Scottsdale-based Greenlight Communities, a company dedicated to constructing privately-financed, attainable workforce housing, announced the appointment of Brian Kearney as its chief operating officer.

With a career spanning back to 1987, Kearney brings a wealth of experience to his new role, a press release stated. His extensive professional background encompasses management and executive positions across the public, nonprofit and private sectors.

Noteworthy highlights include overseeing downtown redevelopment and business attraction initiatives for the city of Phoenix, serving as president and CEO of the Downtown Phoenix Partnership, holding the positions of chief operating officer and president at Gray Development and most recently, playing a key role in the creation and development of Arizona State University’s Novus Innovation Corridor as first vice president at Catellus Development Corporation.

“Greenlight Communities’ innovative efforts to construct and provide attainable workforce housing in Arizona have earned my sincere admiration,” Kearney said in the release. “The pressing demand, not only in this state but across the nation, for non-subsidized, high-quality communities that offer rents affordable to teachers, first responders, health care workers, retail employees and other essential workers cannot be overstated. I look forward to utilizing the great experiences I’ve been fortunate to have in my career to make a meaningful contribution to Greenlight’s profoundly significant mission.”

As part of his ongoing commitment to civic engagement and growth, Kearney is also a member of leading industry organizations such as the Urban Land Institute and Valley Partnership, according to the release. He has served on the board of directors for numerous other community and trade organizations.

As an integral part of Greenlight Communities’ growth strategy, Pat Watts, senior partner and co-founder, will transition from COO to CEO, where she will put a strong emphasis on the development and expansion of Greenlight’s Cabana and Streamliner brands.