Gilbert Winn, son of founder Arthur Winn, has been named managing principal of the WinnCompanies, assuming decision-making authority over the company's holdings and operations.
Lawrence Curtis, a partner of Arthur Winn for 22 years, has assumed the duties of president of WinnDevelopment. Curtis, a nationally-acclaimed developer, has spearheaded the company's development endeavors over the past two decades. He has led the acquisition and development efforts for WinnCos., whose real estate holdings have grown to more than $1.5 billion under his leadership.
"Larry's appointment is recognition of his extraordinary contributions and achievements during his long association with the company. On a personal level, I am delighted, since it is obvious to all who know us that I hold Larry in the highest esteem." said Arthur.
Curtis said being named president of WinnDevelopment, "allows me to officially become part of the Winn family. Arthur is an exemplary real estate professional who built a dynasty from nothing."
In addition to the elevation of Gilbert and Curtis, the management team includes chief executive officer Sam Ross; William Wollinger, president and chief operating officer of WinnResidential; and chief counsel Michael Putziger.
Arthur who turns 70 this year, founded WinnCos. in 1971 and oversaw its growth into a nationally-recognized and award-winning real estate powerhouse. Winn said the appointments of "Gilbert and Larry represent an orderly and planned transition of leadership."
Gilbert graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and has worked in the real estate industry for the past 10 years. Before joining WinnCos. in 2003, he worked in Manhattan as an associate of The Related Companies, a full service national real estate firm where he specialized in deploying equity into various mixed-income and mixed-use real estate projects.
Gilbert is an officer/member/manager of over 50 real estate partnerships, and while at WinnCos. has directly overseen numerous mixed-finance real estate projects across the country. More recently, Gilbert has focused his efforts on overseeing high-impact historic and environmentally-sustainable developments.
Curtis was named president of the National Housing and Rehabilitation Assn. (NHRA) and received the NHRA's Vision Award, presented by congressman Barney Frank, for "immeasurably improving the lives of countless low-income families across the nation." He also has received awards from the Boston Preservation Alliance and Preservation Mass. for spearheading the company's restoration of historic properties and rebuilding of communities.
Curtis was the 2006 chairman of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board. In 2008, he served as the co-chair of Combined Jewish Philanthropies' annual campaign, the largest in its history. He received a Bachelor's degree from the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Art and Science in N.Y. and a Master's degree from Harvard University.
Ross joined WinnCos. in 1993 as a senior vice president. He was promoted to chief financial officer in 1994 and to CEO in 2000. Prior to joining WinnCos., Ross was executive vice president of Kennedy-Wilson, a real estate investment banking and marketing firm, headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif.
A graduate of Boston University and Harvard University, where he earned an MBA, Ross is a member of numerous industry organizations, including the National Multi-Housing Council in Washington, D.C. and the Rental Housing and Real Estate Finance Associations of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board.
Wollinger, president and chief operating officer of WinnResidential, manages 75,000 residences in 330 locations across the country. He has grown WinnResidential into the largest manager of multi-family housing in New England and one of the nation's largest managers of privatized military housing.
Putziger is chief counsel and has been associated with WinnCos. since its inception in 1971. He was formerly a partner of the law firm of Murtha Cullina LLP, where he served on the firm's board of directors and its management committees for 30 years.
Wollinger has been in the property management industry since 1971 and recently celebrated 30 years with the Winn organization. He served as an officer in the United States Army as a Medical Evacuation Helicopter Pilot, flying more than 2,000 combat missions during an extended tour of duty in Vietnam. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, he is active in many national and local organizations including; the National Affordable Housing Management Association, the National Apartment Association Educational Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and the Greater Boston Real Estate Board. He also serves as chairman of the Curry College Advisory Committee
Putziger is a graduate of Syracuse University and Boston University School of Law, Putziger currently is chairman of the board of directors of Bank of Florida Corp. and he serves of the board of New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares. He also is a director of Enterprise Bancorp and Enterprise Bank, both located in Lowell, Mass. He is a director of DSCI Corp., a Mass.-based telephone company, and of Viewpoint CRM, Inc., a Mass.-based security company.
Arthur said, "After 38 years on the front lines, I'd like to take a step back and play more of an advisory and cheerleader's role." said Winn. "Gilbert has the talent, leadership qualities and drive to assume control of our company. With the support of WinnCos.' long-standing executive team, I feel very confident in his ability to take over my role with the company. The WinnCos. couldn't be in better hands as we shift the enterprise to the next generation."
Gilbert said, "It's an honor to follow in my father's footsteps and to be entrusted with this role. My father has instilled in me, and the company's leadership, a high level of cultural excellence that I'm proud to continue and build on. While no one can fill my father's shoes or replace his unique skills, it's extraordinary that my father has created this impressive and solid platform from which we can continue to grow."
Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Faneuil Hall, WinnCos. develops, acquires and manages multi-family and mixed-use properties in 23 states. WinnDevelopment, best known locally as the developer and owner/manager of the Bostonian Hotel, is nationally recognized in the affordable and mixed-use housing arena. Recently, WinnDevelopment has become an industry leader in the redevelopment of historic buildings with a specific focus on green/sustainable outcomes. WinnCommercial is involved in the development and management of office, retail, parking, hotel, marina and mixed-use properties throughout New England. WinnResidential's multi-family management portfolio includes over 75,000 residences across the country, including its military housing services division, which extends from the east coast to Hawaii.