Chris Costa, pictured, president of Knapp Properties LC, is also now the real estate management company’s CEO, a leadership change that was effective Jan. 1.

Costa, who has been with Knapp Properties for more than 20 years, succeeds Gerry Neugent.

Bill Knapp II and Neugent will remain as co-chairs of the Knapp Properties’ board of directors, according to a news release. The two will also remain the sole co-managers and directors of William C. Knapp LC, a real estate and asset holding company that owns the bulk of the real estate interests of William C. Knapp and his family. The limited company also holds interests in numerous real estate ventures in Central Iowa. 

Costa’s new responsibilities at Knapp Properties will include developing and leading company strategy, and oversight of all operations within the company, including brokerage, property management, development and administration, according to a news release.

Costa joined the Des Moines office of Deloitte & Touche in 1987 after graduating from the University of Iowa graduate. In 1993, he joined Knapp Construction, a residential construction company, serving as its chief financial officer. He joined Knapp Properties Inc. in 1997. 

Costa currently serves on the boards of the Animal Rescue League, the DMACC Foundation, Greater Des Moines Partnership Regional Economic Development, University of Iowa Reach, Easter Seals Iowa, West Des Moines Plan and Zoning and Dallas County Local Housing. He is co-chair of the Greater Des Moines Partnership Development Council. 

Also on the Knapp Properties leadership team are Jake Lundgren, executive vice president; Brett Hyland, chief financial officer; Aimee Staudt, vice president and director of development; Stuart Ruddy, secretary and general counsel; and Brian Erickson, senior vice president of brokerage.