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Executive Profiles
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James F. Knott – Chairman, Chief Executive OfficerMr. Knott, the Chairman, CEO and Founder, formed the James F. Knott Realty Group in 1977. Starting with a career in the masonry business, he eventually turned to residential development with the start of the Realty Group. Mr. Knott quickly broadened the scope of the company to include commercial development. Over its history, the firm has developed and constructed in excess of four million square feet of real estate, including commercial, industrial, office, retail and residential projects. Mr. Knott plays an active role in the daily operations of the company, especially in new project development. He is an active member of the Baltimore community, having served on the Board of Trustees for Franklin Square Hospital, The Boy Scouts of America, Associated Catholic Charities, College of Notre Dame, Bon Secours Hospital and the Roland Park Country School. Jim is married with three grown children. |
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James F. Knott, Jr. – PresidentJames serves as President of James F. Knott Realty Group. James participates in all facets of the company, including financing, development, construction, leasing and property management. James has been responsible for development and construction of more than 1 million square feet of office and industrial product since joining the company in the year 2000. James is also responsible for building and land transactions, land development, budget management, and building construction, both inside and outside the State of Maryland. James holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Boston College. He is the current President-Elect for NAIOP MD, and an active member of the Young Presidents Organization. James has two daughters and resides in Ruxton. |
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Bob Hamilton, Ed. D. – Chief Operating OfficerBob is responsible for leading and managing the daily operations of the James F. Knott family of companies and its 40 employees, including James F. Knott Property Management, Knott Homes, James F. Knott Construction, and the portfolio of commercial and residential real estate holdings. Bob has been active in the real estate industry for over 20 years. He holds an undergraduate degree in Finance from the University of Delaware, a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Baltimore, a Master’s degree in Psychology from Towson University, and a Doctorate from George Washington University in Executive Leadership/Human and Organizational Learning. He is an active member of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP), and a member of the Board of Trustees of The Sheppard Pratt Behavioral Health System and Family Services, Inc. Bob is married with two children and resides in Hunt Valley. |
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Ralph Lightner, CPA – Chief Financial OfficerMr. Lightner is responsible for all accounting, finance and tax planning for the James F. Knott family of companies. He also oversees the management of information technology. Mr. Lightner has over 18 years of experience in the field of public accounting and seven years of experience as a CFO in the private sector. In addition to being a CPA, he obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Frostburg State University, is a member of AICPA and MACPA, and has obtained the accreditation in Business Valuation (ABV) and Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) designations. Ralph is married with two children and resides in Parkton. |
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Dennis Gray – Vice President of Property ManagementMr. Gray is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Knott portfolio of properties, including office, warehouse and flex buildings, luxury apartments, and a manufactured home community. He is also responsible for all commercial tenant improvement work. Mr. Gray has over 30 years of experience in real estate management. His expertise includes managing condominiums, residential apartments, shopping centers, Class A office buildings, flex buildings, special purpose secure facilities and warehouses. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and a Master’s degree in Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. Dennis is married with two sons and resides in the Ellicott City area. |
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John Burch, Jr. – Vice President of ConstructionMr. Burch is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Knott’s construction division. Mr. Burch has been actively involved in the construction and real estate industries for over 30 years. He has extensive experience managing large projects, including design-build projects. Mr. Burch has significant expertise in pre-construction services relating to MEP disciplines and is a hands-on manager who maintains close involvement in all projects throughout the construction phase. Mr. Burch holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland and a Master’s in Business Administration and Finance from the University of Baltimore. |