Update 9/10/18 – ASM has hired Cherry Blanton as chief financial officer. Previously, she was a managing director and shareholder for CBIZ & MHM, a national financial services and accounting firm. She served clients in a variety of industries with diverse types of owners, ranging from private-equity firms to family groups. Her specialized skillset was developed through experience with clients in real estate, investments and debt portfolios, and distribution industries over the past 18 years. Prior to public accounting, Blanton held corporate accounting positions with privately held companies in the airline and marine industries, according to a press release.
Blanton serves as the board treasurer for Financial Executives International and is a past president of the Memphis chapter of the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants. She’s also been long-time mentor for University of Memphis students through its Memphis Institute for Leadership Education, where she also holds an advisory-board position.
5/17/18 – Absolute Storage Management (ASM), a self-storage owner and property-management firm, has announced changes to its leadership team, naming Scott Beatty as CEO, Jennifer Barnett as chief operating officer (COO) and Matt Bailey as chief investment officer. Michael Haugh will remain chairman, primarily seeking acquisition and development opportunities for the firm. It’s the first executive-leadership change in the company’s 16-year history, according to a press release.
Beatty, who previously served as chief financial officer, is an ASM founding partner with more than 20 years of industry experience. As CEO, he’ll focus on the direction of the company, and continue to lead its growth and performance in the industry. “I’m really looking forward to continuing the fantastic growth trajectory that we’ve had over the past few years, while focusing in on our internal systems and team members,” Beatty said.
Barnett was formerly vice president of operations. She joined the company in 2007 as a property manager and has held various positions within the operations team. In her new position, Barnett will oversee daily operation, continue development of the operations team, and strive to uphold the company’s mission statement of “growing successful partnerships with our customers, team members and investors by delivering excellence in service,” the release stated.
Baily, also a founding partner, was formerly the firm’s COO. In his new role, he’ll help clients evaluate acquisition and development opportunities with a focus on joint ventures and partnerships. “ASM’s ability to treat each client and location as individuals is what sets it apart from the competition,” he said.
Founded in 2002, ASM operates 105 properties in 15 states. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., it has regional offices in Atlanta; Charlotte, N.C.; Jackson, Miss.; and Nashville, Tenn.