Shopping center developer CBL promotes three executives and more Chattanooga-area career moves

CBL promotes three executives

CBL Properties has promoted three executives to new leadership posts for the Chattanooga-based shopping center developer.

Katie Reinsmidt was named executive vice president and chief operating officer, in addition to her current role overseeing CBL’s investor relations, environment, social and governance and corporate communications. In the newly created position, Reinsmidt will oversee the operations of the company’s portfolio, driving strategic growth initiatives, enhanced analytics, financial performance and operating efficiencies.

Reinsmidt joined CBL in 2004 as director of investor relations and since that time advanced through the organization, most recently serving as chief investment officer. Prior to joining CBL, she served as an associate analyst at A.G. Edwards & Sons at its corporate headquarters in St. Louis, where she provided research coverage for retail, healthcare and lodging REITs.

“Katie has been an invaluable strategic partner to me and a key member of our leadership team over the years as we have worked to navigate challenges and execute our vision for CBL,” Stephen D. Lebovitz, CBL’s chief executive officer, said in an announcement of the promotion. “Her breadth of experience and deep knowledge of the organization provides for a natural transition into this role, where I am confident she will make an even more impactful contribution to CBL.”

CBL also announced that Jennifer Cope is being promoted to executive vice president for operations services and risk management and Joseph Khalili has been named executive vice president of financial planning and analysis.

Cope joined CBL in 2001 as a junior analyst in financial services and has served various roles supporting CBL’s insurance and risk management programs, technology, JV relations and loan closings. She transitioned to CBL’s business transformation team in March 2014 and was promoted to vice president in 2015 and to senior vice president in 2021.

Khalili joined CBL in 2012 as a portfolio accountant focused on third party managed properties and has since served as an acquisitions analyst, director of financial planning and analysis and senior vice president. Prior to joining CBL, he spent seven years with General Growth Properties.

“I am also thrilled to recognize the strength of the CBL team and the significant achievements and growth that Jennifer and Joseph have accomplished over their careers at CBL with their promotions,” Lebovitz said. “As we sharpen our focus on identifying and executing new growth initiatives both internally and externally, I am confident that their leadership and drive will be integral to our future success.”

Food Bank adds three new officers

Summer Simmons has joined the Chattanooga Area Food Bank as the new chief development officer. Simmons has worked for 18 years in child and family programs, mental health services, and foster care for Chattanooga-area organizations, including the Good Samaritans, the Tennessee Alliance for Children and Families, and the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth.

John Carr Whitmer is the Chattanooga Area Food Bank’s new director of philanthropy in Northwest Georgia. Whitmer previously worked as a national sales and accounts manager and is a graduate from Michigan State University.

Kathy Martin recently joined the Chattanooga Area Food Bank to lead their marketing and communications team as the community engagement manager. She has five years of non-profit development experience and previously worked as Notre Dame High School’s Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs. She previously worked for Unum’s Marketing Department and has been a Big Sister with the Big Brother Big Sisters of Chattanooga since 2015.

Founded in 1972, the Chattanooga Area Food Bank distributes healthy food across a 20-county service region including Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia with help from its network of nearly 300 partner agencies.

Information about new hires, promotions and business awards should be sent to onthemove@timesfreepress.com.