Larken Associates on Tuesday announced the promotion of Jessica Heckman to executive vice president of Multifamily Operations.
The appointment marks a significant leadership milestone for the firm. Heckman, a 15-year veteran of Larken Associates, will now take the helm of asset management, property management, and leasing strategies for the firm’s “Larken Living” residential brand.
Heckman’s rise within the Branchburg-headquartered firm is a testament to Larken’s culture of internal development. Since joining in 2008, she has climbed nearly every rung of the operational ladder.
Heckman’s career path at Larken:
- 2008: Joined as Construction Assistant / Assistant to the COO.
- Mid-Career: Served as Property Manager and Senior Property Manager.
- 2018: Promoted to Director of Residential Asset Management.
- 2026: Named Executive Vice President of Multifamily Operations.
“Jessica’s promotion reflects the significant impact she’s had on the growth and performance of our portfolio,” Lenny Tartamella, chief operating officer at Larken Associates said. “She’s been an invaluable member of our team since the day she started.”
The promotion comes at a time of unprecedented growth for the firm. Since 2020, Heckman has been instrumental in the lease-up of over 1,100 apartments, contributing to a staggering 45% increase in the Larken Living portfolio.
In addition to managing physical assets, Heckman has gained national attention for her ability to balance technology with hospitality. She has led the charge in standardizing AI-driven processes and online chatbots to streamline leasing, while maintaining a “resident-first” philosophy.
“Having grown alongside the firm for more than 15 years, I’m proud of the strong teams we’ve built,” Heckman said. “I look forward to continuing to scale our multifamily platform while maintaining the high standards of service and innovation our residents expect.”
With Heckman at the helm of operations, Larken is positioned to manage an increasingly complex footprint across the tri-state area.
Heckman holds the prestigious Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation from the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), a credential that underscores her expertise in high-level asset performance and compliance.
