Liz Smith

Liz Smith is AvalonBay’s North Carolina Lead, managing the regional corporate office in the new expansion market. She focuses on expanding pipelines, finding land and navigating the entitlement process to develop new communities. She was AvalonBay’s first “boots on the ground” in North Carolina and the first associate to move to the market in 2021. In three years, she helped grow the portfolio from zero to seven stabilized assets, including 1,500 apartments, with several others in the pipeline.

Specific deals include acquisition of a three-property portfolio in Charlotte, NC’s South End (Avalon South End, AVA South End and Avalon Hawk). She has also been involved in acquiring Avalon Perimeter Park and the DFP development deal for Avalon Durham. Additionally, she oversaw two land closings totaling 550 acres in Durham, NC.

Smith serves on the national steering committee for AvalonBay’s Women Leadership Network and was part of the initial pilot program several years ago. She is an integral part of the company’s culture club and has worked to develop the company’s cultural norms, including collaboration, innovation, thoughtfulness, ownership, and inclusivity. She is also active in AvalonBay’s community impact efforts and volunteers her time to help organize or participate in philanthropy events. As a working mother, she is a role model for countless women at AvalonBay.

Most recently, she joined the Advisory Board for the Wood Center for Real Estate at UNC Chapel Hill, where she advises MBA students and participates in the case competition task force.

These are just a few reasons Liz Smith is among the Atlanta & Southeast Connect CRE 2024 Women in Real Estate Award winners. Connect CRE’s Women in Real Estate Awards honor the achievements and inspirational stories of women who have reached respected leadership positions and taken on mentorship roles.