Six Questions for Doug Donatelli

WASHINGTON, DC-All things considered, First Potomac posted a strong year for 2011 and the fourth quarter. Not only did the company deliver strong funds from operations—a key metric for REITs—but it also exceeded its goal of one million square feet in new leases for the year, CEO Doug Donatelli told listeners in the recent earnings call. Come again? One million square feet of new leases? In a portfolio predominately located in the Washington DC and Mid-Atlantic region—where the watchword for government spending has become “don’t”? Yes. GlobeSt.com’s Erika Morphy spoke with Donatelli about the REIT’s performance and how it plans to ride out the ongoing Congressional logjam.  

  GlobeSt.com: You are a Washington REIT with Washington tenants—i.e. the government. How is the current political and fiscal environment impacting First Potomac?