The Wilhoit Properties, Inc. Executive Team
At Wilhoit Properties, Inc., our leadership team brings together decades of experience in affordable housing, property management, development, and community stewardship. United by a commitment to excellence, our executives guide every aspect of our organization with clarity, accountability, and a forward-looking vision.
We believe strong leadership creates strong communities. Our team’s expertise ensures that every property we manage and every partnership we build is supported by integrity, operational excellence, and a long-term dedication to serving residents, investors, and our broader communities.
Vaughn C. Zimmerman
Founder & Managing Member
Vaughn Zimmerman has served as Principal Developer and General Partner of Wilhoit Properties and its affiliated companies since 1986. During that time he has personally directed the development of more than 16,000 multifamily units across 14 states. Today, Vaughn maintains executive oversight of the platform and its related entities while leading the acquisition and disposition team that has transacted more than $1 billion in multifamily assets.
A licensed real estate broker with deep policy experience, Vaughn has served on numerous state and national boards and commissions dedicated to the creation and preservation of affordable and workforce housing.
Justin M. Zimmerman
Member
Justin Zimmerman oversees the development side of the business, having developed more than 10,000 apartment units since 1992, the vast majority of which qualify for low-income housing tax credits, where he has served as principal developer and general partner. Justin is a licensed real-estate agent and holds a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Missouri State University.
Robert C. Davidson
Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer
Robert Davidson serves as COO and CFO, directing all day-to-day operations, capital markets activity, and financial strategy for the platform. He oversees the firm’s debt and equity financing efforts, investor reporting, treasury, and accounting functions across the entire portfolio.
With more than 34 years of experience in real estate development, construction, and structured finance, Robert holds an MBA in Finance and Accounting from Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Accounting from Ohio Wesleyan University.
Paula Wilhoit
Executive Vice President of Property Management
Paula Wilhoit oversees all property management operations for a portfolio exceeding 16,000 multifamily units across the Midwest, South, and Southeast.
With more than 30 years of leadership in the industry, Paula brings deep expertise in lease-ups, acquisitions, renovations, and new construction projects. She specializes in tax credit properties, bond financing programs, repositioning distressed assets, and revitalizing financially and physically challenged real estate.
Paula is a Certified Property Manager (CPM) candidate with the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), a Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP), and holds real estate broker licenses in Arkansas and Missouri.
Tyler Smithson
Controller
Tyler Smithson serves as Controller for the platform, leading all accounting, financial reporting, compliance, and information technology functions across the firm’s operating, development, and construction entities.
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP), and Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP), Tyler is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA), and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
Tyler holds an MBA and a Master of Accountancy from Missouri State University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Finance.
Aaron Jernigan
Vice President of Real Estate Acquisitions
Aaron Jernigan plays an instrumental role in sourcing, underwriting, and executing multifamily acquisitions and dispositions across the platform. He also serves as a key point of contact for investor relations and capital partnerships.
With more than 27 years of experience in real estate, banking, and structured finance, Aaron previously spent 12 years as President of Mortgage Banking at a regional financial institution, where he oversaw the origination and funding of more than $4 billion in residential and commercial mortgages.
Aaron holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Missouri State University.
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