JDA Group LLC is based at 50 Harrison St. in Hoboken, the site of its 80,000-square-foot office building and co-working facility known as Mission 50. — Courtesy: JDA
By Joshua Burd
JDA Group LLC has announced another promotion on its Hoboken-based team, tapping a property manager as its new vice president of operations.
In her new role, Robyn Smith will oversee the firm’s operations, including property management, corporate development, investment-related accounting and human resources. She will work in tandem with JDA Vice President Timothy Connell, who facilitates all aspects of its development, portfolio management and investment initiatives with an eye toward expansion.
The move supports the company’s plan to grow its portfolio of commercial and residential properties through both acquisition and development, according to a news release.
“As we continue to grow, Robyn’s 20-plus years of real estate development and property management expertise has seen her excel at all aspects of leasing, tenant relations and accounting,” JDA Group CEO Gregory Dell’Aquila said. “Having her oversee our business operations and implementing best practices and standards will provide a solid foundation for our growth trajectory, and allow Robyn to bring the value of a personal touch to our strategic and operational vision.”
Since joining JDA in 2018, Smith has managed the firm’s properties in Hoboken, including the 80,000-square-foot office building and co-working center at 50 Harrison St. known as Mission 50, as well as a 50-unit luxury residential building dubbed The Lexington. As the point of contact for tenants and the liaison to ownership, she has handled everything from leasing and billing to maintenance and curb appeal.
Smith began her career in property management with Ironstate Development Co., where she spent 11 years managing lease-ups for prominent residential properties in Hoboken and Jersey City, the news release said. She honed her accounting skills while serving as an assistant controller with Plaza Enterprises JC LLC and was the property manager for City Homes and Gardens prior to joining JDA.
“By advancing my role in our financial operations, I am able to view the business from a broader perspective,” said Smith, a Hoboken native and resident. “Being part of a team where everyone pitches in and works together has given me the opportunity to expand my knowledge and build great relationships. JDA Group has created a culture here that makes me feel like I’m part of a family, and I look forward to finding new ways to contribute and to help bring the organization’s core values to life.”
Smith was a member of the executive committee of the Institute of Real Estate Management and holds an IREM Certified Property Manager designation, JDA said. Earlier in her career, Smith was named the Most Supportive On-Site Staff Member of the Year by the New Jersey Apartment Association.
The promotion comes amid several ongoing initiatives by JDA, including its recently approved, mixed-use development in Hoboken and Jersey City known as The Boundary. The firm also announced recent acquisitions of retail properties in Fort Lee and Lacey Township, as it looks to expand its footprint beyond Hudson County.
