StoneRiver Company is thrilled to introduce Jeff Sledden as our new Vice President of Development. In this role, Jeff will oversee the sourcing and execution of ground-up multifamily developments in key markets. With a decade of experience in real estate development and construction, Jeff has played a pivotal role in leading large-scale developments and driving operational growth. Prior to joining StoneRiver, Jeff led the Coastal Carolina Division for a Fortune 200 developer, successfully delivering high-impact projects across the region.
Jeff received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Entrepreneurship and Finance from the College of Charleston and has completed advanced postgraduate programs through The Wharton School of Business and Villanova. He actively contributes to the community as a board member for the nonprofit After School Opportunity Lab.
An avid surfer and fisherman, Jeff enjoys time on the water and resides with his family in Isle of Palms, South Carolina.
Multifamily Leadership recognizes StoneRiver Company as an official Best Place to Work Multifamily® and Best Place to Work Multifamily® for Women.
StoneRiver Company, a vertically integrated investment firm, has been named one of the Best Places to Work Multifamily® and the Best Places to Work Multifamily® for Women for 2025. These annual lists are published by Multifamily Leadership and announced at their Multifamily Leadership Innovation Summit each year. StoneRiver Company has received this recognition for four consecutive years, highlighting its commitment to creating a work environment where employees can thrive in the multifamily industry.
“We are proud of the continued recognition of StoneRiver’s culture, which emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and professional growth,” said Joseph Welden, StoneRiver Company President. “Being included in the Best Places to Work Multifamily list year after year is a testament to our steadfast commitment to fostering an environment that values and supports each individual.”
The Best Places to Work in Multifamily distinction is awarded based on the opinions of those who know the organization best—its employees. Amy Lazenby, Vice President of Human Resources at StoneRiver Company, stated, “This recognition reflects our shared commitment to excellence. It is not only about workplace recognition; it is also a testament to the extraordinary community of talented individuals who continuously contribute their unique skills to promote innovation, collaboration, and growth. We are proud of the remarkable people who make up our workforce, and their dedication to excellence truly sets us apart.”
At StoneRiver, we strive to create a culture that our employees value, appreciate, and take pride in. Our company places a high value on collaboration and wants every employee to have a voice. It is essential that each member feels valued and integral to the success of the organization because they truly are!
About StoneRiver Company
StoneRiver Company is a vertically integrated investment firm that acquires, develops, and manages multifamily real estate in the Southeast. Its in-house property management division manages its entire portfolio and drives value through a hands-on approach to operating communities from an owner’s perspective. Founded in 1995, StoneRiver has acquired, developed, or invested in apartment communities across 10 states in the Southeast.
StoneRiver Company, a multifamily real estate firm based in Birmingham, Alabama, is excited to announce the addition of Bill Millen as our new Development Manager.
In this role, Bill will be responsible for the successful execution of StoneRiver’s development strategy through deal sourcing, financial analysis and modeling, due diligence, debt/equity procurement processes, asset closing, and business model execution.
“With extensive experience in developments throughout the Southeast, Bill will play an instrumental role in the expansion of StoneRiver’s development projects and overall strategy,” said Dan Fuchs, Executive Vice President of Development for StoneRiver.
Bill is an Auburn University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. Additionally, he currently serves as the Vice President of Finance and an Executive Board Member for the Flint River Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Bill and his family reside in the Atlanta area, where they enjoy spending time outdoors and being active in their Church community.
StoneRiver Company is thrilled to announce that Caroline Donovan has joined the StoneRiver team as an Asset Management Associate. In this role, Caroline is tasked with the oversight of property operational performance through comprehensive analysis and reporting. She collaborates closely with property management, accounting, and the investment team to ensure that asset-level business plans are in alignment with our investment strategy, thereby achieving the targeted returns for our investors.
Caroline earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, as well as her Master of Business Administration from Samford University. She was awarded an athletic scholarship to attend Samford and actively participated as a member of the Women’s Soccer Team. Throughout her academic tenure, Caroline achieved recognition on the Dean’s List, was selected for the Academic All-Southern Conference Team, and served as team captain for the 2023-24 season.
Amanda Watson, Controller
StoneRiver Company is pleased to announce that Amanda Watson joined the StoneRiver team as the Corporate Controller, where she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the organization’s financial and accounting operations. With a wealth of experience in both the real estate and financial services sectors, Amanda is adept at managing complex financial landscapes.
