About

Leadership Team

Timberland Partners Tree Icon

Meet the team whose vision and innovation drive Timberland Partners to grow and excel.

Bob Fransen

Chief Executive Officer

Bob is the Founder and President of Timberland Partners as well as the Managing Partner with each of our investment partnerships. Prior to forming Timberland Partners in 1992, he was an apartment sales broker for CB Richard Ellis. He is a graduate of the University of North Dakota and holds the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation. Bob has been involved in real estate investment and brokerage since 1978.

Erin Fransen

Chief Operating Officer

Erin is the Chief Operating Officer and a Principal at Timberland Partners. As COO, she oversees the accounting, human resources, marketing, training, and information technology departments. Erin began her multihousing career at Timberland Partners in 2013 after eight years in various roles at Target Corporation, the last of which was Digital Marketing Manager. Prior to becoming COO, she most recently served our company as an Asset Manager, and previously held roles in operations, marketing, investor relations, and has also handled Risk Management. Erin served on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Multi Housing Association and was the liaison to MHA’s Careers Task Force as well as a member of the Emerging Leaders Committee. Erin is a graduate of Boston College with degrees in Finance and Hispanic Studies.

Matt Fransen

Chief Investment Officer

Matt is a Principal and Chief Investment Officer for Timberland Partners and manages all acquisition, disposition, and financing activity for Timberland Partners, including sourcing, underwriting, market analysis, and due diligence for new property acquisitions. Since joining Timberland Partners in 2007, Matt has been responsible for the addition of more than 13,500 apartment units to the apartment portfolio of Timberland Partners and its affiliates. Before joining our team, Matt worked for Denver-based AIMCO, one of the largest apartment REIT’s in the country. At AIMCO, Matt participated in the acquisition and disposition of over $4 billion in multifamily property sales nationwide (2002-2006). Following his tenure at AIMCO in 2006, Matt and a partner formed Slavin Multifamily Advisors, which focused on multifamily acquisitions in Houston, TX for institutional investment fund clients. Matt graduated from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado-Boulder in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in Finance.

Dan Hoiby

Chief Financial Officer

Dan has been with Timberland Partners since 2002 and oversees all accounting and financial reporting, lender servicing and auditing and manages the banking, CPA and tax relationships as well as insurance and claims processes. Dan is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from St. Cloud State University.

Terry Cook

Senior Vice President

Terry has been with Timberland Partners since 1993 and oversees the repositioning, construction and renovation activities for properties throughout the portfolio. He is a member of the Minnesota Multi Housing Association, National Association of Industrial & Office Properties and Minnesota Commercial Association of Realtors Building Owners and Managers Institute. Terry attended the University of Northern Iowa and earned his Real Property Administrator (RPA) designation from the University of St. Thomas.

Mary Kahl

Senior Vice President of Property Management

Mary joined the company in 2009, bringing more than 30 years of experience in multifamily and commercial property management. Her experience includes management of new construction, market rate and tax credit communities. She holds an Associate Degree in marketing from Dakota County AVTI and obtained her Certificate in Affordable Housing. She is a member of the Minnesota Multi Housing Association and previously served on the board of the Greater Miami Apartment Association.

Greg Ribich

Vice President of Investor Relations

Greg brings over 20 years of industry experience and has been with the firm since 2008. He is a Certified Public Accountant and member of the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants, where he served on the Construction and Real Estate Task Force. He is also a member of the Minnesota Multi Housing Association. Greg earned his Bachelor of Arts in accounting from the University of St. Thomas.

Ryan Sailer

Vice President of Real Estate Development

As the leader of the development team, Ryan is responsible for the oversight of all aspects of development, including long-term visioning and strategic planning. He also leads the team through site selection, municipal approvals, initial design and construction feasibility, and financial structuring. Ultimately responsible for the success of all stakeholders, he brings over 17 years of development experience in new development, redevelopment, and historic rehabilitation projects. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.

Tony Maulwurf

Vice President of Information Technology

Tony has been with Timberland Partners since 2010 and is responsible for technology strategy and systems management throughout the organization. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Information Systems, a Master of Arts degree in Management, and an MBA from The College of Saint Scholastica.

Kathy Rasmussen

Vice President of Human Resources

Kathy Rasmussen has more than 20 years of leadership experience in human resources, supporting high-growth, fast-paced environments. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management from Metropolitan State University and holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation.

Anika Nelson

Regional Vice President

Anika brings over 20 years of experience in multi-family, residential housing and commercial real estate management. She is a member of the Minnesota Multi-Housing Association, having served on multiple committees and as part of the Board of Directors. She holds a Minnesota Real Estate License and Broker’s License. Anika pursued a Bachelor of Arts from the University of St. Thomas in Business Administration and completed coursework through the University of Minnesota.

Pam Brown

Regional Vice President

Pam supports Regional and Community Managers throughout the Midwest. She brings nearly 30 years of industry experience, including extensive work in market-rate, Section 8 and tax-rate communities. She holds an Associate Degree in Accounting from Spencer School of Business.

Amy Black

Regional Vice President

Amy Black serves as Regional Vice President of the Southeast region. Amy is based in the greater Nashville area, where she has worked in a leadership role for the past eight years with Steadfast, a private REIT. She is a 24 year veteran of multifamily housing. Prior to her time with Steadfast, Amy worked across the country managing portfolios and completing new lease-up in many of the same markets Timberland operates in today.