According to Cruz Companies President and CEO John B. Cruz III, the firm’s recognition of emerging leaders reflects this broad range of work, its expanding presence in cities across the Eastern Seaboard, and its enduring commitment to diversifying the building trades, creating community wealth, and dismantling legacies of systemic inequity.

“As every division of our organization continues to grow, it is essential that we recognize and nurture an emerging generation of leadership,” says Cruz, who is frequently cited for his thought leadership by the real estate and business media. “These professionals embody the range of skills, insight, and experience that has long made Cruz Companies a valued partner in the communities we serve — and their success proves that explicitly prioritizing diversity and representation among our own staff is both a social imperative and good business.”

Recognized as an imaginative leader with a keen experience in real estate as well as training and work as a professional artist, clients and colleagues trust Justin Cruz for his creative outlook and community-oriented approach. 

As Director of Cruzreating a safe, healthy, and sustainable living environment for families. Reflecting his proactive stance, most recently Mr. Cruz has also spearheaded the development of an updated brand identity for Cruz Companies, led expanded external and corporate communications campaigns, and he has overseen the implementation of state-of-the-art property management software across Cruz Management’s entire portfolio. In addition, Justin Cruz has played a significant role in the planning of Cruz Companies’ new headquarters, which will bring all of the organization’s corporate divisions under one roof for the first time.

Justin Cruz is also closely involved in leading Cruz C.A.R.E.S., the organization’s dedicated 501(c)3 nonprofit arm. Known for its youth trips, paid summer internships, scholarships, food and toy drives, and other community and charitable undertakings, with Justin’s involvement Cruz C.A.R.E.S. has also expanded its financial and programmatic support for philanthropic organizations and institutions that serve communities of color.

With nearly a decade of management experience at Cruz Companies, John Teixeira is regarded as one of the organization’s most skilled construction project leaders. Since joining Cruz Companies in 2015 upon graduating from the Wentworth Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Architecture, Teixeira’s growing skills and commitment to the firm led to increasingly senior roles in major building projects. His success in supervising construction of the new Michael E. Haynes Arms development, a mixed-use residential and office complex, was instrumental to its timely completion this fall. In his new role as project manager, Teixeira will take on expanded organizational leadership responsibilities in addition to his project work.

Jennifer Then is one of Cruz Management’s rising stars. Beginning her tenure in 2016 as a front desk clerk and quickly establishing herself as a knowledgeable and dedicated advocate for residents of Cruz Management properties, Ms. Then advanced to the role of property manager before being named as regional property manager this fall. Certified as a Blended Occupancy Specialist, she is highly regarded by colleagues and Cruz Management tenants alike for her integrity, problem-solving skills, industry knowledge, and commitment to improving company-wide processes.