CHICAGO – October 29, 2026 -- Equity LifeStyle Properties (NYSE: ELS) will hand the chief executive role to Patrick Waite on January 1, 2027, ending Marguerite Nader's 13-year tenure as CEO. Nader has been elected Executive Vice Chair of the Board of Directors.
Waite moves up from President and COO after 13 years at ELS
Waite has held senior leadership roles at ELS since 2013. He most recently served as President and Chief Operating Officer, after a decade as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. His earlier manufactured housing experience includes American Residential Communities, Riverside Communities and Continental Communities.
Chairman Thomas Heneghan said Waite's leadership across acquisitions and operations makes him well prepared for the CEO role. He added that continuity between predecessors and successors "has been central to our success."
Eldersveld adds operations oversight to his legal and asset management remit
David Eldersveld becomes Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Officer. He joined ELS' senior leadership in 2015 and currently oversees asset management, human resources, the law department and risk management. In the expanded role he also takes oversight of operations.
Brett Hattel, who leads operations, will be promoted to Executive Vice President, Operations on January 1, 2027.
Transition covers a portfolio of 453 properties and 173,623 sites
ELS owns or has an interest in 453 properties, predominantly in the United States, comprising 173,623 sites as of September 30, 2026. The company describes the changes as part of a multi-year succession plan led by its Board.
Also effective January 1, 2027, the Board will grow by one director, and Waite will be elected to fill the new seat.