Snyder Langston Names President

Rochford becomes the third president in the 46-year history of Irvine-based Snyder Langston, which is one of Orange County's oldest builders and developers of commercial and industrial real estate projects. Rochford succeeds Stephen Jones, who is now chairman, with founder Bill Langston becoming chairman emeritus.

Rochford will oversee a firm that has grown to an approximate sales volume in 2004 of $255 million and a staff of 115. He joined Snyder Langston in 1985 as a project manager and during his tenure he advanced through the company's ranks to VP and most recently EVP and COO. Jones, who joined Snyder Langston in 1980 and was appointed president in 1986 when founder Don Snyder retired, plans to focus on strategic planning, business development and real estate investments. Langston will continue as a member of Snyder Langston's board and will work on special projects.

Sharf, formerly an SVP at Studley, established the firm's Orange County office in 1987 and currently manages Studley's operations in the region. He has been a Studley stockholder since 1990, serving as a senior strategist and lead negotiator. He has represented tenants in more than 4 million sf of transactions valued at more than $400 million.

Kearns and Schonfeld, who have both been senior executives at LBA Realty, join the firm's existing principals Phil Belling, Steve Layton, David Thomas and Steve Briggs. Kearns has been with LBA for 10 years and has specialized in running the LBA acquisition program in partnership with David Thomas. Schonfeld has been with LBA for eight years and has focused on the company's operations and property management. They both will continue to retain these areas of responsibility.

Smith will have responsibility Newcastle's Southern California development projects from site acquisitions and entitlements through development, leasing and sales. He has more than 15 years of experience in commercial and industrial development and management. He joined Newcastle Partners in 2003 from Panattoni Development, where he was responsible for approximately 4.5 million sf of commercial and industrial projects as senior development manager for the company in Southern California.