RUPCO Expands Senior Leadership with Addition of Vice President of Portfolio Management, February 28

Jake Michels of Poughkeepsie, NY adds Depth and Experience to Real Estate Asset Oversight

RUPCO, a Hudson Valley (NY) community developer and chartered member of NeighborWorks America, promoted Jake Michels to the newly created position of Vice President of Portfolio Management this month. Michels joins the nonprofit’s Executive Council and will handle responsibilities involving RUPCO’s property portfolio, communications and fundraising, and real estate development pipeline.

Michels has been with RUPCO since August 2017, originally as Director of Property Management, with a later promotion to Assistant Vice President for Operations. Jake brings over five years of housing management experience and a proven track record of increasing efficiency to support portfolio expansion.

“I am excited to be here, to be a part of RUPCO’s mission and creating homes for those in need. Since coming to RUPCO in 2017, we have improved processes within the property management department while investing in the development of our staff. Developing a “team first” mentality is something that has been a focus of mine since I started. I look forward to helping our communications and real estate departments achieve similar efficiencies this year,” states Michels. Property management oversees building maintenance, tenant relations, and leasing. His personal philosophy on stable housing influences his work approach. “Home Matters because it’s the foundation of our lives. Stable housing allows you to progress in all other areas, and allows you to progress as an individual.”

“Jake brings a fresh perspective and his work has traversed the nonprofit and private sectors,” says Kevin O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer at RUPCO. “Jake’s ability to navigate partnerships, streamline processes, and manage people will serve the agency well as we grow our portfolio and prepare for new ventures throughout the Hudson River Valley.”

RUPCO currently owns/manages 22 properties with 586 apartments providing homes to 762 people. The majority of those residents represent the area’s most vulnerable populations: the elderly, seniors, disabled and working class families. In its $90-million real estate development pipeline, RUPCO currently plans to add another 185 apartments in 25 buildings in 4 communities, including commercial space for rent.