Cove Communities Appoints Veteran Real Estate Executive as New CEO
PHOENIX, Nov. 4, 2024 – Cove Communities, a prominent owner and operator of manufactured housing communities and RV resorts, announced today the appointment of James R. Goldman as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 29, 2024. This strategic move signals Cove’s commitment to continued growth and expansion within the thriving manufactured housing sector.
Goldman brings a wealth of experience to Cove, having spent over 30 years in the commercial real estate industry. He has honed his expertise in various niche real estate sectors, with a particular focus on manufactured housing communities. Prior to joining Cove, Goldman served as the Chief Executive Officer of Goldman & Company, a real estate advisory firm catering to family offices, institutional investors, and real estate owners and operators. He specialized in the manufactured housing, RV resort, marina, and parking sectors, demonstrating his comprehensive understanding of these specialized markets.
His impressive career also includes a significant tenure at Green Courte Partners, where he held the positions of Vice Chair and Chief Investment Officer from 2003 to mid-2018. Green Courte’s portfolio company, American Land Lease, a major player in the manufactured housing community sector, owned 59 communities with over 19,000 home sites. This experience underscores Goldman’s deep understanding of the complexities and opportunities within the manufactured housing industry.
Murray McCabe, Managing Partner of Montgomery Street Partners (MSP), Cove’s General Partner, expressed enthusiasm about Goldman’s appointment: “At the conclusion of an extensive search process, we are extremely excited for Jim to join the Cove Leadership team as Chief Executive Officer. Jim’s extensive experience within the manufactured housing community sector, combined with his acquisitions, operations, capital markets, and strategic planning expertise, will be greatly valued as Cove positions itself for future internal and external growth.”
Goldman’s background extends beyond real estate private equity. He has a diverse career history, having previously served as an investment banker with prominent firms like Alex. Brown & Sons and PaineWebber. He also held the roles of a corporate & securities and tax attorney with Piper & Marbury (now DLA Piper) and a certified public accountant with Ernst & Whinney (now Ernst & Young). This multifaceted experience provides him with a comprehensive understanding of financial markets, legal frameworks, and accounting practices, which are essential for navigating the complex world of real estate investment and operations.
Goldman’s academic credentials further highlight his commitment to intellectual rigor and professional development. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Old Dominion University. He also earned a Juris Doctor from William & Mary Law School. This strong educational foundation has equipped him with the critical thinking skills and analytical abilities needed to lead Cove through its next phase of growth.
Cove Communities was founded in 2017 with a clear vision: to acquire and operate a best-in-class portfolio of manufactured housing communities and RV resorts. Since its inception, Cove has strategically assembled a portfolio comprising 38 properties with over 13,000 sites across the United States and Canada. Goldman’s leadership is poised to guide Cove towards further expansion and success in this rapidly growing sector.
With Goldman at the helm, Cove Communities is well-positioned to capitalize on the continued demand for affordable housing solutions and recreational opportunities. His extensive experience, coupled with his commitment to strategic planning and growth, make him a valuable asset to Cove’s leadership team. As Cove continues to expand its footprint in the manufactured housing and RV resort markets, Goldman’s expertise will be instrumental in driving the company’s future success.
