Berliner Tapped as FCRC's COO

NEW YORK CITY-Less than two weeks after taking the reins at Forest City Ratner Cos., MaryAnne Gilmartin has named her replacement in her previous role, as well as a new COO. David Berliner, formerly general counsel at FCRC, has stepped up to the COO's office, while Melissa Roman Burch takes Gilmartin's old job as EVP of commercial and residential development. In addition, Ashley Cotton has been promoted to SVP of external affairs and chief of staff to the CEO.

“David has long been a valuable member of the executive team with a thorough knowledge of the entire company,” says Gilmartin, who took over as FCRC's president and CEO on April 17, in a release. As COO, Berliner will be “a key member of my leadership team and a great partner as I take over the day-to-day responsibilities of the company.” Company founder Bruce Ratner, who named Gilmartin to her new responsibilities, will remain as executive chairman.

While serving as FCRC's COO, Berliner will continue to oversee legal matters, including company transactions, project development, property management and litigation. Livia Corredor and David Esterman have been promoted to co-directors of legal affairs to assist him in this area.

Burch, who was named to the 2012 “40 Under 40” list by Real Estate Forum, GlobeSt.com's sister publication, joined FCRC in 2003. In her new role, she will guide the roll-out of the Atlantic Yards development in Brooklyn, activate existing sites in the development pipeline and identify new development opportunities, according to a release.

Cotton joined the company in 2012 as VP for external affairs, coming into FCRC from the public sector, where she served as a senior policy advisor to Mayor Michael Bloomberg. She will continue to run the external affairs desk while assisting with strategic planning and companywide communications.