The partner of choice in affordable housing

WHO WE ARE

Established in 2011 in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, The Clear Blue Company has grown to over $850 million in assets and 4,250 units throughout the Southeast.

CBC's unique, resident-first model transforms affordable housing beyond providing shelter through programming, resources, and community initiatives. Further, we incorporate the resident voice into our process, ensuring we are prioritizing their needs and concerns.

Life at The Clear Blue Company

CBC is made up of six teams that work together to solve the affordable housing crisis: Acquisitions, Asset Management, Construction, Development, Finance, and Administration

WHAT WE VALUE

Giant Gold Star

Giant Gold Star

We celebrate our team members and recognize the hard work of those who assist our team and contribute to our success.

Rent the truck

Rent the truck

Everyone is empowered to be proactive and take ownership in their work – we encourage everyone to use their unique skills, abilities, and judgment to do what they believe is best for the business.

Push to expand

Push to expand

We value personal growth and professional growth, and we encourage everyone to step out of their comfort zones in order to reach their goals - both personally and professionally.

We have difficult conversations quickly

We have difficult conversations quickly

We strive to be open and honest with each other. This means being transparent with peers and leadership, so we can solve problems and move the business forward together.

Life at The Clear Blue Company

THE TEAM

This is the team working every day to solve the affordable housing crisis

Suzette Baston

Staff Accountant
I was a very curious child, I asked a thousand questions and wanted to understand how things worked.

Suzette Baston

Staff Accountant

Suzette is a Staff Accountant at CBC and is responsible for processing vendor invoices, preparing weekly suggested vendor payment schedules, maintaining vendor databases within multiple accounting software platforms, preparing accounts payable scorecards, and assisting with preparation of project closeouts.

With over three decades of expertise, Suzette’s career spans various financial roles, including directing Accounts Payable at HighTouch Business Services, serving as a Plant Controller at Carlex, and managing Accounts Receivable at Boatman Express. 

Beyond her professional pursuits, Suzette’s passion for financial education extends to community involvement, where she offers classes via Zoom and works one-on-one with individuals and families under the mission “No Family Left Behind,” teaching effective money management strategies.

Anna Disser

Construction Finance & Project Manager
I love woodworking and refinishing furniture!

Anna Disser

Construction Finance & Project Manager

With over two decades of diverse experience spanning real estate development, construction management, and financial oversight, Anna is responsible for vendor relations, construction accounting, project due diligence, and procurement at CBC. Throughout her tenure, she has effectively managed complex real estate transactions, secured financing, and successfully closed multiple projects, securing substantial development fees. Her background also includes roles such as Project Coordinator, Construction Manager, and Real Estate Project Manager, highlighting her multifaceted expertise across the real estate industry.

In addition to professional endeavors, she actively contributes to community initiatives, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, Elizabeth Ministries, and serving as the Auction Chair for St. Henry School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Minor in Spanish from the University of Tennessee, graduating Magna Cum Laude with Honors. Complementing her degree, she pursued accounting courses at Belmont University and through online platforms. She is a proud mom of two rambunctious teen boys.

Dan Ford

Director of Business Development
Proud golfer. Even prouder grandpa.

Dan Ford

Director of Business Development

Dan leads business development for the firm. Prior to joining Clear Blue, Dan served as President and Partner of Elmington Property Management. Dan was a founder of EPM in 2013. He also developed company policies, hired senior management personnel, and built the firm’s culture. His experience and knowledge brings invaluable leadership to CBC.

 

  • Over 30 years in multi- family property management and operations
  • Successfully leased more than 50 properties including market rate and LIHTC
  • Grew Elmington from 700 units to over 35,000 units during his tenure there

Genny Freeman

Corporate Controller
My comfort TV show is Law and Order SVU because Olivia Benson is the universal crush!

Genny Freeman

Corporate Controller

With an extensive 35-year tenure in CPA/CFO roles specializing in financial systems, ERP implementations, and consulting within real estate, development, general contracting, and manufacturing sectors, Genny brings a wealth of expertise to The Clear Blue Company as the Corporate Controller. Her mission is to ensure the financial well-being of the company by establishing and coordinating accounting processes, providing strategic financial direction, and interacting closely with the executive team to deliver performance feedback to each division.

A proud alumnus of Austin Peay State University with a BBA and a CPA since 1994, her dedication has been acknowledged through accolades like the President’s Award at NAA, recognition for delivering an embezzlement audit to the Grand Jury, and ensuring 14 consecutive years without audit adjustments.

Alongside professional pursuits, she actively engages with various community initiatives including Habitat for Humanity, Hands on Nashville, Toys for Tots, and volunteering as the PTO Treasurer, while also serving as a Metro Davidson Mentor at Percy Priest Elementary.

