'A half century of progress': Bill Farber and Matthew Harding Levin Management Corporation. (Profile of the Week).

When the late Philip J. Levin founded Levin Properties in 1952, his vision planted the seeds of a dynasty that would not only construct New Jersey's first shopping center but would evolve into Levin Management Corporation, one of the nation's leading third-party retail asset management organizations. Today, while celebrating one-half century of progress, the North Plainfield, N.J., organization has reached a key juncture with the promotion of two senior executives who will guide the future growth of this spirited company.

Bill Farber, who became associated with Philip Levin in 1970, has been named as the company's chief executive officer and will continue as a member of the Board of Directors.

At the same time, Matthew K. Harding, CCIM, has been appointed president and named to the Levin Management Corporation Board of Directors. The late Janice. H. Levin, who assumed leadership of the company following her husband's death in 1971, previously held both positions as president and chief executive officer.

During the past 30 years, Farber has held a number of positions with increasing responsibility throughout the Levin organization. Named chief operating officer in 1985, he has since overseen all administrative, operating and legal functions of the firm. His vast experience in developing and managing profitable centers, as well as in repositioning under-performing properties, has established him as an invaluable resource for clients.

A graduate of the New York University School of Law, Farber has been admitted to the bar in both New York and New Jersey and is a licensed real estate broker in both states. Farber also completed continuing education courses at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, studying real estate investment analysis and commercial real estate leasing. He is a long-time member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.

Harding has been affiliated with Levin Management Corporation for more than 15 years. He originally handled leasing of the Levin portfolio as executive vice president at Paul Lawrence Realty Associates, a company subsidiary. Harding joined Levin's in-house team in 1996 as senior vice president/deputy chief operating officer, overseeing leasing operations while supervising company management and administration. A graduate of Hamilton College, he holds a real estate license in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.

He continues his involvement in overall company operations, including Levin's aggressive business development efforts. A certified commercial investment manager, Harding's professional associations include memberships in the International Council of Shopping Centers and the Commercial Investment Real Estate Institute.

The company maintains a growing portfolio that includes approximately 80 properties totaling nearly 10 million SF. The firm's extensive range of in-house capabilities - including leasing, property management, marketing, construction, tenant coordination, risk management, and legal and accounting services - has been key in its remarkable growth.

Last year, Commercial Property News named Levin the 38th largest retail property manager in the nation and the leader in New Jersey. New Jersey remains its core; however, the company has expanded its presence geographically with centers in New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and North Carolina. With 1 million square feet under its management in Long Island alone, Levin Management Corporation is now one of the largest managers in New York.

Under the auspices of Farber and Harding, the firm is poised to continue its legacy. The management transition falls in line with the Levin approach to doing business.

It reflects the Levin commitment to leadership continuity and dedication to the many long-time, talented team members who have upheld the values on which the company was founded. The firm's goal for its next 50 years is to build on these assets and continue the tradition started by Philip and Janice Levin by providing the highest quality retail property management services.