Harvard Investments, a real estate investment and development company based in Scottsdale, announced June 13 the promotions of six team members and one new hire in response to the firm’s rapid expansion.

With more than 40 years engaged in community and property development throughout the Southwest, the firm has grown across five states and launched its single-family rental community brand FirstStreet, according to a press release.

Tim Brislin, a strategic leader with Harvard Investments for 15 years, has been promoted from vice president to senior vice president. Brislin’s responsibilities are to provide expertise and leadership to the Harvard Communities division and to facilitate the strategic development of Harvard Investments alongside the senior leadership team, the press release stated.

“Tim has been a consistent high performer with Harvard for 15 years and has demonstrated his ability to not only successfully navigate complex projects with both mastery and integrity, but also serve as a powerful leader and mentor to newer Harvard team members,” Craig Krumwiede, president and CEO of Harvard Investments said in the press release. “Within our industry he actively applies his leadership skills with ULI and Valley Partnership. Our additional promotions of Byron, Christian, David, John, Rhonda and hiring of Cayley reflect our firm’s philosophy. I’ve found that when you hire the best, be open to ideas, and never micro-manage, great things happen. Tim and these six strong team members have proven their ability to maintain Harvard’s high standards while bringing new insight to amplify our recent growth.”

Additional promotions and a new hire at Harvard Investments are as follows.

Christian Passalacqua was named the Entitlement & Development manager. According to the press release, Passalacqua has demonstrated high-level abilities in the execution of his duties as previous land acquisition manager, in particular the successful underwriting and closing of the Estrella development in Goodyear, one of the largest active master-planned community purchases in Arizona history. His responsibilities are expanding to include the oversight of multiple Harvard Communities’ projects.

Bryon Jones was promoted from senior accountant to division controller for Harvard Communities. In his new role he oversees the accounting functions of the Harvard Communities division. Jones has shown exemplary skill, dedication and leadership in managing Harvard’s complex accounting responsibilities, the press release stated. This well-deserved promotion positions him to make continued positive strategic impacts within the team and with valued partners.

Cayley McLean was hired as Harvard’s financial analyst/land acquisition manager to provide high-level financial analysis for Harvard Communities including the new Estrella development. Previously a land acquisition manager for Taylor Morrison, the press release stated. McLean has a background in financial consulting and transitioned to apply her skills to real estate development. She is also contributing to Harvard as a land acquisition manager overseeing acquisition and planning on key projects.

David Sansevere was promoted from senior project accountant to accounting manager for Harvard FirstStreet. According to the press release, Sansevere has an ability to learn and understands the complex accounting functions of Harvard’s build-to-rent division. In his new role, he is applying his strong accounting experience to multiple new projects aligned with Harvard’s recent growth.

John Horton was advanced from development associate/analyst to his new role of development manager for Harvard FirstStreet. He possesses financial analysis abilities and is integral to the underwriting of new projects, as well as the management of existing assets, the press release stated. He also excels in the development aspect of his role including the financing, construction and management of Harvard’s assets.

Twelve-year Harvard team member Rhonda Wells was elevated from executive assistant to office manager. The press release stated Wells is an incredibly valued employee, responsible for the many key functions of Harvard’s high-performing, energetic office that facilitate the success of the company’s various projects. Wells’ tremendous problem-solving capabilities, organizational skills, character and deep understanding of Harvard’s team, history and philosophy make her a highly regarded team member.

“During this time of incredible market growth, we’ve focused on enhancing our best-in-class team with employees who are dedicated, curious and prepared to tackle and maximize opportunities across the Southwest, while maintaining the integral vision of Harvard to build communities people will be proud to embrace for generations. We’re incredibly grateful to have each of these stellar individuals as part of our Harvard team," Krumwiede said in the press release.

Harvard Investments’ master-planned residential communities include The Lakes at Rancho El Dorado in Maricopa, Verde Trails in Avondale, Cadence at Gateway in Mesa, Desert Oasis in Surprise, the newly acquired Estrella in Goodyear, Mariposa near Albuquerque, and Gregg Ranch outside of Austin.

Harvard’s FirstStreet single-family rental properties include FirstStreet at Happy Valley in Phoenix, FirstStreet at the Ballpark in Goodyear and Quarter on Simmons in Las Vegas. Additional Class A office, investment properties and commercial real estate projects exist across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas.

For information about Harvard Investments visit https://www.harvardinvestments.com.