Laura Russ — Principal

Laura is a real estate leader and educator with deep experience across multifamily operations, asset management, and development in both private and nonprofit ownership environments. She brings an owner’s perspective to complex property and portfolio challenges, grounded in firsthand operating experience and a practical understanding of how ownership decisions translate into property performance.

In addition to her consulting affiliation, Laura currently serves as Executive Director of the Shenehon Center for Real Estate at the University of St. Thomas. In that role, she works at the intersection of industry, policy, and research, advancing practical and data informed approaches to real estate and housing. Before this role, Laura was Chief Real Estate Officer at Aeon, a large nonprofit affordable housing provider. Earlier in her career, she led asset management at Thies & Talle Management, a Minneapolis-based multifamily owner and operator, and led the Business Process Group at WinnResidential, one of the nation’s largest housing managers. Throughout her career, she has consulted with numerous housing providers through both Pine Street Partners and Viva Consulting.

Laura;s perspective on ownership began early, growing up in a family rental business and spending summers working in management offices. She later worked as a Property Manager and Regional Property Manager, transitioning portfolios and integrating systems and processes. That experience continues to shape her respect for property management professionals and her belief that strong ownership requires a clear understanding of what happens at the property level, not only to improve financial and operational performance, but to create a better experience for residents.

Laura serves on local Boards and Committees to contribute to housing stewardship and policy making. Laura’s interest in housing extends to her own portfolio of single family rentals which grounds her in the daily aspects of management. Pine Street Partners is named after the street of her first single family home renovation and rental.