Valecia Horton

Director of Investor Relations and Transactions
I once had my pilot license.

Valecia Horton

Director of Investor Relations and Transactions

Val serves as the Director of Investor Relations and Transactions, ensuring seamless administrative functions and a supportive work environment aligned with the firm’s strategic objectives. Overseeing investor relations, property acquisitions, capital events, culture and other critical areas, she’s the consistent point of contact between the company and its investors, fostering strong relationships and effective communication. Val’s professional journey includes roles at Continuum Planning Partners, Groups360, and Vaco, showcasing her adeptness in operations and executive support.

A graduate of Belmont University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and a Minor in Music Business, Val balances her professional life with a passion for family and personal interests. A devoted mother to her 13-year-old daughter, she also proudly embraces her love for Disney as a self-proclaimed Disney Adult.

Will Hyche

Construction Superintendent
My first concert was Kenny Chesney.

Will Hyche

Construction Superintendent

With five years of dedicated experience, Will specializes in facilitating smooth operations within construction projects, collecting subcontractors’ data for accurate estimates, and orchestrating contract schedules for seamless coordination between subcontractors and clients.

Formerly at Turner Construction, Will honed his skills in creating safe job site environments and fostering effective communication between subcontractors and owners. He attended Auburn University and has a degree in Building Science and Construction.

Michael Mahony

Senior Acquisitions Associate
My hidden talent is I can do accents really well.

Michael Mahony

Senior Acquisitions Associate

Bringing a combined 10 years of expertise in finance and real estate, Michael specializes in sourcing and underwriting investment opportunities, conducting comprehensive economic and market research, and negotiating deals. His background includes roles as an Investment Consultant at Willis Towers Watson where he advised pension plans and an Investment Analyst at PanAgora Asset Management where he fostered diverse skills in asset allocation and analysis.

Michael received a BS in Economics-Finance from Bentley University, a MBA from Vanderbilt Owen, and has a CFA designation. His notable accomplishments include serving as the President of the Owen Real Estate Club, showcasing leadership and dedication in the realm of real estate education and networking, as well as volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.

Shana McCue

Renovations Operations Manager
My walk-out song would be 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton.

Shana McCue

Renovations Operations Manager

Shana has over 20 years of experience in Asset Management. At CBC, she leads and manages project teams, while ensuring accountability, conducting thorough due diligence inspections, and crafting Capex budgets for renovation projects at Clear Blue Renovations.

Her extensive background includes roles in the construction and asset management fields as a Community Director, Renovations Project Manager, Director of Construction Finance, General Contractor for both residential and commercial projects, and an Operations Manager in Construction.

Committed to giving back, she engages with Ronald McDonald House, Exit Zero, and serves in the Elementary Ministry at Graceland Church. Outside work, she’s an avid traveler, a proud mother of boys, and an enthusiast for books and podcasts.

Keegan Monahan

Asset Management Associate
I'm originally from Hilton Head Island, SC (I *actually* like long walks on the beach).

Keegan Monahan

Asset Management Associate

Keegan Monahan is an Asset Management Associate at The Clear Blue Company, where he assists in developing annual budgets and business plans for maximizing Net Operating Income (NOI) across the portfolio. His responsibilities include analyzing monthly financial statements, monitoring occupancy, and conducting market analysis to inform pricing strategies.

Before transitioning into asset management, Keegan worked in music business management, assisting high-net-worth musicians, and gained hands-on property management experience during his internships. He also served as a Finance Intern for the Town of Bluffton, SC, overseeing a $60 million budget focused on capital improvements.

Keegan is passionate about UGA football, enjoys paddle boarding on the weekends, and loves spending time with his English springer spaniel, Buoy.

Autumn Newsom

Assistant Development Manager
My comfort TV show is Survivor - my whole family would sit down and watch it together when I was younger.

Autumn Newsom

Assistant Development Manager

Autumn has a diverse background in construction, and maintenance roles that she brings to her role at CBC, where she specializes in assisting development managers with ground-up development projects, project budgeting, schedule tracking, meticulous monthly reporting, and project turnover.

She has a Civil Engineering degree from Tennessee Technological University and recognition as an Engineer in Training (EIT). Committed to community enrichment, Autumn is actively involved with Tucker’s House, channeling her passion for both professional excellence and social impact.

Matthew Nicholson

President
My walk-out song would be Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix.

Matthew Nicholson

President

Matt leads strategic initiatives for CBC, including oversight of business performance and growth, as well as sourcing development and preservation opportunities. With over 20 years of experience, Matt’s expertise in leading high-performing, revenue generating teams and building strong external relationships help drive CBC’s growing presence in the affordable housing space.

