition and
Ms. Sullivan joined the Company in 1988
construction of luxury multi-family
as a leasing agent. She assumed increasing
communities in high job growth markets.
responsibility within Gables, and in 1999
The Company’s strategic objective is to
was named a Regional Vice President,
produce total returns through monthly
overseeing management operations for
dividends and share price changes that
Florida. In 2002, she was named a Vice
exceed the NAREIT apartment sector
President. A graduate of Florida Atlantic
index.
University, Ms. Sullivan is a licensed
markets and EPN locations with barriers to entry, the Company expects to achieve its strategic objective. The Company is one of the largest apartment operators in the nation and currently manages 45,002 apartment homes in 165 communities, owns 83 communities with 22,704 stabilized apartment homes primarily in Atlanta, Houston, South Florida, Austin, Dallas, and Washington, DC and has an additional 9 communities with 2,496
The Company has a research-
apartment homes under development or
driven strategy focused on markets
lease-up. For further information, please
In announcing her promotion, Mike
characterized by high job growth
contact Gables Investor Relations at (800)
Hefley, Gables’ Chief Operating Officer,
and resiliency to national economic
371-2819 or access Gables Residential’s
said, “Cris’ leadership, team work,
downturns. Within these markets, the
website at www.gables.com.
Florida real estate broker.
Dear Cris, Unlike many of your Gables family, my time wit h you has not been as long. However, t he time I’ve spent wit h you has been memorable. After my interview wit h you, Sue and John, t he next time I saw you was in Nashvil le. After t he f irst day of meetings, a fabulous dinner, I had no idea it would be a non-st op part y wit h you and Sue leading us. The next t hing I knew, we, (me and you) were t wo-stepping! Matt only had t o show us once :). Anot her t hing I would lear n in Nashvil le, is C hris is t he man of your dreams. Y ou were sur prised t hat I hadn’t “heard ”. It was fun t o lear n how you and C hris began and t o see how happy you are now. O h wait a minute, is t he man of your dreams in O ut lander! Sorr y, C hris! I am so blessed t o have participated in t he VP GL I wit h you! At times you sat and graciously listened and responded t o chal lenging comments. Ot her times were f il led wit h laughter! Thank goodness you have a good sense of humor, Ms. Dundee. O n a more serious note. I appreciate your ent husiastic, determined appr oach; for r ooting for us when t hings aren’t going as planned; and your transparency, bot h personal ly and pr ofessional ly. Last ly, t hank you for not retiring before I got here! I wil l miss you. Tracie P S: Push ups or bust!
Cris, For almost 20 years we’ve had many opportunities to talk about things we love…food, wine, family, books, travel…and we managed to fit in some work as well. I’ve seen you take on every challenge that was presented with poise and confidence. Regardless of the situation, you, more so than most could, identified with the on-site teams and how they would be impacted. Your point of view and hard work helped transform this company into what it is today, and I am so proud to be part of it. Thank you for your dedication. Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your friendship. As this chapter closes it is but a “;” in your story. As you put pen to paper on this next chapter, I have no doubt that there will be many resounding “!s” in the pages ahead. Alla salute tua, Cris!
Gina
Cris... I believe you and I both found a company and a career largely by accident. I know when I graduated from college I had no idea our industry even existed. We both started at entry level positions back in the 1980’s and are still in the same industry and same company today. We were lucky to start with a company that had the culture Gables had, and still exists at Gables today. Your leadership has been a key component in fostering that culture through many economic cycles and changes in ownership. You are considered one of the leaders in the multi-family industry and have represented Gables very well. More than once I ' ve had senior executives in our world call me to tell me how impressed they were when they heard you speak at an industry conference. On a personal level I want to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed working with you. You have been a great help to me in my career and have been and invaluable advocate for many of the successes we’ve had. I hope you and Chris enjoy your lives together and I hope we see each other again sometime in the not too distant future. Joe
I cherish al l the fun times we had and wil l leave you with a short list of just
Dear Cris, It is with mixed emotions that I write this note commemorating your
a few to jog your memory as you read this:
retirement. I am excited for you personal ly to move on to the next chapter
- 5:30 pm “dinners” with the locals in Boca (Italian of course)
of your life at a time when you are ful l of energy and can real ly enjoy it.
- Serving as your hand ler on many occasions; especial ly when hand ling “Barney”
You deserve it, congratulations! However, I also am sad to be losing such an integral component of the Gables team, a valued col league and a work friend. You wil l be missed. W hile I know our time working together pales in comparison to the decades of relationships you have forged, I truly feel that we bonded deeply in a short 3.5 years. Your counsel and insights on the interworking of both Gables and C larion have proved invaluable. In solidarity, we have strategized, stressed, commiserated and most importantly laughed and had fun together. I wish you the best in your new adventure and look forward to keeping in touch.
- Your “spectacular” room in Las C olinas vs. my “Eh, it’s just ok” one - Many, many vod ka martinis – fol lowed by Cakebread C hardonnay for you natural ly - Benefits task force singing omelet station - Extremely large wiener schnitzel in Houston - Getting you to stay out “past your bedtime” in Denver to snack and play darts - Cristina Dundee does Gettysburg With love, John Akin
Property Management Company of the Year 2004
C r is Sul l ivan’s To p Ten Success Lessons Show Leadership Even W hen You Do Not Agree Explain “ The W hy ” Be Thoughtful Do the Right Thing Be Part of the Solution Everyday Always Have a P lan Surround Yourself with People W ho Are Smarter Than You Think Outside the Box and Shake It Up! Set the Tone Treat People with Respect