THE TEAM
Steve O'Connor
Controller
Edward Bell
Principal
Edward Bell has more than thirty years of real estate experience, serving banks, institutional owners, and individual property owners. Edward’s experience in financial management, physical property rehabilitation, and aggressive marketing, management and leasing has created value for many of the properties throughout the region.
Edward oversees the day-to-day operations of Riverside’s property management team and major capital investment activities. Edward’s attention to detail and diligence keep the management team focused and ensures that all investors receive the highest possible return on investment. As former President of Fairmark Company, Boston, Edward provided asset management and redevelopment services to financial institutions with foreclosed real estate portfolios. Edward merged Fairmark with Brenner Associates in 1992 to create Riverside Properties.
Edward was also Executive Vice President of Liberty Properties Corp, Boston, where he had primary responsibility for acquisitions. He negotiated the purchases of multi-million dollar industrial properties from companies such as USX, Caterpillar, Eaton, Desoto, and Commercial Union Assurance Company. He was Controller for Private Investment Placements in Boston and a staff accountant and auditor at Coopers & Lybrand.
Edward received his MBA from Northeastern University, Boston, and his BA from American University, Washington DC.
Phone: (781) 237-8880 x226
Email: edbell@riversideprop.com
Brett has more than 10 years of real estate acquisition and redevelopment experience. Brett is responsible for identifying new investment opportunities for Riverside and developing strategic plans for each project. He also oversees all permitting and development activities within Riverside’s portfolio.
Prior to joining Riverside, Brett worked at Prudential Real Estate Investors (PGIM). At PGIM, Brett worked for their PRISA II investment fund, assisting in the management of over $3 billion of mixed-use, residential and retail developments across the United States and underwriting potential investments for the fund.
In addition to Brett's work for PRISA II, he led PREI's Global Sustainability Committee, which oversees the company's efforts surrounding environmental awareness and energy efficiency across all real estate investments. Brett's role for the Global Sustainability Committee was to develop a framework for the company to implement energy efficient solutions that would reduce operating expenses and increase values for all properties in PREI's global regions.
Brett graduated from Lehigh University with a B.S. in Economics and a B.S. in Integrated Business & Engineering.
Phone: (781) 237-8880 x219
Email: blevy@riversideprop.com
Brett Levy
Principal
Michael Rota
COO
Michael Rota joined Riverside Properties in August of 2020 as Chief Operating Officer responsible for leading the firm’s general operations. Mr. Rota has been involved in all facets of commercial real estate across multiple asset classes with extensive experience in portfolio management, asset management, leasing, property operations as well as capital planning and construction.
He most recently held the position of Director of Investments and Leasing at KS Partners who owns and operates 4,500,000 square feet of commercial office space. He was previously with Equus Capital Partners as Vice President of Asset Management - Northeast Region and has worked with Cushman & Wakefield and Lincoln Property Company - beginning his career at RM Bradley & Company.
Michael graduated from Stonehill College with a B.S. in Accounting.
Phone: (617) 631-4406
Email: mrota@riversideprop.com
Caroline McGovern
Tenant & Lease Administrator
Caroline joined Riverside’s Accounting Department as a Staff Accountant in 2007 and her duties quickly expanded into property management and leasing. In 2012 she became a Property Manager, and since 2018, she now serves as our Lease Administrator. Caroline tracks all leases in Riverside’s portfolio and handles transactions related to rents, tax, and CAM payments. She also prepares year-end reconciliations and budgets, and supervises the leasing of residential properties.
Prior to joining Riverside, Caroline worked in various accounting and management positions. She was Central Station Supervisor and Accountant for Advanced Alarms, and Assistant Property Manager & Cost Accountant for Simeone Builders. Caroline received her Accounting Degree from Northeastern University.
Phone: (781) 237-8880 x217
Email: CMcGovern@riversideprop.com
Diane Ashen
Property Manager
Diane joined Riverside in 2016 as assistant property manager. She comes from a professional background of more than 25 years in hospitality and retail management.
Promoted to property manager in 2018, Diane is responsible for the day- to- day operation of all commercial and retail properties, oversees our maintenance department, and supervises the unit turnover program. She also manages the Riverside main office.
Prior to joining Riverside, Diane worked with Boston based Winston Flowers, as Director of Retail and with Four Seasons Hotels as Chef Concierge and Director of Residences.
Phone: (781) 237-8880 x215
Email: DAshen@riversideprop.com
Steve has been with Riverside Properties for more than twelve years and oversees all of the day-to-day accounting functions and financial reporting.
Prior to Riverside Properties, Steve was responsible for accounting management and financial reporting for a national direct mail and travel company and a publically held restaurant chain. He graduated from Northeastern University with a B.S. in business administration.
Phone: (781) 237-8880 x225
Email: SOConnnor@riversideprop.com