William Lightner, Jr., JD, Real Estate Broker – President and CEO

Bill Lightner is a native San Franciscan and graduate of University of San Francisco and Hastings College of the Law. Before entering real estate, he practiced as a business lawyer. 

Bill founded Lightner Property Group with his wife Merrie in 1984. A 20-plus year veteran of three real estate cycles, Bill’s focus has been finding and financing investment opportunities, adding value to property and the asset management of multi-property portfolios. His development experience includes winning General Plan Amendments and rezoning approvals, residential in-fill redevelopment, suburban land development and merchant building, as well as the renovation of existing income properties. 

Merrie Turner Lightner, JD, Real Estate Broker – Vice President and CFO

Merrie Turner Lightner grew up in Southern California, but she has made San Francisco her home since 1979. She graduated from Pomona College and the University of California School of Law at Davis. Her legal background includes both real estate and labor management law. 

Merrie has held several prominent positions at the local and state level of the real estate community including President of the California Apartment Association (1999), a three term President of the San Francisco Apartment Association (1996-1998), and serving as one of two voting :Landlord Commissioners on the San Francisco Rent and Stabilization Board for more than 12 years (1992 - 2004).

At both the local and state level she has crafted important legislation, developed policies and assisted in setting reasonable, realistic and acceptable standards for the ethical management of residential housing. She regularly shares her expertise as a guest speaker, through written articles and at local apartment association meetings.

She is currently developing the content for a web site (http://www.MyRentalUnits.com) focused on the management of residential properties. The site will be membership based and is expected to be launched in late 2006.

Arthur Swanson, Jr. – CCRM, Real Estate Licensee, Notary Public – Project Manager

Originally from New York, Art Swanson has been a California resident since 1983. Art has been a member of the Lightner Property Group team since 1987 when he became the Resident Manager at 1635 Gough Street. Art is a seasoned Project Manager, responsible for overseeing all of the Lightner Property Group building renovations, maintenance, and a team of seasoned on-site managers. 

Art has been a Certified Residential Manager since 1996 and has held a California real estate license since 2001. Art completed his San Francisco Neighborhood Emergency Response training in 2000.Art has been hired as an expert witness in several cases at the San Francisco Rent and Stabilization Board. Art is both a contributor to and owner of http://www.MyRentalUnits.com. Art is currently a Board Member of the Professional Property Manager’s Association in San Francisco and a member of NARPM. 

Mike DeSorcie – Real Estate Licensee – Senior Accountant

Mike DeSorcie has over fifteen years of accounting experience, with more than ten years in the real estate industry. Since 1994 he has worked primarily for real estate management firms managing residential, commercial and industrial properties. He spent four years as a resident manager of apartments in Oakland and Berkeley for Berger Enterprises of Oakland. Mike has held a California real estate license since 1992. He joined the LPG team in September 2003.

Another East Coast transplant, he has enjoyed life in the San Francisco Bay Area since the summer of 1982. He was born in Vermont, grew up in the northern edge of the Adirondacks, and attended college at the University of Albany, New York.

Cathleen C. Higgins - Communications Director and Human Resources Manager

Joined Lightner Property Group in November, 2007, transitioning from a position with Larry J. Hoff Realty in Seattle, Washington. Cathleen has over a decade of experience in real estate marketing and sales support. She holds a degree in English from a California University and a Certificate in Graphic Design from The Art Institute of Seattle. She also held a Washington Real Estate License and is obtaining her California Real Estate License.

Cathleen enjoys working with kids, encouraging literacy, through mentoring children and writing her children’s book series, The Recyclables. She also is happily married to a Seattle native who forces (yeah, right!) her to frequent golf courses weekly.

Jason Swanson - Office Coordinator & Reception

Details to come soon.

Alice Chiong - Staff Accountant

Alice joined the Lightner Property Group team after graduated from University of San Francisco with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance in May 2007. Originally from Hong Kong, Alice has made San Francisco her “second home” since the fall of 2003. While growing up in a real-estate focused city, she developed tremendous interest and extensive insight in the market.

Alice had experience working and residing in variety of regions and countries, but she certifies that San Francisco is her favorite city in the world – So far.
 

Resident Managers for affiliated companies and clients.

Lightner Property Group is a San Francisco based asset, property management and development firm specializing in in-fill development, urban housing and commercial property investments. The company provides real estate management, consulting, brokerage and development services. Lightner Property Group, its clients and affiliates offer Equal Housing and Employment Opportunities.