Prior to joining StoneRiver, Amanda served as Controller of Willow Homes. In this capacity, she was accountable for all facets of the company’s accounting functions, which included developing comprehensive budgets, conducting detailed financial reporting, and managing accounts payable and receivable.
Amanda earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from Jacksonville State University. Her educational background, combined with her extensive professional experience, has equipped her with a solid foundation in accounting principles and practices, further enhancing her ability to drive financial performance within her current organization.
Summer Higgins, Training Coordinator and Audit Manager
StoneRiver Company is proud to announce that Summer Higgins joined the StoneRiver Property Management team as the Training Coordinator and Audit Manager. In this dual role, she is responsible for working closely with our corporate team as well as onsite staff to deliver comprehensive training programs for both existing associates and new hires. Her efforts aim to enhance operational efficiency and ensure that the team is well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles. Additionally, Summer conducts thorough compliance audits and financial analyses to guarantee adherence to industry standards and foster sound financial practices within the organization.
Prior to joining StoneRiver, Summer served as a Property Manager at Coastal Ridge Real Estate, where she honed her expertise in property management. With over 10 years of experience in the field, she has a proven track record of successfully training and developing property management personnel, thereby contributing to the growth and success of her previous teams. Summer’s rich background in property management positions her as a valuable asset to StoneRiver, where she is committed to driving excellence in training and compliance.
StoneRiver Company, a multifamily real estate firm based in Birmingham, Alabama, is excited to announce the addition of Robert Brown as our new Vice President of Asset Management. Robert is responsible for maximizing the financial performance and return on investment for StoneRiver’s real estate portfolio. In this role, he collaborates closely with Property Management, Accounting, and Investments to ensure asset-level business plans align with our investment strategy to achieve targeted investor returns.
“We are thrilled to welcome Robert to the StoneRiver team,” said Ryan Dennison, StoneRiver’s Chief Financial Officer. “As a proven leader with extensive experience leading asset management, Robert will be instrumental in our firm’s growth and delivering exceptional value to our partners.”
Prior to joining SRC, Robert served as the Vice President of Asset Management at Capstone Development Partners, LLC. In this role, Robert led the asset management strategy and business plan execution for a 9,500-bed on-campus/campus edge student housing portfolio.
StoneRiver Company, a multifamily real estate firm based in Birmingham, Alabama, is excited to announce the addition of Ryan Dennison, CPA, as our new Chief Financial Officer. Ryan leads all finance and accounting functions for StoneRiver and StoneRiver Property Management, including planning, implementing, managing, and controlling all corporate, property, and development debt and finance-related activities for the companies.
Ryan is a licensed CPA with 20+ years of leadership experience in strategic finance, operations, and accounting. Ryan has a proven track record of delivering outstanding leadership, operational excellence, financial discipline, and strategic growth. Ryan’s impressive and diverse background includes time as an Executive Advisor of Dennison Advisors LLC, CFO at NorthPoint Development, SVP of Capital Markets and Investor Relations at American Campus Communities, Thermon Group Holdings, and Ernst and Young.
“With Ryan’s extensive experience and demonstrated strategic leadership, he will play a pivotal role in our organization’s growth,” said Joseph Welden. “His high-caliber talent will guide us toward a future of thoughtful, strategic decision-making.”
Ryan graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a Master of Science in Finance. Ryan was named to Institutional Investor’s 2020-21 All-America Executive Team and serves as a committee member for Young Life.
StoneRiver Company, a multifamily real estate firm based in Birmingham, Alabama, is excited to announce the addition of Dan Fuchs as Executive Vice President of Development for StoneRiver. Dan is responsible for leading and expanding the company’s multifamily development strategy. In addition, Dan oversees the day-to-day operations of StoneRiver’s Development, Construction Management, and Asset Management teams.
With 17+ years of experience in real estate development and finance, Dan previously worked as the Chief Financial Officer and later as the Chief Investments Officer for a national real estate developer.
Multifamily Leadership recognizes StoneRiver Company as an official Best Place to Work Multifamily® and Best Place to Work Multifamily® for Women.
StoneRiver Company has been recognized for its workplace excellence, securing the #9 spot in the Best Places to Work Multifamily® rankings and the #10 spot on the Best Places to Work Multifamily® for Women list, presented by Multifamily Leadership. This recognition is an impressive showcase of their leadership in the industry. StoneRiver Company is a vertically integrated investment firm that acquires, develops, and manages multifamily real estate in the Southeast.