Matt is an alumnus of Leadership Nashville and was a Nashville Business Journal 40 Under 40 award recipient.  An active member of the community, Matt is heavily involved in the Urban Land Institute and is a board member for Habitat for Humanity and Valor Collegiate Academies.  He also serves on the board of Catholic Charities where he and his family actively volunteer.

Nick Ogden

Founder and CEO
I'm an avid lover of the outdoors and adventure sports.

Nick Ogden

Founder and CEO

Nick Ogden is the founder and CEO of The Clear Blue Company (CBC), a Nashville-based private equity real estate firm. CBC manages over $850 million in assets and oversees 4,854 units across 16 markets in the Southeastern United States.

CBC’s primary focus is on addressing the affordable housing crisis while delivering attractive returns to investors and promoting upward mobility for its residents. Nick is a strong advocate for increasing the supply of workforce housing as the key solution to this issue. CBC is tackling this challenge at a regional level through two main strategies: preserving existing workforce housing and developing new units. The long-term goal is to use their expertise and regional influence to impact national housing policy that will increase supply.

Nick’s connection to Nashville began in 2003 when he moved to the city to attend Vanderbilt University, where he later met his wife. Currently residing in East Nashville with his wife and two daughters, he actively engages with the community as a Board member of Nashville Classical Charter School and the East End Neighborhood Association.

Beyond his role at CBC, Nick is an engaged entrepreneur. He is an active participant in the Entrepreneurs Organization and serves as a mentor through the Nashville Entrepreneur Center and Urban League’s Red Academy. His commitment to addressing housing issues and fostering community development reflects his deep ties to Nashville and his dedication to creating positive change.

Thomas Paduch

Director of Design and Construction
My comfort TV show is American Idol because the show is life changing.

Thomas Paduch

Director of Design and Construction

Tom is CBC’s Director of Design and Construction, spearheading day-to-day operations for Clear Blue’s Development & Ground-Up Construction projects, curating project teams, overseeing renovation operations, and aiding in strategic decision-making. Previously, Tom held various roles at Turner Construction Company, progressing from Project Engineer to Senior Project Manager and Superintendent.

Beyond his professional life, he is actively engaged within the community, serving as the Construction Committee Chair for Tucker’s House and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. Tom’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Mississippi State University, laying the foundation for his dedication to the construction industry.

Michael Petit

Vice President, Operations
I am a licensed fly fishing guide.

Michael Petit

Vice President, Operations

Michael Petit is the VP of Operations for the Clear Blue Company. In his role, Mike is responsible for ensuring the successful execution of the company’s strategy, leading and managing members of the senior leadership team, and overseeing the internal operations of the firm.

He has held various positions at Goldman, Sachs; JMH Capital Partners; and, most recently, Darwin Homes, a vertically-integrated real estate investment management platform, where he served as VP of Operations.

Earlier in his career, Mike served in the U.S. Marine Corps as an advisor to partnered nation security forces and government officials while conducting counterinsurgency operations in South and Central Asia. He holds an MBA from the Stern School of Business at New York University and a BA in Philosophy from Boston College.

Brittany Pruitt

Accounts Payable, Jr. Accountant
I played competitive travel softball for most my childhood.

Brittany Pruitt

Accounts Payable, Jr. Accountant

With 11 years of expertise in finance and accounting, Brittany Pruitt serves as a Jr. Accountant, Accounts Payable adeptly managing various responsibilities crucial to financial operations. Her skills encompass processing vendor invoices, maintaining vendor databases, reconciling credit card transactions, and providing valuable support in project closeouts. 

Brittany’s past experience includes roles such as an Accounts Payable Specialist at ACE Accounting, Property Accountant at Avison Young, Corporate Accounting Coordinator at Associate Property Management, and an Accounting Assistant at Showtime.

Beyond her professional commitments, Brittany actively engages with her community by volunteering and fostering animals at local rescues and shelters.  

Kathryn Ricketts

Director of Asset Management
I was a competitive gymnast and still love the sport. The 1996 US Women’s Olympic Team will always have a special place in my heart.

Kathryn Ricketts

Director of Asset Management

Kat serves as CBC’s Director of Asset Management. Bringing 13 years of experience, she creates comprehensive strategies for business plans, develops internal reporting metrics, and oversees distressed property revitalization, additionally supporting acquisitions through due diligence processes. She is also responsible for overseeing the annual budget process, providing insights and direction to Operation Teams regarding expense management, revenue growth, and overall impact of market conditions.

