As Cortland’s Global Head of Sustainability, Cass leads the firm’s sustainability strategy, shaping and executing the long-term integration of sustainability and responsible investment practices across the business. She partners closely with investment, operations, and senior leadership teams to design, position, and evolve sustainability solutions that align with investor demand, market trends, and the firm’s long-term growth objectives.
Cass oversees ESG reporting and compliance, benchmarking, certifications, and stakeholder disclosures. She also leads internal collaboration and builds external partnerships that advance energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and climate resilience across Cortland’s portfolio.
Prior to joining Cortland, Cass served as Vice President of Sustainability for Bozzuto, led utilities management for public REIT AvalonBay, and worked in the energy industry as a regulatory professional. She holds a Master of Science in Energy Policy and Climate from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and Political Science from Case Western Reserve University.
Areas of Expertise:
- Sustainability
- Multifamily
- Regulations
Panel: Real Estate Market Study
Additional Speakers & Panelists 2026
Adenah Bayoh
FOYA DEVELOPMENT GROUP Founder and Chief Executive Officer New Jersey Project Highlight Speaker at Gala
Gabrielle “Gabby” M. Davis
KELLER WILLIAMS WEST ATLANTA Operating Principal Georgia Gala Speaker
Myles Cardenas
TAYLOR MORRISON Senior Land Planning and Development Manager Georgia Panelist
Jordon Tench
O'DWYER PROPERTIES Director of Land Acquisition and Development Georgia Panelist
Cedric Matheny
T. DALLAS SMITH & COMPANY Partner & Executive Vice President Georgia Panelist
