Lawson, a leading real estate firm specializing in the development, construction, and management of multifamily housing, has announced the planned retirement of president and chief executive officer, Carl Hardee, effective at the end of 2025. Following Hardee’s retirement, the company expects to appoint Aaron Phipps, current senior vice president and chief financial officer, to that position.
Hardee began at Lawson in 1991 as a regional property manager at Lawson Realty Corporation, Lawson’s property management subsidiary organization. His leadership earned him promotions, including president of Lawson Realty Corporation in 1996, vice president and COO of The Lawson Companies in 1999, and finally president and CEO in 2016.
During Hardee’s tenure, the company grew from a 2,500-unit property management firm to a development, construction, and management one with over 5,100 units in its portfolio. In that time the company bought and sold multiple properties, developed more than 30 new Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) communities totaling more than 3,200 affordable apartments, and currently has new developments in its pipeline.
"It has been an incredible journey growing alongside Lawson. I am immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together as a team, and I have the utmost confidence in Aaron to lead Lawson into the next phase of its growth,” said Hardee. “Aaron’s leadership and financial acumen have already strengthened our position, and I know he will continue to drive the company forward."
Aaron Phipps joined Lawson as SVP and CFO in 2013 and has over 25 years of investment real estate experience including acquisition, disposition, equity offering, debt financing, debt and equity structuring, underwriting, and recapitalization along with oversight of accounting and financial reporting for both private and publicly traded companies. Phipps holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from Purdue University and has been instrumental in managing Lawson's financial strategy and operations over the past decade.
Hardee will remain with Lawson through the end of 2025 to assist with a seamless transition.
