American Financial Realty Trust President and CEO, Harold "Hal" W. Pote died June 27 at age 60 while vacationing in Turkey with his wife. Pote was a founding partner of the Beacon Group, a private investment partnership that was acquired in July 2000 by Chase Manhattan Corporation. He served as American Financial Realty's president and chief executive since August 2006 and as a member of the company's board of trustees since March 2006. In addition to his investment experience, Pote served on the boards of the Museum of Arts & Design, Drexel University, Drexel University's College of Medicine and as president of the Spina Bifida Foundation until his death.

Stifel Nicolaus announced in June that Erin Aslakson joined as a REIT analyst. Additionally, Michael Hudgins left Stifel Nicolaus to become director of global REIT strategies at JP Morgan Investment Management.

Mack-Cali Realty Corporation (NYSE: CLI) appointed Virginia S. Bauer vice president, public affairs.

Steve Briggs was named vice president, controller for Strategic Hotels and Resorts (NYSE: BEE). Previously, Briggs served as controller at Equity Office Properties.

Potlatch Corporation (NYSE: PCH) appointed Eric J. Cremers to vice president, finance and CFO, replacing recently retired Gerald L. Zuehlke. Cremers previously served as senior vice president of corporate strategy and business development for Albertsons, Inc.

Desert Capital REIT, Inc. named G. Steven Dawson CFO. Additionally, the company appointed Erin Ackerman and Jonathan Arens as co-chief operating officers.

American Financial Realty Trust (NYSE: AFR) named three key executives to the company's senior management team. Robert A. Henofer was appointed vice president of property management, Amy J. Doherty was appointed vice president and chief information officer, and Susan Galletti was appointed vice president of taxation.

Charles H. Hood joined Rayonier (NYSE: RYN) as vice president, corporate affairs.

Joseph L. Iannotti was named vice president and corporate controller of Rayonier (NYSE: RYN). Previously, Iannotti served as assistant controller, financial reporting at the company.

Developers Diversified Realty (NYSE: DDR) appointed Timothy Lordan vice president of fund management.

Sri Nagarajan joined Cohen & Steers as a research analyst. Previously, Nagarajan was vice president and senior analyst at RBC Capital Markets.

Ronald Pressman was named president and CEO of GE Real Estate and will continue his duties as president and CEO of GE Asset Management.

Arbor Commercial Mortgage (NYSE: ABR) appointed Sheree D. Reinbach as associate general counsel. Previously, Reinbach served as an associate at the law firm of Arent Fox LLP.