The Best Places to Work Multifamily® initiative shines a spotlight on companies like StoneRiver that excel in creating and nurturing exceptional workplace cultures. In the ever-evolving multifamily industry, StoneRiver acknowledges that resident experience and employee engagement are essential for navigating challenges and ensuring sustained growth.
This recognition highlights StoneRiver’s unwavering commitment to cultivating a positive work culture and driving innovation for an enhanced resident experience. The multifamily industry contributes $3.4 trillion annually to the economy and supports over 17.5 million jobs, and competition for talent recruitment remains fierce. The Best Places to Work Multifamily® ranking assists job seekers in identifying companies that prioritize employee satisfaction.
“We are proud of the continued recognition of StoneRiver’s culture that emphasizes excellence, collaboration, and professional growth. Our team remains our greatest strength, and this honor reflects our shared dedication to fostering an environment that values and supports one another,” said Joseph Welden, StoneRiver Company President.
“Creating a great place for professionals to work means making a commitment to our employees’ well-being and career growth, providing challenging work, supporting a diverse workforce, and fostering a positive and inclusive culture. Ours is a culture where authenticity triumphs and excellence prevails,” said Amy Lazenby, StoneRiver Company’s Vice President of Human Resources.
About StoneRiver Company
StoneRiver Company is a vertically integrated investment firm that acquires, develops, and manages multifamily real estate in the Southeast. Its in-house property management division manages its entire portfolio and drives value through a hands-on approach to operating communities from an owner’s perspective. Founded in 1995, StoneRiver has acquired, developed, or invested in apartment communities across 10 states in the Southeast.
Thomas Hiltz (Tommy), Vice President of Investments
StoneRiver Company is pleased to announce that Thomas Hiltz (Tommy) has joined the StoneRiver team as Vice President of Investments. With his expertise in deal sourcing, underwriting, and business plan development, Tommy’s arrival is a significant addition to the company’s real estate investments. In line with the company’s acquisition strategy, he will work closely with Blake Sellers and Donald Gambril to source and execute new opportunities.
According to Joseph Welden, President and Chief Investment Officer of StoneRiver Company, “We are thrilled to have Tommy on board. His expertise and experience will be invaluable to our investment team, and we look forward to working with him to achieve our goals.”
StoneRiver Company is excited to announce the promotion of Donald Gambril to Vice President of Investments! Donald has certainly been an invaluable team member since he joined us in January of this year. Moreover, he recently led the successful acquisition of Concord Ridge, a 336-unit community in Charlotte, NC, MSA. As a result he will continue to work on fulfilling the acquisition strategy of StoneRiver. Additionally, Donald is responsible for maintaining our pipeline of acquisitions and underwriting investment opportunities.
StoneRiver Company is proud to announce the promotion of Stuart Mackintosh to Vice President of Construction. Stuart joined StoneRiver in 2019. During his time with StoneRiver, he has been instrumental in the successful execution of all construction activity associated with both development and value-add projects. Additionally, Stuart works closely with our general contractors and subcontractors to manage the construction of each project and build strong relationships.
StoneRiver Company, a vertically integrated investment firm that acquires, develops, and manages multifamily real estate in the Southeast, has ranked #11 in the nationwide 2023 Best Places to Work Multifamily®, published annually by Multifamily Leadership. The Best Places to Work in Multifamily ranking is the official survey and awards program for the multifamily industry, recognizing those companies that have established and consistently fostered outstanding workplace environments.
The Best Places to Work in Multifamily distinction is awarded based on the opinions of those who know the organization best – its employees. Employers complete an in-depth questionnaire, and employees are given the opportunity to offer their honest feedback by participating in a company-wide survey. The Best Companies Group analyzes the data from the assessment and determines each organization’s rank.
“We strive to create a culture at StoneRiver that our people value, appreciate, and are proud of. Participating in this annual survey gives our employees an avenue to express their opinions and for us to gain valuable employee feedback. We care about our employees and want them to be proud of where they work and the impact they make on our communities and residents.” said Joseph Welden, StoneRiver Company President.
“StoneRiver values collaboration and wants everybody to have a voice, and it’s very important to our employees that they feel that they have a seat at the table and are an integral part of the success of the entire organization,” said Kristy Medley, StoneRiver Company’s Director of Marketing.
The Multifamily Industry, serving apartments and their residents, contributes more than $3.4 trillion to the economy annually, supporting more than 17.5 million jobs. Not only do apartment homes drive jobs that strengthen local communities, individuals and families realize the value of renting as a smart choice in today’s economy.
