CREA has unveiled its long-term succession plan, with Jeffrey Whiting to transition from chairman and CEO to executive chairman, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
Current co-president Tony Bertoldi will take over as CEO, and co-president Charles Anderson will become president. Roger Shank will continue to serve as chief financial officer.
Founded by Whiting in 2001, CREA is a leading tax credit syndicator, specializing in low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC). Since inception, the company has raised more than $11.2 billion in equity contributing to the formation of over 84,000 homes in more than 920 affordable housing communities.
“It has been a privilege to create and grow CREA with Charles, Tony, Roger, and the entire CREA team,” said Whiting, who will continue to partner with CREA’s ownership and leadership team to ensure a seamless transition. “Having worked with Charles, Tony, and Roger for almost 20 years, I am certain they will continue to advance CREA’s mission and commitment to the company’s partners—and to the communities we assist in building and the residents who call such communities their home.”
As part of this transition, CREA’s acquisitions and syndications departments will be consolidated into a single department led by Tom Pereira, executive vice president of production.
Bertoldi will remain involved in raising capital and setting the company’s corporate vision, focusing on growth opportunities to deepen CREA’s strong reputation in the LIHTC industry. “I am honored to accept the role of CEO at CREA, and I remain committed to carrying forward Jeff's vision for our company,” he said. “I have had the pleasure to partner with Charles and Roger for the past 15 years, I could not be more excited to work with them and all of our talented colleagues to foster innovation, stimulate growth, and guide CREA into its next chapter.”
Anderson will be responsible for leading the production and operational aspects of the company’s affordable housing platform.
“For nearly two decades, I have worked alongside Jeff in faithful support and belief in him and his vision,” said Anderson. “As I embrace the role of president, it is immensely gratifying to do so while building upon the successful working relationship Tony, Roger, and I have established during our time together at CREA. Together, we will work to uphold the integrity of Jeff’s legacy by safeguarding the reputation he was so instrumental in building.”
