We are incredibly excited to welcome Jennifer Fields to the StoneRiver family as our new Human Resources Manager for StoneRiver Company and StoneRiver Property Management.
With over 25 years of dedicated experience in the field of Human Resources, Jennifer has developed a robust skill set that includes comprehensive management of payroll and benefits administration, ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations, and fostering positive employee relations. Jennifer is adept at implementing innovative HR strategies that align with organizational goals, enhancing employee engagement and retention. Her expertise also extends to conflict resolution and developing training programs that empower employees and promote a productive workplace culture. Her strategic oversight plays a crucial role in driving the success of both companies by cultivating a motivated and compliant workforce.
Jennifer graduated from Birmingham-Southern College with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources Management.
We are incredibly excited to welcome Brandy Cullins to the StoneRiver Company family as our new Vice President of Property Management! In this role, Brandy will lead the charge of overseeing our portfolio of apartment communities, guiding our dedicated on-site staff, and driving innovative strategies for property revenue and expense management. With a proven track record as a strategic and results-driven property management expert, Brandy brings a wealth of leadership experience in new developments, Class-A lease-ups, and multi-state portfolios. We can’t wait to see the amazing impact she’ll have on our team and our communities!
Over a distinguished career, Brandy Cullins has consistently driven performance and innovation in property management. Prior to joining the StoneRiver team, Brandy served as Vice President of Property Management for Foursite Property Management. Her expertise spans 23 Class-A lease-ups across diverse markets, multi-state portfolio oversight of 5,000 units, and comprehensive restructuring of operational strategies.
Brandy holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Great Basin College and is working on her Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University.
StoneRiver Company, a multifamily real estate firm based in Birmingham, Alabama, is excited to announce the addition of Sam Ess as our new Development Manager.
In this role, Sam 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.
Prior to joining the StoneRiver team, Sam served as the Senior Development Associate at DHI Communities, a Multifamily Development Platform of D.R. Horton, where he managed market research, financial analysis and underwriting, due diligence, entitlements, permitting, construction, lease-up, and disposition of over 200 multifamily unit developments across the coastal markets of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Sam graduated from the University of North Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.
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.
