J.B. Brown & Sons, a privately held commercial real estate development and management company in Portland, announced the appointment of Stuart “Tuck” O’Brien as president and CEO, effective July 1.
O’Brien will succeed Vin Veroneau, who has served in those roles since 2005. Veroneau will remain a member of the board of directors.
Tuck O’Brien. FILE PHOTO / COURTESY MAINE REDEVELOPMENT LAND BANK AUTHORITY
“He understands Maine markets, values long term stewardship and knows how to align diverse stakeholders to move complex projects forward,” Tod Dana, the board’s chair, said of O’Brien.
Downtown redevelopment
Founded in 1830, J.B. Brown has owned and managed a diversified portfolio of office, retail, hospitality, and mixed-use properties across the region.
Under Veroneau’s leadership, J.B. Brown has seen significant growth, redevelopment and expansion of its portfolio. It repositioned several long-held and underutilized assets, including development of the Veteran’s Administration Outpatient Clinic and the Courtyard by Marriott, both on Commercial Street, and redevelopment of a city block on Free Street.
More recently, Veroneau led the company’s expansion into the Bangor market.
Challenges and opportunity
O’Brien brings more than 20 years of experience in real estate development, public policy and complex project execution across Northern New England. Most recently, he served as executive director of the Maine Redevelopment Land Bank Authority, whose goal is to help communities move difficult redevelopment projects from stagnation toward productive reuse.
O’Brien led the organization from concept to an operational entity. During his tenure, Maine Redevelopment launched a redevelopment toolkit for Maine communities, expanded technical assistance and redevelopment support across the state, and helped advance projects in communities including East Millinocket and Hartland.
Earlier in his career, O’Brien served as planning director for the city of Portland, where he oversaw development review, long range planning and comprehensive zoning reform during a period of significant growth and investment. He held senior legal and leadership roles in the private and public sectors, including Tilson Technology and the Maine Public Utilities Commission.
“At a time when Maine faces both real challenges and significant opportunity, I believe organizations like J.B. Brown can play an important role in helping communities grow in durable and resilient ways,” said O’Brien.
