Southern Management Companies
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Real estate, Property management |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Founder | David Hillman |
| Headquarters | McLean , United States |
Key people | Suzanne D. Hillman (CEO), Gabrielle Duvall (President) |
| Products | Residential apartments, hospitality properties, commercial real estate, ski resort |
Southern Management Companies is a privately held property management organization based in McLean, Virginia, with primary operations throughout the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Established in 1965 by entrepreneur David Hillman, the firm has grown significantly under the guidance of CEO Suzanne D. Hillman and President Gabrielle Duvall, securing a prominent position in the market.
The company's holdings encompass more than 25,000 apartment units spread across 76 residential communities, three hospitality properties, and roughly 1 million square feet of commercial real estate concentrated in the Baltimore and Washington, DC metropolitan area. Additionally, Southern Management owns Bear Creek, a ski resort featuring a hotel and conference facilities, situated in Macungie, Pennsylvania. This varied portfolio demonstrates their focus on residential, hospitality, and commercial real estate sectors, contributing to ongoing expansion and influence within their markets.
History
Originally founded as Central Management in 1965 by David Hillman, the company began its journey with the purchase of Lakeside North, a multifamily property located in Prince George's County, Maryland. The main office operates out of Vienna, Virginia, complemented by a secondary location in College Park, Maryland.
While primarily engaged in acquiring and managing apartment communities, Southern Management also undertakes development initiatives. Significant projects include The Hotel at the University of Maryland in College Park and the Arundel apartment complex in Hanover, Maryland—both inaugurated in 2017. In 2018, they developed and franchised the Cambria Hotel in College Park. The firm has also restored historic structures in downtown Baltimore such as the Standard Oil Building (now The Standard at Preston Gardens), the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company Building (39 West Lexington), and The Atrium.
In 2016, Southern Management was honored with the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for Performance Excellence specifically recognizing its workforce practices, highlighting its dedication to operational excellence and effective leadership.
In December 2017, founder David Hillman named Suzanne Hillman as CEO. Suzanne began her career with Southern Management in 1975 as an accountant and served over three decades as CFO before stepping into her current leadership role, ensuring consistent strategic direction.
Southern Management Leadership Program
The Southern Management Leadership Program (previously known as the Hillman Entrepreneurs Program) fosters local leadership by providing scholarships and mentorship opportunities at Prince George's Community College, Montgomery College, and the University of Maryland, College Park. Participants first complete associate degrees at either Prince George's or Montgomery before advancing as a group to finish their bachelor’s degrees at the University of Maryland. Alumni maintain enduring professional networks and community ties.
Founded by David Hillman alongside Suzanne Hillman (President and CEO of Southern Management Corporation) and the Hillman Family, this initiative supports educational advancement within Prince George's and Montgomery Counties—areas closely tied to Southern Management’s foundation and growth. Its aim is to develop leaders who utilize their education to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
The program provides significant financial assistance covering 55% of tuition costs at Montgomery or Prince George's Community Colleges and up to 50% at the University of Maryland. Additional resources include funding for textbooks and technology as well as personalized advising and mentorship from dedicated program directors at each participating institution.