Donte Cotten
Upper Marlboro,MD
Summary
Dynamic and strategic leader with over ten years of progressive experience in property management, specializing in portfolio expansion, operational optimization, and cross-functional team leadership. Demonstrated success in enhancing property value and tenant satisfaction through innovative management practices. Excels in high-pressure environments, delivering measurable results that contribute to corporate goals and profitability.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Housing Manager
DC Housing Authority
06.2023 - Current
- Lead property management efforts across multiple residential complexes, implementing policies and procedures that enhanced overall property performance by 15%
- Developed and executed long-term strategic plans, ensuring alignment with the Housing Authority's mission and financial objectives, resulting in a 10% reduction in operational costs
- Pioneered performance evaluation systems for a team of 25 staff members, leading to a 20% increase in staff productivity and improved tenant satisfaction ratings
- Spearheaded initiatives to optimize resource allocation, streamline processes, and implement cutting-edge technology solutions, bolstering the efficiency and service quality of property operations.
- Improved tenant satisfaction by addressing concerns promptly and implementing effective solutions.
- Trained new staff members on policies and procedures, ensuring consistency in service delivery across the team.
- Facilitated conflict resolution between tenants, promoting a positive living environment for all residents.
- Spearheaded property renovation projects to modernize facilities and attract new tenants without displacing current residents.
Commercial Property Manager
Lincoln Property Company
02.2023 - 06.2023
- Managed portfolio of high-value commercial properties, driving leasing activities that achieved 98% occupancy rate and increased annual revenue by $2 million
- Orchestrated preparation and execution of lease agreements, tenant communications, and property maintenance, ensuring operational standards were consistently exceeded
- Acted as primary point of contact for over 50 corporate tenants, cultivating relationships that led to long-term lease renewals and 95% tenant retention rate
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and implement property-specific strategies that addressed unique market challenges and opportunities.
- Communicated with clients and tenants while offering strategic solutions to remedy problems.
- Enhanced tenant satisfaction by addressing concerns and resolving disputes promptly.
- Managed property renovations, ensuring timely completion and minimal disruption to tenants.
- Implemented proactive maintenance schedules to minimize costly repairs or replacements.
- Conducted regular property inspections to identify potential issues and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Streamlined property maintenance processes for increased efficiency and lower costs.
- Coordinated with legal counsel on lease agreements, evictions, and other property-related matters as needed.
Property Manager
Southern Management Companies
03.2020 - 02.2023
- Managed day-to-day operations of diverse residential property portfolio, elevating community engagement and enhancing living experience for residents
- Oversaw annual budgeting, financial reporting, and cost management, resulting in 5% year-over-year increase in profitability through diligent expenditure tracking and vendor negotiations
- Led comprehensive compliance initiative to ensure adherence to fair housing laws and company policies, successfully passing all regulatory audits with zero infractions
- Facilitated team meetings, coordinated staff training, and maintained high-performance work environment that nurtured talent and supported professional growth.
- Handled tenant complaints promptly and appropriately, calling in repairmen, and other support services.
- Maintained positive landlord-tenant relationships, ensuring clear communication and prompt resolution of any disputes.
- Completed final move-out walk-throughs with tenants to identify required repairs.
- Conducted regular property inspections, identifying areas for improvement and proactively addressing potential safety hazards.
- Oversaw lease agreements from inception to termination, ensuring compliance with local regulations and protecting interests of both landlords and tenants.
- Enhanced tenant satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and resolving issues in timely manner.
- Coordinated with maintenance staff to ensure timely completion of repairs, minimizing downtime for tenants and maintaining property aesthetics.
Assistant Property Manager/Resident Manager/Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant
Southern Management Companies
06.2014 - 01.2020
- Portfolio Growth & Management Strategic Planning & Execution Financial Stewardship Team Building & Leadership Tenant Acquisition & Retention Sustainability Initiatives Contract Negotiations & Vendor Management Risk Management & Compliance Technological Innovations in Property Management
- Followed up on delinquent tenants and coordinated collection procedures.
- Coordinated move-ins and move-outs, ensuring smooth transitions for both tenants and property management team.
- Attended staff meetings and took extensive notes to share with property manager.
- Established strong, professional relationships with residents by promoting team collaboration and delivering exemplary service.
- Collaborated with legal department on eviction proceedings when necessary; following proper protocols and documentation requirements laid down by law.
- Kept properties in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Coordinated vendors such as carpet cleaners, tilers, cable suppliers, and satellite and phone service providers.
- Enhanced community atmosphere with regular communication and engagement activities for tenants.
- Collected, recorded and deposited monthly rents from over 700 tenants.
- Managed, scheduled and determined workload for 51-member property management team.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
North Carolina Central University
Durham, NC05.2014
Skills
- Strong Communication Skills
- Rent collection
- Property Management Expertise
- Real Estate Market Awareness
- Staff Training
- Emergency Response Planning
- Budgeting and financial management
- Marketing and Advertising
- Building code compliance
- Affordable housing
- Property Inspections
- Critical Thinking
Certification
- Certified Property Manager (CPM) - Institute of Real Estate Management (in progress)
- Green Building Certification - LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)
Timeline
Housing Manager
DC Housing Authority
06.2023 - Current
Commercial Property Manager
Lincoln Property Company
02.2023 - 06.2023
Property Manager
Southern Management Companies
03.2020 - 02.2023
Assistant Property Manager/Resident Manager/Bookkeeper/Administrative Assistant
Southern Management Companies
06.2014 - 01.2020
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
North Carolina Central University
- Certified Property Manager (CPM) - Institute of Real Estate Management (in progress)
- Green Building Certification - LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP)
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