Company News, Employee Spotlight

Leadership Raleigh Class #51

The Greater Raleigh Chamber’s Leadership Raleigh program continues to play an important role in developing informed, engaged leaders who understand and care deeply about our community.

We’d like to extend a special congratulations to York Property Manager, Abby Paul, on graduating in class #51!

As a proud LR Class #1 alum, Smedes York remains a dedicated supporter of the program and its mission to connect emerging leaders to the issues and opportunities shaping Raleigh. Last week, he spoke to Leadership Raleigh Class #51 and shared a few reflections:

­­· In a city like Raleigh, rich with opportunity and diversity, find what moves you and get involved in a way that makes a difference.

­­· Treat everyone with respect – every interaction matters, regardless of title or role.

­­· Stay humble. Even if you’re an expert, recognize that others bring valuable perspectives and insights.

­­· Know your strengths and focus on where you add the most value – stay in your lane.

­­· Take care of the short term; long-term success depends on how well you manage what’s in front of you today.

Company News, Employee Spotlight

RCoR Volunteer Leadership Service Award

The Rotary Club of Raleigh on May 18, 2026 presented to Smedes York, Chairman of York Properties and McDonald York Building Company, the Club’s highest award, the Wilson Hayman Vocational Service Leadership Award.  The Club also named York, a former Raleigh Mayor, a Paul Harris Fellow.  On behalf of York, the RCoR made donations in his honor to Transitions LifeCare and the Rotary International Foundation.  Jim Dorsett, a past president of RCoR, stated that, “Smedes York more than anyone I know has used his vocation and leadership positions in service to individuals and the community, always setting an example of fairness and integrity.  Smedes has led and supported with his time and resources innumerable charities, public and private schools, hospitals, museums and other organizations.”  Dorsett interviewed the former mayor in a “fireside chat” format before RCoR members and guests at the Club’s award presentation.   

Company News, Employee Spotlight

Pappas Real Estate Development Program Distinguished Alumnus Award

We are proud to share that Smedes York was recently honored as the recipient of the North Carolina State University Pappas Real Estate Development Program Distinguished Alumnus Award.

This award recognizes individuals whose professional accomplishments and community service demonstrate excellence in design, placemaking and community development, while improving the quality of life in the communities they serve.

Smedes was recognized for more than six decades of leadership in quality real estate development, his role in advancing best practices in the industry, and his lifetime of mentorship to young, up‑and‑coming real estate professionals.

Please join us in congratulating our Chairman on this well‑deserved recognition and in celebrating the lasting impact he has made on Raleigh, North Carolina, and the real estate development profession.

Company News, Employee Spotlight

2025 Power Broker Awards

Last week, we gathered at Napa Kitchen & Wine to celebrate an awesome year of achievements with our Commercial Brokerage team. Here are the highlights:

*Top Performers Recognized*

• 🏆 Road Runner Trophy: Lynne Worth for most brokerage transactions completed

• 🌟 I’m Kind of a Big Deal Trophy: John Kerr for closing the division’s largest single transaction

• 🥇 Best Broker Ever Trophy: Judson McMillan being awarded the Top Producer spot

*Team Strength*

Our Commercial Team is powered by:
• 10 full-time brokers
• 1 part-time broker
• An amazing marketing and admin group including Gardenia Buendia, Victoria Eaton, Candi McDowell, Shelby Hinshaw and Brooke Hanford

Congratulations to all of our incredible brokers!

Company News, Employee Spotlight

Property Management Leadership Update

We’re excited to share important leadership news at York.

After nearly 30 years of remarkable leadership, Lamont Farmer will retire at the end of the year. Throughout her time with us, Lamont transformed our Property Management division into one of York’s strongest pillars, leaving behind a legacy of vision, stability, and opportunity.

As Lamont begins her well-earned retirement, we’re thrilled to announce that Amy Rogers has stepped into the role of Senior Vice President & Director of Property Management. Amy has grown with York over many years, earning trust and admiration with her dedication, attention to detail, and future-focused mindset.

This planned transition provides valuable continuity as Amy works alongside Lamont to ensure seamless operations and continued growth for our Property Management division and clients.

Please join us in congratulating Amy on her promotion and expressing our gratitude to Lamont for her outstanding contributions to York’s success over the past three decades.

Company News, Employee Spotlight

Brokerage Leadership Update

Congratulations to Brian Wallace and Judson McMillan who have each been promoted to Senior Vice President, Commercial Brokerage, joining John Kerr on the division’s leadership team.

Brian Wallace (20 years with York) will step in to lead collaboration and communication, guiding operations and strategy.

Judson McMillan, also with 20+ years at York and one of our top producers, will take the lead on business development efforts and client relationship growth.

Alongside John Kerr, whose nearly four decades of expertise continue to guide our team, this strengthened leadership group positions York for continued success, innovation, and client service excellence.

We are proud of the incredible talent within our firm, and we look forward to the impact Brian, Judson, and John will make in driving our Commercial Brokerage Division forward.

Please join us in congratulating Brian and Judson on this well-deserved achievement!

Company News, Employee Spotlight

Shelton Griffin: Chief Investment Officer

We are proud to announce that Shelton Griffin has been appointed Chief Investment Officer at York Properties!

Shelton has been a vital part of the York Properties team for over 20 years, having graduated from NC State University and held various roles within the company. His dedication and expertise, especially in collaboration with our former CIO, Hal Worth, have prepared him well for this new chapter.

 

Congratulations to Shelton on being appointed Chief Investment Officer.

Employee Spotlight

Meet Our People

Meet our Association Manager, Carol Slaven.

Born in East Liverpool, Ohio, Carol moved to multiple states before making North Carolina home in 1985. Carol joined York Properties in 1987 as an Apartment Manager. The apartments were eventually converted to condominiums and Carol transitioned to association management. She then connected with other colleagues in the area who worked in association management. Together they established the first chapter of the Community Association Institute of NC.

Carol has gained an array of experience over the years working for other companies and owning her own home healthcare business, but nothing compared to York. Carol kept in touch with her York colleagues over the years which helped prompt her return to the company in 2022.

Carol now resides in Virginia to be closer to her daughter, Catie, and her older brother. These days, Carol enjoys reading, swimming, and volunteering with Compact Canine Rescue. She adopted Oreo from Compact Canine Rescue, her “foster failure,” after he was left ill at a dog pound.

We are so grateful for Carol’s commitment and dedication to the team and company over the years.

Employee Spotlight

Meet Our People

This month we’re taking a moment to highlight Bloomsbury Landscapes’ very own, James Richardson. Born in Asheville, NC, James currently resides in Greensboro, NC.

Five years ago, James transitioned from having his own roofing company to joining the Bloomsbury team where he now serves as the Field Manager and is focused on maintaining great relationships amongst team members and clients.

James says from the moment he learned about the company and met the team, he knew this was the place for him. “This is a family here,” he said. James lives by the motto “teamwork makes the dream work” and he encourages the team members to do quality work safely and efficiently.

When James is not in the Greater Triangle area for work, he enjoys spending time with his wife of 30 years, Rhonda, and his two children and four granddaughters. He tells them that they can do anything if they believe and work hard for it. James also hopes to cross “meeting LeBron James” off his bucket list some day. In the meantime, he looks forward to enjoying life to the fullest.

Thank you James for your hard work and dedication to the team and the company. Everyone could use a James on their team!

P.S. If you see him around this month, be sure to wish him a happy (early) birthday. His birthday is on March 18.