Gary Buechler has been named president of The Michaels Development Co., one of the nation's most-active developers and largest owners of affordable housing.
He succeeds Ava Goldman, who recently transitioned to the role of executive consultant after 22 years with the organization, the last three as president of the development company.
“Gary joins us at a time when the Michaels Development Co. has a pipeline representing nearly $1 billion in total development costs, and a team of developers who are the best in the industry,” said John O’Donnell, president of The Michaels Organization. “With Gary’s wealth of experience in every aspect of development, we are confident he is the right leader to ensure Michaels Development Co.’s continued growth and success going forward.”
Buechler brings more than 25 years of experience in both development and business operations management to his new post. He previously served in a number of roles, including managing director of development at Lendlease Americas, a leading property and infrastructure company that offers services in development, investment management, project management, construction, and asset and property management.
He has held a number of key positions with Lendlease Americas since 2002, including CEO of various operating businesses. He led the firm’s activities in a number of sectors, including military housing, healthcare, and urban development. Before joining Lendlease, Buechler was a partner in a private law firm where his practice specialized in real estate transactions.
Michaels Development has developed more than 50,000 units since 1973, and is the No. 1 private-sector affordable housing owner in the country, with more than 350 properties across 34 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The company, which has a staff of 35, currently has more than 3,000 units in its pipeline, including new construction and rehabilitation. It recently expanded into new sectors of the development business, including workforce housing.
Buechler holds a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan. He is based in The Michaels Organization’s corporate headquarters in Marlton, N.J.
