Conifer Realty Appoints New CEO

ROCHESTER, NY – Affordable multifamily housing developer, Conifer Realty LCC has appointed industry veteran, Roger Snell as its new CEO.

The appointment coincides with the firm’s strategy to further its mission in resolving the nation’s affordable housing crisis.

Aligning with this strategy, the firm also recently received an investment by San Francisco-based investment group, Belveron Partners, which acquired a majority stake in Conifer Realty in September 2020. Through the acquisition, Conifer Realty is able to align with a well-capitalized partner and obtain deep industry expertise.

In Snell’s new role as CEO, he will lead Conifer Realty’s executive team and he will be involved in the mentorship and development of the company.

For the past 11 years, Snell has served as chief investment officer at the private real estate investment firm, Veritas Investments. In this role, Snell directed acquisitions, capital markets and strategy and he led the firm to grow to $4 billion in assets under management. Prior to working at Veritas Investments, Snell served as CEO at two public REITS.

Throughout his career, Snell’s investment, development and portfolio management experience includes more than $14 billion in properties and transactions. Snell holds expertise in investments, operational innovations and driving growth at both public and private companies. He currently serves on the board of Veritas Investments and he is a member of the firm’s investment committee. He is additionally a member of NMHC, ULI and the Pension Real Estate Association.

“We are excited for Roger to build on Conifer’s success and believe he is exceptionally well-positioned to push the company’s ambitious growth plans forward,” says Paul Odland, founder and managing partner of Belveron Partners. “Roger’s extensive experience leading real estate companies, raising capital and structuring strategic join- venture partnerships are competencies that will benefit Conifer tremendously and aid the company in pursuing new opportunities.”

“Roger’s appointment ensures Conifer’s continuity and will enable us to rise to the challenge of meeting the demand for more high-quality, affordable housing in this country,” says Tim Fournier, chairman of Conifer Realty’s board of directors. “Moreover, Roger’s unique mix of financial and people-driven leadership skills is a good fit with Conifer’s guiding principles and values that have shaped the company’s growth and success throughout its 45-year history.”

“I’m honored to join the ambitious Conifer team at this exciting time in the marketplace and in the company’s trajectory,” states Snell. “Conifer is a frontrunner in delivering high-quality affordable housing and benefits from a stellar industry reputation. I look forward to developing the company further and accelerating its growth across multiple markets and into new affordable and workforce housing ventures.”

This year, Conifer Realty has expanded its leadership with additions to its property management, finance and human resources teams.