Steven J. DeFrancis

Steven DeFrancis, CEO
Steven DeFrancis is the founder and CEO of Cortland. He has 30 years of experience in complex multifamily development and management, specializing in unique development and value-add opportunities. Since its founding in 2005, Cortland has expanded into a global, vertically integrated multifamily investment and asset management company focused on delivering superior, resident-centric apartment living experiences. Cortland has significant experience in acquiring, developing, renovating, owning, and operating multifamily communities, leveraging the services of its construction, design, and property, asset, and investment management affiliates. Through its hospitality-driven, consumer-focused approach to apartment living, the company seeks to challenge the conventional practices of the apartment industry while working to deliver outsized returns in high-growth metro and suburban areas.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Cortland ranks as one of the largest apartment owners and management firms in the country with more than 80,000 apartment homes across nearly 250 apartment communities, primarily throughout the Southeast, Midwest, and Texas. Internationally, Cortland operates development, investment, and property management services in the UK to support the growing build-to-rent sector in that market. The company employs over 2,600 associates in the US and UK and is the “Top Brand Performer” for online reputation among property management companies (Reputation.com, 2023) and a Great Place to Work-Certified™ Company (2023).

Steven earned his bachelor’s degree in Real Estate from The University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. He is a member of The Buckhead Coalition and serves on the boards of the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership. He is also a member of The Real Estate Roundtable, The Urban Land Institute, and the National Multifamily Housing Council.