Previously at Continental Realty Corporation, Kat held a variety of roles in asset management where her responsibilities included orchestrating operational best practices, directing budget processes, and managing a large portfolio of assets where she oversaw capital and renovation projects, as well as monthly investment returns.

Kat graduated with a BA from Dickinson College, and she is certified as an L1 Crossfit Instructor and volunteers at Alive Hospice.

Casey Sikora

Asset Manager
Lived in 5 states over the course of my adult life.

Casey Sikora

Asset Manager

As an Asset Manager with 13 years of multifamily experience, Casey specializes in ensuring the financial health of portfolios, internal reporting, site operations, and fostering transparent communication with lenders and investors at CBC. Prior to joining CBC, she was responsible for overseeing a Southern portfolio across Tennessee, Texas, and North Carolina, where she led teams, completed lease-up communities, and developed talent. Additionally, she served as a property manager across Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio, managing diverse assets, cultivating teams, and maintaining robust communication with ownership groups.

Casey volunteers with Habitat for Humanity in Middle Tennessee and aided in cleanup efforts following the 2020 Nashville Tornado, emphasizing a commitment to the local community. Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s in Strategic Marketing from Western Kentucky University, and she has completed Fundamental Training of LIHTC Compliance, the Invest in You program focusing on leadership, and the honor of being a Diamond Club Recipient at Peak Campus in 2016.

Ashley Stockton-Massie

Director of Acquisition Rehabilitation
My walk-out song would be 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton.

Ashley Stockton-Massie

Director of Acquisition Rehabilitation

Ashley Stockton-Massie is the Director of Acquisition Rehabilitation at The Clear Blue Company (CBC), a Nashville-based private equity real estate firm. Ashley’s primary focus at CBC is to promote and address the affordable housing crisis through the creation and preservation of affordable housing. Throughout her career she has transacted on over $150 million in acquisitions and dispositions of deals financed using Low Income Housing Tax Credits. She brings over 12 years of experience previously working at Grubb & Ellis (Newmark), The CoStar Group, Enfield Management Company and Highmark Holdings, LLC.

Ashley lives in Nashville with her husband, son and dog. She enjoys traveling America’s backroads, listening to live music and traveling.  Ashley holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Corporate Communication from Southeast Missouri State University and a Master of Real Estate Development from Auburn University.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ashley is deeply committed to community engagement and professional development through her involvement in a Women’s Affordable Housing Network, Urban Land Institute, NH&RA Tennessee Developers Council and the Auburn MRED Alumni Council.

Carter Swayze

Development Manager
I’m an avid outdoorsman – any time spent outside makes me happy.

Carter Swayze

Development Manager

Carter brings a unique blend of expertise in affordable housing and real estate development, with four years of experience in the field. As a Development Manager, he oversees the entire lifecycle of multifamily development, from site evaluation to property lease-up, ensuring meticulous attention to detail at every stage. Carter excels in financial analysis, securing funding for projects, and fostering business development and community engagement initiatives.

His prior roles include serving as a Senior Development Associate at Standard Communities, where he successfully opened the Nashville office and as a Development Associate at LDG Development, where he played a key role in  closing financing for hundreds of homes in Tennessee. Carter’s participation has been key in the development of nearly 1,500 units of affordable housing in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.

Carter is closely involved in community service, volunteering weekly with Men of Valor at Riverbend Prison, serving on the board of AWAKE Nashville, and actively participating in organizations like the Phoenix Club and ULI’s Housing Action Council. An honors graduate of the University of Mississippi with a double major in Managerial Finance & Banking Finance, Carter lives in Nashville with his wife, their newborn son, and their three labrador retrievers.

Dan Tetsell

Vice President, Acquisitions
My most hilarious job was when I was a lifeguard at a water park that hadn’t opened yet.

Dan Tetsell

Vice President, Acquisitions

With 18 years of experience in real estate investments and CBC’s Vice President of Acquisitions, Dan specializes in sourcing and underwriting new opportunities, conducting thorough market research, and negotiating deals for various property types. Additionally, he presents investment opportunities to the deal committee, works with lenders to secure debt financing, and coordinates due diligence on new acquisitions.

Formerly a Multi-Family Broker at Marcus & Millichap in Denver and an Acquisitions Analyst at Real Capital Solutions, Dan is familiar with a diverse array of investment products, from fractured condos to non-performing loans.

Educationally, Dan holds a BA in Natural Resources Recreation and Tourism from Colorado State University and an MBA in Finance from the University of Denver. Among his achievements, he won the 2011 Denver ACG Case competition and has conquered Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the western hemisphere.

Building a team where every background belongs

Our people take precedent. We take time to make sure every person we interact with feels seen, valued, and has a sense of belonging.

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