Atlanta-based real estate firm Portman is expanding its Austin, Texas, team with Katie Tolson, recently hired as vice president of development, according to a news release shared with Multifamily Dive earlier this month.
Tolson has more than 18 years of experience in multifamily and mixed-use real estate, including land development, entitlements, design and construction management. She has had a hand in delivering more than 1,400 units across over 130 acres of mixed-use projects in Texas and Colorado, according to the release.
In her new role, Tolson will help lead multifamily development projects in Texas and collaborate with Portman’s growing Austin team, according to the release. She will report to Byron Brown, senior vice president of development at Portman, and work with him to identify and carry out development opportunities in Texas markets.
“Katie brings a depth of industry expertise and leadership that will enhance our ability to execute best-in-class developments across the state’s high-growth markets,” Brown said in the release. “Her proven track record in leading complex, high-profile urban projects, paired with her extensive market knowledge and long-standing ties to Texas, positions her as a tremendous asset to our team.”
Before joining Portman, Tolson served as vice president at Austin, Texas-based real estate investment firm Cypress Invest. She began her career as a civil engineer, and has managed infrastructure design and permitting for high-density urban projects.
“Having built my career in this region, I’m deeply committed to its continued evolution and look forward to helping Portman expand its presence across Texas,” Tolson said in the release.
Portman currently has 28 multifamily and mixed-use projects in various stages of development across nine U.S. markets, according to the release. These include two in the construction phase in Texas, according to the company website — Dallas Gateway, a mixed-use property in Dallas with 365 apartment units; and 2545 Brockton, a 425-unit development in North Austin.
In January, Portman brought in Sean Henry to lead its new multifamily acquisitions venture as senior vice president of multifamily acquisitions. A little over a month later, the company made two promotions to its C-suite — Travis Garland as chief development officer and Andy Kroll as chief operating officer.
The company is currently targeting properties with more than 200 apartment units across cities in the Southeast, Texas and Florida with long-term population, job and income growth.
