IRVINE, CA-The commercial real estate industry is certainly male-dominated, but one woman is making waves here. Steadfast Income REIT named Ella Shaw Neyland as its new president, taking over duties from Rodney F. Emery. He will remain the chairman and CEO of the multifamily REIT’s board.

And speaking of Steadfast’s board, there are some recently announced moves there too: the current five-member board will expand to seven members. Dr. Kerry D. Vandell and Ned. W. Brines have been appointed as independent directors, the company says.

Neyland expressed that she was “excited” to join the team in a release from the company. “Serving as a member of the board, I have been able to work closely with management and develop an even deeper appreciation and respect for the company’s extraordinary culture, leadership and business plan,” she added.